MS Epidemiology draft

Program Overview

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The MS Epidemiology program at this institution is a 37-credit program that focuses on disease transmission, tracking and analyzing patterns of health and sickness, managing disease agents and risk factors, and controlling chronic diseases. It prepares graduates for roles related to geographic and demographic health surveillance, disease prevention, and management. The program includes coursework, a field placement, and a thesis project. Graduates work with various public health and research institutions, ranging from government agencies and universities to non-profit organizations.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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MS Epidemiology:

This 37-credit program focuses on disease transmission, tracking and analyzing patterns of health and sickness, managing disease agents and risk factors, and controlling chronic diseases.

• Understand the principles and methods of epidemiology, including study designs, bias control, and measures of association.
• Gain expertise in public health statistics, data analysis, and informatics.
• Develop strong critical thinking and communication skills to analyze and present research findings.
• Contribute to the advancement of public health knowledge and practice through original research.

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Overview of Courses

• Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I and II
• Principles of Public Health
• Computer Programming for Data Management and Analysis in Public Health
• Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology
• Three electives in related fields such as biometry and statistics, or public health
• Epidemiology Field Placement
• Master's Thesis

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers various aspects of epidemiology including:

• Disease transmission patterns, causes of disease, and their impact on populations.
• Methods and strategies for conducting epidemiological research.
• Evaluation of public health interventions to determine their effectiveness.
• Ethical considerations in epidemiological research.
• Communication of research findings to diverse audiences.

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Program Structure:

The MS Epidemiology program consists of coursework, a field placement, and a thesis project.

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Course Schedule:

Courses are typically offered in a Fall/Spring semester format, with some courses offered during Summer. The field placement and thesis project are typically completed in the second year of the program.

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Individual Modules:

The program includes various modules covering specific topics in epidemiology such as:

• Principles & Methods I: Focuses on the basic concepts, measures and analytic tools used in epidemiology, including study design, data collection methods, and measures of disease occurrence.
• Principles & Methods II: Addresses more advanced concepts including causal inference, bias and confounding, and study evaluation.
• Principles of Public Health: Provides an overview of public health history, organization, and practice.
• Quantitative Methods: Introduces biostatistical principles for data analysis, statistical inference, and regression models.
• Computer Programming for Data Management & Analysis in Public Health: Provides hands-on training in programming and data management tools commonly used in public health research.

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Field Placement:

Students complete a 480-hour field placement experience, working on epidemiological research projects with faculty mentors or partner institutions.

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Master's Thesis:

Requires the completion of an original research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor and a thesis defensepresentation.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Students are assessed through:

• Exams: Both in-class and take-home exams are used.
• Assignments: Regular written assignments and projects are required, including data analysis projects and literature reviews.
• Presentations: Students present their work in class and participate in scientific meetings.
• Field Placement Evaluation: Successful completion and performance during the internship are evaluated by the supervisor.
• Master's Thesis: The thesis project is reviewed by a committee and defended in a public forum.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program employs various teaching approaches, including:

• Lectures: Provide a foundation in key concepts of epidemiology and public health.
• Group discussions: Encourage active engagement and critical analysis of course topics.
• Case studies: Apply epidemiological methods to real-world situations.
• Collaborative learning: Students work together on group projects and assignments.
• Fieldwork experience: Provides hands-on application of knowledge in a practical setting.

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Faculty:

The program boasts experienced faculty with expertise in various fields of epidemiology and public health.

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Unique approaches:

• Field Placement offers real-world experience and research involvement.
• Thesis project development and defense prepare students for research-oriented careers.
• The program focuses on developing strong communication and analytical skills.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Epidemiological Data Analyst
• Infection Control Epidemiologist
• Field Epidemiologist
• Pharmaceutical Epidemiologist
• Public Health Liaison

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Opportunities:

Graduates work with various public health and research institutions, ranging from government agencies and universities to non-profit organizations.

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Outcomes:

The program equips graduates for impactful careers addressing critical public health challenges in diverse areas.

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Other:

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International Students:

The program is designated as a STEM program, allowing eligible international students to extend their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 36 months.

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Admission Deadlines:

• Priority Deadline: January 15
• General Deadline: March 1
• Rolling: August 1 (space permitting)

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Application Fee:

$99