Epidemiology

For detailed information about the components about the Epidemiology degree, including coursework, certificates, practicum, and thesis, consult the Department of Epidemiology Master's Guidelines.

Overview

The two-year Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology is a research degree, usually undertaken by individuals who hold another graduate or professional degree in a related discipline such as MD, DDS, DO, MSN, or PhD. The program is designed to provide trainees with a command of major concepts and techniques in epidemiology as well as a solid foundation in biostatistics. Students learn the skills necessary to develop testable hypotheses and design research proj- ects, from clinical trials to broad population studies. Graduates of the program often go on to become independent researchers.

More information onĀ Admission Requirements.

The Department also offers an Online MS in Epidemiology. For more information, visit the Online MS website.

Competencies

Upon graduation, MS students in Epidemiology will be able to:

  • Appraise epidemiological literature critically in a defined problem area using advanced bibliographic and informatics resources for purposes of evaluation, summary, and translation
  • Analyze public health problems in terms of magnitude; person, time, and place, and the distribution and determinants of both chronic and acute diseases; and principles of disease prevention in different populations
  • Select among common epidemiologic study designs and explain their uses for solving epidemiological problems based on study goals and key sources of available data
  • Analyze quantitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and software, as appropriate
  • Apply the foundational ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination of epidemiologic and public health information when analyzing public health data and community-based measures of health