The MS in Epidemiology is an academic degree that prepares students for careers in research. It serves students new to public health as well as those currently working in the field who wish to gain the quantitative skills necessary to conduct population based research. The curriculum focuses on understanding theoretical issues and applying disciplinary methods to the study of public health problems. Coursework includes learning experiences in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, data management, analysis and interpretation of findings in content areas such as chronic or infectious disease, reproductive, molecular, or genetic epidemiology. Students learn the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological studies, and implementation, from developing protocols and instruments, to the selection and recruitment of subjects, data collection and quality control. These skills prepare graduates for engaging roles in research activities that impact public health planning, control and global disparities.
Program Competencies
- Define the concepts and contents of epidemiology.
- Formulate a research hypothesis.
- Determine study aim, objectives and appropriate study design to address the hypothesis.
- Identify risk and/or preventive factors that may contribute to outcomes and incorporate them into a research study.
- Use computers to collect, manage and analyze data for evaluation of hypotheses.
- Evaluate the use of questionnaires and measurement instruments in collection of data to maintain internal validity.
- Use existing databases to provide background or supportive data to address research questions.
- Analyze data, interpret the findings and prepare a report of study result.
- Perform ethical research.
The MS Degree in Epidemiology requires 42 credits that includes:
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology Course Requirements | ||
| SPHL 6020 | Foundations in Public Health | 3 |
| SPHL 6060 | Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
| EPID 6230 | Computer Packages for Epidemiology | 2 |
| EPID 7000 | Departmental Seminar | 1 |
| EPID 7120 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 3 |
| EPID 7130 | Observational Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 7220 | Analytic Epidemiology | 3 |
| Epidemiologic Methods Course Requirements | ||
| Select 5-6 credits of the following: | 5-6 | |
| EPID 6290 | Genetic Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6340 | Clincal & Trnsltnl Rsrch Mthds | 3 |
| EPID 6350 | Implementation Science in Public Health | 3 |
| EPID 6420 | Clinical Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6500 | Nutritional Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6750 | Outbreak Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 7110 | Spatial Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 7160 | Survey Methodology | 3 |
| EPID 7170 | Clinical Trials: Dsgn, Cndct | 3 |
| EPID 7310 | Meta-Analysis | 3 |
| EPID 7410 | Pharmacoepidemiology | 2 |
| Descriptive Epidemiology Course Requirements | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| EPID 6090 | EPID of Infectious Diseases | 3 |
| EPID 6210 | Cancer Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6220 | Cardio Disease Epid | 3 |
| EPID 6320 | Molecular Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6480 | Reproductive Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 6600 | Social Epidemiology: Mechanisms of Disparities | 3 |
| EPID 7210 | Epidemiology of Sexual Health | 3 |
| EPID 7810 | Human Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| Biostatistics Course Requirements | ||
| SPHL 6050 | Biostatistics for Public Health | 3 |
| BIOS 6040 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
Academic Standards
In addition to the SPHTM academic standards, students in the MS in Epidemiology program and those taking advanced epidemiology courses must demonstrate the following standards:
- All students must complete and earn a "B" or better in the prerequisite foundational course, SPHL 6060 Epidemiology for Public Health, before advancing to EPID 7120 Epidemiologic Methods II or other advanced epidemiology courses.
Thesis
Students must successfully complete a thesis. The thesis is based on a supervised research project demonstrating scholarship in the area of epidemiology. The results will be presented orally and in writing and reviewed by two faculty members. The master’s thesis must be completed within a year of completion of the required courses. It should be an academic investigation suitable for publishing.
MS in Epidemiology Model Course Schedule
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| SPHL 6050 | Biostatistics for Public Health | 3 |
| SPHL 6060 | Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
| SPHL 6020 | Foundations in Public Health | 3 |
| EPID 6230 | Computer Packages for Epidemiology | 2 |
| EPID 7000 | Departmental Seminar | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOS 6040 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 |
| EPID 7120 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 3 |
| Descriptive Epidemiology Courses or Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Summer Session | ||
| EPID 9910 | Epidemiology Research Experience Epidemiology Research Experience Epidemiology Research Experience | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 0 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPID 7130 | Observational Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPID 7220 | Analytic Epidemiology | 3 |
| Descriptive Epidemiology Courses or Electives | 6 | |
| EPID 9980 | MS Thesis Research | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| EPID 9980 | MS Thesis Research | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |