Epidemiology

Psychiatric Epidemiology

The Columbia University Psychiatric Epidemiology Training Program (PET) was created in 1972 to train individuals from different disciplines in psychiatric epidemiology. The program has supported and trained over 175 researchers who have made valuable contributions within their respective research, clinical, and community settings.

The mission of the program is to equip new generations of pre- and postdoctoral fellows with the skills and vision needed to conceptualize, measure, and test ideas about psychiatric disorders that will advance the field in both incremental and ground-breaking ways. To fulfill this mission, we emphasize a framework for investigating the etiology, course, and consequences of mental illness that highlights the dynamic interplay of multiple levels, that is, a person (biology, psychology), in context (family, social network, neighborhood, workplace, society) through time (person and contextual change).

Admissions

We are accepting applications for Pre and Doctoral Fellow Openings for the 2025-26 academic year.

Download the PET program application. 

Important Notice for Predoctoral Applicants

  • Predoctoral students should apply to the doctoral program when they apply to the PET program.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.

Stipends

The current 2024-25 funding level for predoctoral fellows is $48,080 per year.

Postdoctoral stipends depend on the number of years of experience since receiving a PhD or MD:

  • 0 years: $61,008
  • 1 year: $61,428
  • 2 years: $61,884
  • 3 years: $64,356
  • 4 years: $66,492
  • 5 years: $68,964
  • 6 years: $71,532
  • 7 or more years: $74,088

Additionally, the program offers tuition benefits for courses at Columbia University for predoctoral students with limited support for postdocs. Fellows typically receive a modest travel allowance, contingent upon the budget, to facilitate attendance at professional meetings outside of New York City.

The program also provides health coverage for trainees through the University’s Student Health System.

Affiliations/Partnerships

Relevant Websites