Program Overview

---

Introduction to the MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program

The MPH in Epidemiology & Biostatistics trains students to design impactful population health studies and to translate research into tangible urban health improvements. Students explore the nuances of epidemiologic methods, collaborate on applied research, and master the art of interpreting and communicating findings to facilitate the development of evidence-based interventions.

About the Program

• Program Format: ONLINE/ON-CAMPUS HYBRID, FULLY ONLINE
• Duration: FULL-TIME, PART-TIME
• Scholarships: AVAILABLE

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

• Completed SOPHAS application
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with GPA (overall and major) of at least 3.0 preferred
• Personal statement/statement of interest explaining why you are interested in pursuing an MPH in general, and specifically why in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Background in the field: paid or volunteer experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, health-related research, or other public health-related field
• Resume
• 2 Letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor
• Evidence of preparedness for the quantitative coursework involved in an MPH program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Optional GREs (Graduate Record Exam (General Test))
• TOEFL scores are required if the language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
• Transcript evaluation from WES or ECE for foreign transcripts

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 application deadline is December 1, 2025
• Fall 2026 applications deadline is March 1, 2026

Curriculum

Foundational Knowledge

• PUBH 601 Foundations of Public Health Knowledge*

Core Coursework

• PUBH 610 Introduction to Health Systems, Policy, and Management
• PUBH 611 Health Equity, Communication, and Advocacy
• PUBH 612 Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
• PUBH 613 Designs, Concepts, and Methods in Public Health Research
• PUBH 614 Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research

Required Coursework

• BIOS 620 Applied Biostatistics I
• BIOS 621 Applied Biostatistics II
• EPID 620 Epidemiological Methods I
• EPID 621 Epidemiological Methods II
• EPID 622 Applied Research: Data Management and Analysis

Elective Coursework

• Two (2) electives chosen in consultation with faculty advisor

Practice Experience

• PUBH 696: Supervised Fieldwork

Culminating Experience

• PUBH 698: Capstone Project

Total Credits Required

• 42

Recommended Course Sequence

These sequences are recommended for full-time students. Part-time students are encouraged to meet with a staff advisor to map out an appropriate plan of study.

For Students Beginning in the Fall Semester

• Year 1 Fall: PUBH 601, PUBH 613, PUBH 614, PUBH 611, PUBH 612
• Year 1 Spring: PUBH 610, BIOS 620, EPID 620, Elective I
• Year 2 Fall: PUBH 696, BIOS 621, EPID 621, Elective II
• Year 2 Spring: PUBH 698, EPID 622

For Students Beginning in the Spring Semester

• Year 1 Spring: PUBH 601, PUBH 613, PUBH 614, PUBH 610, PUBH 612
• Year 1 Summer: BIOS 620, EPID 620
• Year 1 Fall: BIOS 621, EPID 621, PUBH 611, PUBH 696
• Year 2 Spring: Elective I, Elective II, EPID 622, PUBH 698

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health
• Public Health & Health Care Systems
• Planning & Management to Promote Health
• Policy in Public Health
• Leadership
• Communication
• Interprofessional and/or Intersectoral Practice
• Systems Thinking
• Environmental Sciences

Concentration Competencies

1. Correctly select and apply epidemiologic and statistical methods to examine public health outcomes.
2. Critically evaluate the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of epidemiologic, statistical, and other research methods in the public health literature.
3. Identify key threats to validity within and across epidemiologic studies and analytic approaches.
4. Use information technology and computer software effectively for the collection, management, retrieval, analysis, summarization, and presentation of public health data.
5. Effectively describe, interpret, and synthesize health research findings and disseminate them in written and oral formats appropriate for diverse audiences.

Alumni Outcomes

Alumni outcomes data was collected via surveys of CUNY SPH alumni one year after graduation from 2016 to 2022.