Masters of Public Health Programs

60 Credit Hours | 2 Year Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology prepares students for careers in research, teaching, government and industry.  Each of the four available tracks uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore reducing disease in human populations in the pursuit of a healthier world. 

Applicants to any track within epidemiology come from a broad range of backgrounds and fields that include, but are not limited to: biology, pre-med or pre-dental studies, nursing, zoology, microbiology, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. 

Learn more about each track and the different courses offered below.

General Epidemiology

Do you want to have an excellent grasp of epidemiologic principles so you can apply them to addressing a wide variety of health issues? The GE track emphasizes training in the principles and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics and their application to the study of health and disease in human populations and prepares students to practice epidemiology in diverse settings and positions of employment.

Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology

Are you excited about epidemiology, but also want to conduct laboratory research? The HME track emphasizes integrating laboratory methods with the principles and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to human health. Students are required to gain experience in the field and/or laboratory in a relevant area of study during their time in the program.

Global Health Epidemiology

Do you want to apply epidemiology to addressing health challenges in low and middle income countries? The GHE track provides technical skills to work as epidemiologists in any setting, domestic or global. Students in this track are required to complete their summer internship in a low or middle income country or in a governmental or non-governmental agency engaged in global health work. 

Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology

Are you passionate about addressing the impact of the environment on health? The OEE track provides MPH students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will allow them to investigate the human health impacts of exposures to chemical pollutants and non-chemical stressors in people's homes, workplaces, and communities.

Program Prerequisites and Curriculum 

Prerequisites

Epidemiology is a discipline strongly rooted in the life sciences and quantitative analysis. It is recommended that applicants to the Epidemiology MPH program take courses in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Organic Chemistry as well as Algebra, Calculus, and/or Statistics.  

Curriculum

In addition to coursework relevant to their chosen track, all students in the epidemiology masters program must complete the School of Public Health’s Core Curriculum. Please see track pages, linked above, for additional information on track-specific prerequisites and curriculum.

School of Public Health Core Curriculum

Types of Applied Learning during your MPH Degree

• Summer Internship: Required for 60 credit MPH students. An applied research or practical experience that requires a minimum of 168 hours during the summer between 1st and 2nd year.
  
  • Associated Class: EPID 667 (Fall 1) EPID 668 (Winter 1) and EPID 669 (Fall 2).
• Applied Learning Experience (APEx): Required for all tracks. Requires a practice partner (outside the School of Public Health) that over the course of one or more experiences produces two products/deliverables that cover five unique foundational and concentration competencies (at least 3 of which come from the Foundational Competencies list).
  
  • Associated Class: EPID 667 (Fall 1) EPID 668 (Winter 1) and EPID 669 (Fall 2).
• Integrated Learning Experience (ILE): Required for all tracks. A culminating research project advised by an Epid faculty member. This can use data from a summer internship, research job, or can use new data associated with your ILE Advisor.
  
  • Associated Class: EPID 670 (Fall 2) and EPID 671 (Winter 2)

Certificates

Certificate programs are optional programs open to all MPH students regardless of department or track. Certificates give students the opportunity to add training and experience in cross-cutting topics. Certificate requires completing core courses and electives, and notifying the School Registrar.  Work with your advisor to develop a course schedule that will satisfy your selected certificate.

Recommended certificates:

• Certificate in Social Epidemiology
• Certificate in Health Care Infection Prevention and Control
• Certificate in Injury Science
• Certificate in Public Health Genetics
• Certificate in Risk Science and Human Health

Financial Support

The Epidemiology Department offers a limited number of Epidemiology Departmental Scholarships to support MPH student tuition. All MPH students are considered for these scholarships, and no additional application is required. In addition, the School of Public Health offers financial aid and funding opportunities to support a limited number of students through a mixture of training grants, research grants, and graduate student research assistantships.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the Epidemiology MPH program are processed through SOPHAS. Visit our ‘Applications and Deadlines’ page to start the application process.