Epidemiology Courses

3 credits

This course is an introduction to the history and foundation of epidemiology. You’ll explore how diseases are distributed across time, place and person, and examine key principles such as association and causality. This course covers a variety of study designs, including ecological, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies. You’ll begin to explore data analysis and potential biases.

You will also learn about population attributable risk, confounding factors, effect modification (interaction) and methods for analyzing these elements. The course includes multivariate analysis, as well as sensitivity and specificity in screening and their applications in public health practice and prevention. Special topics include cancer, infectious disease and genetic epidemiology. 

Skills you will develop

• study design
• multivariate analysis
• disease attribution

3 credits

This course builds on the epidemiologic concepts introduced in EPID 5001, with a strong emphasis on causal inference and common study designs. We focus on developing your conceptual understanding over quantitative estimation through a solid foundation in the basic epidemiologic and statistical calculations covered in EPID 5001 and EPID 5003.

By the end of the course, you will be able to grasp causal inference in epidemiologic research, design studies tailored to specific questions with a focus on health equity and recognize common biases, as well as strategies to address them. You will also deepen your knowledge of confounding and effect modification in epidemiologic studies.

Skills you will develop 

• causal inference
• study design
• bias remediation

3 credits

This course introduces you to biostatistical theory and its practical applications. You’ll begin by mastering the four pillars of data analysis: exploring and displaying data effectively, examining relationships between two variables, understanding sample data collection and grasping randomness and probability.

You will develop the skills needed for statistical inference, including working with proportions and means, multiple regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Skills you will develop 

• data analysis
• probability concepts
• statistical inference

3 credits

This course will deepen your understanding of applied biostatistical theory and its practical application in epidemiology. To take this course, you are expected to have completed EPID 5003 or possess equivalent knowledge. You will explore advanced modeling techniques, including linear models, general linear models, ANOVA and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), logistic regression, survival analysis and strategies for sample size planning.

Skills you will develop 

• advanced biostatistical modeling
• applied epidemiological analysis
• sample size planning

1 credit, lab

This advanced course equips you with hands-on experience in statistical software and computational techniques to confidently apply biostatistical methods in epidemiological research.

Skills you will develop 

• statistical software proficiency
• computational methods
• biostatistical application

3 credits

This course includes two modules per semester:

• Part I: Health Behavior Theory, Research Design and Methods
• Part II: Principles and Practice of Health Disparities Research

You will explore individual-, interpersonal- and community-level behavior theories vital to public health science, alongside practical methods for developing, testing and measuring health behavior instruments from diverse perspectives.

The course also examines health disparities and health equity, offering a comprehensive overview of challenges faced in the U.S. and around the world. You’ll gain hands-on experience with quantitative methods essential for advancing health disparities research.

Skills you will develop 

• public health science theory
• health behavior instruments
• quantitative analysis

1.5 credits

This course is a comprehensive overview of cancer’s public health impact on populations. Through a blend of engaging lectures and interactive sessions, you will explore the distribution of cancer types across the U.S. and globally, including disparities shaped by gender, race and ethnicity.

You will gain insight into data sources and cutting-edge methods for cancer surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, preparing you to contribute to ongoing public health efforts.

Skills you will develop 

• cancer epidemiology
• data analysis
• cancer surveillance

1.5 credits

This course introduces you to the foundational principles of infectious disease epidemiology, emphasizing emerging and re-emerging pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic parasites.

You will explore how these infections influence medical care and public health, with a special focus on their role in driving and deepening health disparities both locally and globally.

Skills you will develop 

• infectious disease epidemiology
• identifying pathogens
• understanding health disparities 

1 credit

This course centers on two key areas:

• Ethics and the responsible conduct of scientific research
• A broad exploration of epidemiology topics through the lens of health equity and disparities

Past sessions have featured talks on issues such as “Stigma: Global Mental Health,” “AI Tools in Research and Ethical Use” and “Work, Retirement and Aging.”

Skills you will develop 

• research conduct
• ethics
• epidemiology research

EPID 9999: Thesis Research

0 credits

You must choose between a thesis and a capstone. The thesis is a year-long course where you’ll design and conduct an independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor and committee. You will present your written thesis as a poster during our annual research symposium. The thesis committee and advisor must approve the Master’s Thesis Reviewers Report to confirm successful completion.

