Program Overview

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Master of Public Health - Epidemiology

The Master of Public Health in Epidemiology program at the Medical University of South Carolina empowers students eager to make a measurable impact on population health. Designed for those ready to uncover the causes of disease and drive meaningful change, the program blends rigorous training in data analysis, research design, and disease prevention with real-world application.

Program Overview

Students learn to transform complex health data into actionable insights that inform public policy, guide prevention efforts, and strengthen community well-being. Graduates are prepared to shape healthier futures across research, health care, and public health leadership roles.

Application Timeline

• Priority: Dec 1 – May 15
• Regular: May 16 – Jun 1

Learning Experience

Explore evidence-based learning in a fully online format that combines faculty mentorship, applied research, and real-world public health practice.

Curriculum

Standard Curriculum

• Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • PHBIO700: Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics (4 credits)
  • PHGEN706: Introduction to Public Health (2 credits)
  • PHEPI736: Foundations of Epidemiology I (3 credits)
  • PHHBP700: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
  • PHGEN750: MPH Seminar (1 credit)
  • Semester Total: 13 credits
• Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • PHBIO701: Biostatistical Methods II (4 credits)
  • PHGEN708: Prin Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
  • PHEPI747: Foundations of Epidemiology II (3 credits)
  • IP711: IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS (1 credit)
  • ELEC: Elective (2 credits)
  • Semester Total: 13 credits
• Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26)
  • PHGEN710: Introduction to U.S. Health Policy (3 credits)
  • PHEPI738: Field Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • PHEPI759: Health Disparities Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • PHGEN770: ILE Planning (1 credit)
  • Semester Total: 10 credits
• Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • PHGEN780: App Practice Experience-Intern (6 credits)
  • PHGEN970: MPH Capstone (3 credits)
  • Semester Total: 9 credits
  • Curriculum Total: 45 credits

Advanced Standing Curriculum

• Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • PHBIO701: Biostatistical Methods II (4 credits)
  • PHGEN708: Prin Environmental Health Sci (3 credits)
  • PHEPI747: Foundations of Epidemiology II (3 credits)
  • IP711: IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS (1 credit)
  • ELEC: Elective (2 credits)
  • Semester Total: 13 credits
• Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26)
  • PHGEN710: Introduction to U.S. Health Policy (3 credits)
  • PHEPI738: Field Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • PHGEN770: ILE Planning (1 credit)
  • PHEPI759: Health Disparities Epidemiolo (3 credits)
  • Semester Total: 10 credits
• Year 1, Fall
  • PHGEN780: App Practice Experience-Intern (6 credits)
  • PHGEN750: MPH Seminar (1 credit)
  • PHGEN706: Introduction to Public Health (2 credits)
  • PHGEN970: MPH Capstone (3 credits)
  • Semester Total: 12 credits
  • Curriculum Total: 35 credits

Internship

Students complete a 180-hour field placement in an appropriate public health setting. Sites include, but are not limited to, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and worksite/for-profit companies.

Capstone

All students will participate in a culminating experience which is required for graduation from the program. The capstone project is completed in the final semester of the program.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Prerequisites

All applicants should have completed college-level mathematics and statistics courses.

Application Process

1. Complete the MUSC application.
2. Once the application and all supplemental materials have been received, the application will be reviewed.
3. Selected applicants may be contacted by the admissions committee.

Application Requirements

1. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
2. Supplemental Materials:
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   • Letters of recommendation: Three letters from instructors or supervisors
   • Personal statement: Not to exceed 1,000 words, describing motivation, background, achievements, and career plans

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

• In-state: $6,752 per semester
• Out-of-state: $10,538 per semester

Cost of Attendance

• Direct Costs:
  • Tuition (in-state/out-of-state): $18,934/$29,371 (Year 1), $6,752/$10,538 (Year 2)
  • Health Insurance: $3,780 (Year 1), $1,596 (Year 2)
  • Fees (in-state/out-of-state): $1,310/$2,060 (Year 1), $660/$910 (Year 2)
• Indirect Costs:
  • Housing/Food: $24,882 (Year 1), $9,048 (Year 2)
  • Personal: $2,640 (Year 1), $960 (Year 2)
  • Transportation: $2,970 (Year 1), $1,080 (Year 2)
  • Books/Required Expenses: $4,010 (Year 1), $680 (Year 2)

Program Faculty

• Ashish A. Deshmukh, Ph.D.
• Kristin Wallace, Ph.D.
• Dulaney A. Wilson, Ph.D.

Accreditation

The Master of Public Health program at the Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for a five-year term until 2027.

Objectives, Competencies, Vision, Mission, and Values

Objectives

The MPH - Epidemiology program aims to demonstrate leadership, prepare leaders, collaborate with community organizations, and prepare the public health workforce.

Competencies

Upon completion, graduates will be able to apply epidemiological methods, select data collection methods, analyze data, interpret results, and more.

Vision

To cultivate a healthier tomorrow through academic excellence, health innovation, and practice for the advancement of health equity.

Mission

To educate a diverse public health workforce competent to conduct innovative research, provide leadership, and advocate for improved and equitable population and community health.

Values

• Collaboration: Cultivate relationships with local and global communities.
• Innovation: Encourage and support innovation and resourcefulness.
• Excellence: Achieve the highest standards of performance and outcomes.
• Integrity: Promote the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and respectful practices.