51¶¯Âþ

Master of Public Health in Epidemiology

The Master of Public Health in Epidemiology in 51¶¯Âþ’s College of Public Health prepares students for practice- and research-oriented careers in epidemiology. Students learn to use rigorous epidemiologic methods and appropriate analyses to answer pressing research questions related to the public’s health. The STEM-designated master’s degree program will prepare you as a public health professional with expertise in

• critical evaluation of existing public health research;

• study design and appropriate application of methods to address confounding and bias and accurately quantify and assess population-based, health-related outcomes;

• application of modern statistical computing software, such as SAS and R, to conduct data analyses and answer public health questions;

• interpreting measures of frequency and association within a public health context; and

• real-world problem solving through experimental training.

Epidemiology is considered the foundational science of public health—it allows us to identify and understand the descriptive characteristics, determinants and risk factors that influence the public’s health. Students in the Epidemiology MPH examine complex global and local challenges related to chronic and infectious diseases; train to understand determinants of, and methodological issues in, cancer and social epidemiology; and apply their knowledge and skills to develop projects that seek to answer timely research questions in community settings.  

Our graduates are prepared to work in a wide range of settings. Students who select electives in advanced epidemiologic methods and biostatistics are also well-prepared for doctoral programs in epidemiology.

What sets apart our Epidemiology MPH?

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary education: The degree program has a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing students with opportunities to engage with diverse faculty. Our location in the College of Public Health prepares students for interdisciplinary research and practice.
• Renowned professors: Our faculty includes experts who focus on behavioral and chronic disease epidemiology, cancer prevention and control, social determinants, and water-related diseases. They have practical experience working in interdisciplinary teams in a wide variety of settings, including community-based entities; federal, state and local government agencies; health systems and clinical practices; and international nongovernmental organizations.
• Real-world experience: You will gain hands-on experience working on projects with local or state agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations—making you competitive and prepared to launch your career after graduation.

Program Format

Students take core courses that explore the fundamentals of public health, as well as courses that focus on specific topics in epidemiology, such as

• behavioral epidemiology;
• chronic disease epidemiology;
• data management and coding of health-related data;
• infectious disease epidemiology and HIV/AIDS;
• methodological issues and strategies for chronic disease prevention;
• multivariable regression of general and generalized linear models; and
• social, behavioral and biological determinants of cancer and current methods in cancer epidemiology.

You will also complete two fieldwork courses and take electives in order to build topical expertise.

Students can complete the Epidemiology MPH in person or online. The program offers a flexible, 42-credit curriculum. Students choose from one of three formats.

• Full time, on campus: Complete the program in two years.
• Part time, on campus: Complete the program in four years.
• Part time, online: Complete the program in three years.

See a full list of program courses.

Epidemiology MPH vs. Epidemiology MS

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers both an MPH and an MS in Epidemiology. While the two degrees have many similarities, they are distinct from each other in the following ways.

• Coursework: The MPH includes core courses in the fundamentals of public health, covering biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. The MS, in contrast, includes core courses that focus primarily on epidemiology.
• Culminating experience: Students in the MPH program complete two semesters of community-based fieldwork and a final master’s project. Students in the MS program complete two semesters of independent research, including a final thesis project.  
• Competencies: The MPH meets all competencies set forth by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The MS meets many (but not all) CEPH competencies.

Depending on the specific electives that you choose in either program, you may gain many of the same skills and be prepared for many of the same careers after graduation, regardless of which program you choose.