Examples of past projects 

• Prior behavior towards influenza vaccine and distress related to COVID-19 pandemic in predicting intentions to receive influenza and potential COVID-19 vaccinations among cancer survivors
• Modeling vulnerability of perinatal opioid-associated hepatitis b and c infections: a spatial epidemiological approach
• Impact of Physical Violence by an Intimate Partner and Perceived or Experienced Stigma and Discrimination on HIV Viral Load Status: A cross-sectional analysis using the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
• Analyzing the Effect of Financial Barriers as a Social Determinant to HPV Vaccine Uptake in Adolescents
• The Effect of Nativity on the Association Between Diet Quality and Metabolic Syndrome: An Analysis of NHANES 2013-2018

Skills you will develop 

• study design
• independent research
• research presentation 

EPID 5014: EPID Capstone 

3 credits

You must choose between a thesis and a capstone. In the self-directed, independent capstone project, completed with guidance from a capstone advisor, you must address health disparities that will benefit a community, community partner or program. It is expected to be a substantive and original body of work that allows you to synthesize and integrate knowledge from your training and chosen concentration through the completion of a paper. The capstone represents the culmination of your educational experience in the M.S. in Epidemiology program. You are responsible for identifying a focus area for your capstone with the assistance and guidance of your capstone advisor.

Projects are individual reports that include systematic reviews, assessing univariate and bivariate associations from a public database or working with faculty datasets.

Skills you will develop

• study design
• independent research
• research presentation

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course covers the fundamental principles of clinical trials, focusing on their scientific rationale, organization, planning and methodology with an emphasis on practical application.

You will explore key topics, such as designing randomized and non-randomized trials, determining trial size, monitoring progress and understanding essential principles of statistical analysis.

Skills you will develop

• trial design
• statistical analysis
• understanding clinical trials 

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

Cancer epidemiology, prevention and control draw on both basic science and applied research in behavioral, social and population sciences to develop interventions that reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity and mortality, while improving quality of life.

In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of cancer, from the cellular level to societal impact, and explore the vital role of cross-disciplinary collaboration between biomedical and behavioral sciences. You will be able to apply broad, integrative perspectives to your research interests.

Skills you will develop

• behavioral, social and population science
• understanding of cancer
• applied research

Cancer Epidemiology elective |  3 credits
This course introduces you to the essentials of molecular genetics and molecular cytogenetics in cancer. It also examines diagnostic, clinical and population-based perspectives within this rapidly evolving field.

Skills you will develop

• molecular genetics
• molecular cytogenetics
• diagnostic perspectives

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 2 credits
This course will help you understand the social and behavioral epidemiologic principles that drive cancer prevention and control. You will explore how social, psychological, behavioral and translational research applies across the cancer control continuum, from prevention and early detection to survivorship.

Skills you will develop

• Social epidemiology
• behavioral epidemiology
• translational research

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course offers an engaging overview of biomedical informatics from multiple perspectives. You will develop a strong foundation in the basic building blocks, key information resources and diverse application areas within the cancer field. You’ll learn to develop and apply computational techniques that address the information needs of both health care providers and patients.

Skills you will develop

• biomedical informatics
• computational techniques
• research application

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

Cancer health disparities remain a critical public health challenge in the United States. In this course, you’ll examine the biological foundations behind the unequal cancer burdens experienced by racial and ethnic populations. You will explore how genetic, genomic and epigenetic differences between groups can influence cancer susceptibility and treatment response, which are essential to understand to close these cancer gaps. The course provides evidence-based approaches designed to deepen your understanding of the biological factors contributing to cancer health disparities.

Skills you will develop

• biological foundations of cancer
• cancer health disparities
• genetic influences in cancer

Cancer Epidemiology elective | 1 credit
In this course, you will learn to navigate key literature sources and laboratory tests that assess risk factors for cancer and disease susceptibility. You will be able to critically evaluate molecular epidemiology studies using established criteria through lectures and journal club assignments.

