Master of Science in Epidemiology
Learn more about the Epidemiology program
The epidemiology program addresses health disparities as a crosscutting theme at the local, national, and global levels via didactic training, practicums, and applied ‘hands-on’ research leading to the written thesis. All students take a sequence of core courses in epidemiology, health disparities research, and introduction to the concentrations. Then the students choose one of the three areas of concentrations offered for their electives and thesis focus.
Program Description
Our curriculum provides an opportunity for students:
- to develop an understanding of the principles of social justice and health equity, and to recognize the biological, social, and economic determinants of health disparities nationally and globally; through scientifically grounded training in theory, policy and, research in epidemiology
- to study and apply epidemiological methods to the investigation of health disparities, and to understand role of community-based and community-engaged research in the amelioration of health disparities
- to recognize existing disparities across common health conditions and specific methods to eliminate such disparities
Curriculum
A descriptive listing of the core courses and elective courses can be viewed on our Course Descriptions page.
Application Deadlines- Fall 2024
Priority: January 15
Application fee is waived for priority applicants. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration for admission and scholarship aid.
All Applicants: April 1
Final application deadline for entrance to Fall 2023.
Please be sure to review the Graduate School Admissions page and the Admissions Requirements Checklist before beginning the online application.
Sample Course Schedule
Fall I Semester
Fall I Semester: sample course schedule
Course
Credits
Notes
EPID5001 - Epidemiology I: Principles of Epidemiology
3
required
EPID5003 - Biostatistics I: Introductory Biostatistics
3
required
EPID5007 - Introduction to Social & Behavioral Health and Health Disparities
3
required
EPID5010 - Research Ethics & Professional Development Seminar
1
required
Total: 10 credits
Spring I Semester
Spring I Semester: sample course schedule
Course
Credits
Notes
EPID5002 - Epidemiology II: Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
3
required
EPID5005 - Biostatistics II: Applied Biostatistics
3
required
EPID5006 - Computer Software Lab II
1
required
EPID5008 - Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology
1.5
required
EPID5009 - Introduction to Infectious Disease Epidemiology
1.5
required
EPID5011 - Research Ethics & Professional Development Seminar
1
required
Total: 11 credits
Fall II Semester
| Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EPID000 – Electives | 6* | SBE, CE, or IDE conc. |
| EPID5999-03 – Thesis Research | 0 | required |
| EPID5012 – Research Ethics & Professional Development Seminar | 1 | required |
| Total: 7 credits |
Spring II Semester
| Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EPID000 – Electives | 5* | SBE, CE, or IDE conc. |
| EPID5999-01 – Thesis Research | 0 | required |
| EPID5013 – Research Ethics & Professional Development Seminar | 1 | required |
| Total: 6 credits |
* note: elective credits per semester may vary, however total elective credits must equal at least 10 credits at end of program.
Program Requirements
The M.S. in Epidemiology program is a 4-semester program requiring each student to complete 34 credit hours. These 34 credit hours are comprised of: 23 credits of core courses, and at least 11 credits in concentration-specific courses, inclusive of a thesis. All students take a sequence of core courses in epidemiology, health disparities research, and an introduction to the program’s concentrations. Students then choose one of the three areas of concentrations offered for their electives and thesis focus.
Areas of Concentration
The Master of Science in Epidemiology program offers three concentration areas:
- Cancer Epidemiology (CE)
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology (IDE)
- Social and Behavioral Epidemiology (SBE)
Experiential Learning
Professional Development Seminar
Students participate in a monthly seminar series focused on hot topics in epidemiology and research ethics. Learning from working professionals helps students to network, as well as articulate their knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace.
Master’s Thesis
All master’s students must identify a faculty member who will serve as the mentor for the Thesis. In addition a faculty member will be assigned to serve as the ‘reader’ for the Thesis. This process is expected to be a culminating project based on interest, exposure and experience of students and mentors. The mentors will facilitate and oversee research thesis projects for the students. Each master’s student must write a thesis and follow the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences policies and procedures. The students will be required to present his/her thesis as a poster at the established annual research symposium day for the Epidemiology Program. The poster session will be in lieu of a formal thesis defense. The Thesis mentor and reader must sign off on the Master’s Thesis Reviewers Report once the thesis has been successfully completed.
Part-time Enrollment
The program is designed to be completed full-time or part-time. To accommodate our students needs, we offer coursework throughout the day and the evenings.