Skills you will develop

• cancer risk factors
• molecular epidemiology
• cancer susceptibility 

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

The impacts of disasters on a community are not necessarily determined by the scale of a disaster but are significantly influenced by the preparedness of the community. Community resilience is the capacity of groups to withstand, recover from and respond positively to crisis or adversity. Community resilience is often described as having three properties: resistance, recovery and creativity. A highly resilient community will adapt to its new circumstances and learn from the disaster experience. This online course is designed to assist graduate students working in the areas of social work, community development and public health to understand and apply concepts of resilience to building the capacity of communities to successfully weather disasters, whether naturally occurring or man-made. How do planners measure, foster, organize, evaluate and implement the tools, processes and programs that seek to foster resiliency in urban communities? Particular attention will be paid to the role of community-­level initiatives aimed at educating you to think critically about how a community can prepare for, cope with and recover from the adverse social, health and community impacts of disasters through the interrelated domains of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, with the end goal of achieving resilience. Emphasis will also be on identifying federal, state, local, private sector and non-­governmental agency plans to enhance community resilience for health security threats and describe options for building community resilience.

Skills you will develop 

• community resilience
• community preparedness
• crisis response
  

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

This course introduces you to a broad spectrum of global health research, equipping you with essential tools to advance in the field.

You will explore:

• The foundational elements of empirical research, including research design, data collection and analysis
• Practical challenges unique to global health research, such as securing funding, writing proposals, protecting human subjects and effectively communicating your findings

You’ll put your knowledge into practice by developing a comprehensive research proposal.

In the companion two-hour credit course, Methods, Policy and Practice of Monitoring and Evaluation in Public Health: A Survey, you’ll address key issues related to monitoring and evaluation in global public health.

Skills you will develop 

• research design
• data analysis
• proposal development

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

This class centers on applying global health law, policy principles and international organizations to real-world global health challenges. You’ll develop a deep understanding of global health law and policy by engaging in intensive case studies and role-playing exercises focused on one or more pressing global health issues.

Potential scenarios include naturally occurring infectious disease epidemics, intentional release of lethal pathogens or responses to large-scale food contamination, among others. Through these studies and role-playing activities, you will design innovative approaches to global health governance, drawing on existing international health laws and institutions while envisioning improved models for the future.

Skills you will develop 

• global health law
• global health policy
• epidemiological response

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

This course introduces emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases by introducing a set of core definitions, including factors of emergence and re-emergence and approaches to detection and prevention. You’ll review and analyze the evolving response structures at the global level with a focus on international frameworks for addressing biological threats in humans and animals. There will be a special focus on the United States government response apparatus. We will review the basics of pathogenesis, the immunologic response and how these relate to analysis of epidemiologic curves. 

The course also provides a high-level overview of clinical trials, product development and how these intersect during disease outbreak emergencies. We will review specific case studies, including several cases designed to explore differences in disease recognition and response. At the completion of the course, you will understand the multidisciplinary dimensions that contribute to both the emergence and the mitigation of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. 

Skills you will develop 

• response to infectious disease
• clinical trial development
• emerging and re-emerging disease mitigation

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course focuses on the principal human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, providing a foundation for understanding their impact on health. The host-pathogen relationship and antimicrobial therapy will be grounded in an understanding of the structure and physiology of medically important prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes.

Skills you will develop 

• prokaryotes
• lower eukaryotes
• host-pathogen relationship

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course covers the general principles of virology, with a primary focus on viruses that affect human health. Topics include: 

• The effects of viruses on human health and disease
• Laboratory approaches to studying viruses
• Virus structure and mechanisms of replication
• Host responses to virus infection and viral counter-responses
• Virus engineering, including vaccine development and gene therapy and the role of virus ecology in emerging viral diseases.

Skills you will develop 

• principles of virology
• vaccine development
• understanding the effects of viruses

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of epidemiology and biostatistics, with a special focus on infectious disease methods such as surveillance and outbreak investigation. You’ll understand transmission risks and disease dynamics and learn key concepts in descriptive epidemiology and surveillance systems to explore research design and analytical epidemiology.

Skills you will develop 

• research design
• infectious disease surveillance
• outbreak investigation

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course strengthens your ability to identify and critically evaluate evidence related to infectious diseases. You’ll learn to translate both qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear, actionable policy recommendations.

Skills you will develop 

• evidence identification
• evidence evaluation
• policy recommendations

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective and Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course examines the evolving threats to the U.S. homeland over the next decade and their implications for technology and homeland security. You will explore the motivations of non-state actors who pose risks, how they might leverage technology and exploit vulnerabilities to carry out attacks and the critical role technology plays in countering these threats and protecting the homeland.

Skills you will develop 

• understanding how technology counters threats
• understanding current threats
• understanding how technology is leveraged for threats

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

Mastering survey research design and analysis is essential for social scientists today. This course offers a balanced introduction to both theory and hands-on practice, guiding you through the standard methods used in survey research. You will learn to design and conduct your own survey, from planning and execution to data analysis. We also emphasize how to effectively use and critique secondary survey data, a common research skill.

Whether you plan to conduct surveys yourself or simply want to understand survey research on important social topics, this course will provide valuable insights.

Topics include:

• Causal inference and the scientific method
• The purpose and scope of survey research
• Survey sampling and tackling non-response
• Survey design and data collection methods
• Acquiring and evaluating secondary data
• Question wording and the psychology behind survey responses
• Analysis techniques, survey experiments and ethical considerations
• Innovations and the impact of technology in survey research
• Applications of survey research in the social sciences

Skills you will develop 

• survey design
• secondary survey data
• data analysis

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 1.5 credits

In this course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a range of qualitative methods, including secondary data collection, ethnographic research and participant observation. The course also covers participatory rural appraisals (PRA) and participatory learning and action (PLA), along with structured and semi-structured interviews, cognitive interviewing techniques and focus groups. You’ll explore ethics in human subjects research, addressing how socio-economic and cultural differences influence ethical considerations.

Designed for active learning, this course lets you apply qualitative methods through participatory observation, conducting interviews and leading and joining mini-focus groups during class. You’ll design a research study that incorporates these methods to collect and analyze data, culminating in a final research paper on your project.

Each session includes key journal articles or book chapters, paired with examples that illustrate the methodologies or topics discussed. Classes combine lectures, discussions and applied project work, encouraging your participation throughout.

Skills you will develop 

• secondary data collection
• ethnographic research
• participant observation

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

Cancer epidemiology, prevention and control depend on both basic scientific research and applied studies in behavioral, social and population sciences. These combined efforts create and improve interventions that, whether alone or alongside biomedical approaches, reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity and mortality while enhancing quality of life. You’ll better understand cancer issues, from the cellular level to the impact on society, and be able to emphasize the essential role of cross-disciplinary collaboration between biomedical and behavioral sciences. The course will inspire you to adopt broad, integrated perspectives in your research, setting the foundation for a successful career in cancer prevention and control.

Skills you will develop 

• behavioral, social and population science
• understanding of cancer
• applied research

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

This course provides an understanding of the principles and practices behind chronic disease prevention and control. You will explore how social, psychological, behavioral and translational research apply across the chronic disease continuum, from diagnosis through survivorship. You’ll examine strategies to reduce the impact of chronic diseases at both individual and population levels, featuring innovative, clinically applied and research-validated approaches in tobacco control, diet and physical activity promotion, screening and management, as well as survivorship education and health outcomes.

Skills you will develop 

• Social epidemiology
• behavioral epidemiology
• translational research

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective| 2 credits

Cancer health disparities pose a critical public health challenge in the United States. This course dives into the biological reasons behind the unequal cancer burdens experienced across racial and ethnic groups. You’ll explore how genetic, genomic and epigenetic differences influence cancer risk and treatment responses, which is essential knowledge for closing these cancer gaps. The course also examines evidence-based mechanisms that deepen our understanding of the biological factors contributing to cancer health disparities.

Skills you will develop 

• biological foundations of cancer
• cancer health disparities
• genetic influences in cancer

Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 2 credits

This graduate seminar blends presentations from experts across biomedical sciences, policy and social science that center on key topics in global infectious diseases. The seminar series is a forum for discussing interdisciplinary research and development, recognizing how our interconnected world shapes the spread of infectious diseases.

Skills you will develop 

• interdisciplinary research
• understanding the spread of infectious disease
• interdisciplinary development

Infectious Disease Epidemiology elective and Social and Behavioral Epidemiology elective | 3 credits

This course examines the evolving threats to the U.S. homeland over the next decade and their implications for technology and homeland security. You will explore the motivations of non-state actors who pose risks, how they might leverage technology and exploit vulnerabilities to carry out attacks and the critical role technology plays in countering these threats and protecting the homeland.

Skills you will develop 

• understanding how technology counters threats
• understanding current threats
• understanding how technology is leveraged for threats