Program Overview

Master of Public Health in Epidemiology

The Master of Public Health in Epidemiology is a two-year professional degree program that provides broad training in public health and epidemiology. Graduates leave with marketable skills, including study design, data management, and data analysis. They are prepared to improve population health in various settings, such as government, non-governmental organizations, healthcare organizations, academia, and industry.

Program Requirements

The degree consists of 68 quarter-credit units.

1. Course Requirements in Epidemiology

• BIOS 100B: Introduction to Biostatistics (or approved higher level course)
• EPI 200A: Epidemiologic Methods I
• EPI 200B: Epidemiologic Methods II
• EPI 220: Principles in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• EPI 400: APEx in Epidemiology
• EPI 410: Management of Epidemiologic Data
• EPI 413: Methods of Scientific Communication
• EPI XXX: Chronic disease epidemiology course
• EPI XXX: Data management course

2. Core Course Requirements in Public Health

• PH 200A and B: Foundations in Public Health
• PH 401: Public Health as a Profession

In addition, students choose electives in epidemiology from the following areas:

• Bioterrorism: Epidem C275
• Cancer Epidemiology: Epidem 242, 243, 244, 245
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology: Epidem 240
• Data Management and Analysis: Epidem M403, 404, 407A, 407B
• Environmental Epidemiology: Epidem 260
• Genetic Epidemiology: Epidem 249
• Global Epidemiology: Epidem 273, 420
• Infectious Disease: Epidem 227, 228, 230, 231, 232
• Lifecourse Epidemiology: Epidem 247
• Methods, Quantitative: Epidem M204, M211, 212, 215
• Methods, Other: Epidem M216, M218, 413
• Nutritional Epidemiology: Epidem M254
• Occupational Epidemiology: Epidem M261, 265
• Reproductive Epidemiology: Epidem 267
• Social and Behavioral Epidemiology: Epidem 217, 246, 268, 270, M272, 412

3. Comprehensive Examination

A written comprehensive examination covering the above course material is required. The exam is offered twice a year. Students may take the MPH comprehensive examination while enrolled in Epidemiology 200B, contingent upon successful completion of Epidemiology 200A.

4. Written Report

All MPH degree students must submit a report demonstrating competence in epidemiologic methodology. The MPH report should demonstrate understanding of an epidemiologic topic and analytic competence of candidates in either infectious or general epidemiology. Students select one option:

• Analyze and write up existing data
• Carry out an original research project
• Literature review of a disease (health problem) and development of a proposal for relevant epidemiologic study

Typical Course Sequencing

Incoming epidemiology majors must take Public Health 200A in the fall quarter for which they are enrolled. First-year students will then take Public Health 200B and Biostatistics 100B in the following winter quarter. All entering students must take a data management course by the winter quarter of their first year. They should plan on completing their first year by taking Epidemiology 410 and electives of their choice within epidemiology. Epidemiology 200A/B, 220, 400, and 413 are taken in the second year.

Time to Degree

The MPH degree is typically obtained after two years of full-time study (six academic quarters).

Department Faculty

View a list of faculty in the Department of Epidemiology.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in various settings, including international health agencies, state and local health departments, federal government agencies and health programs, health maintenance organizations, colleges and universities, and numerous research institutions, both privately and publicly sponsored.

Examples of positions held by graduates include:

• Epidemiologist
• Analyst
• Research Coordinator
• Research Consultant
• Survey Researcher
• Disease Intervention Specialist

Tuition & Fees

For the most up-to-date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.

Admissions

In addition to meeting the University’s minimum requirements, prior training in quantitative methods is considered in the evaluation of applicants for admission.

Admissions Process

The admissions process involves meeting the University's minimum requirements and departmental requirements.

Related Programs

• Master of Public Health in Epidemiology/Doctor of Medicine
  • Duration: 4 Years
  • Format: Onsite, Weekdays
  • Type: Professional
  • Capstone: Field Work
• Master of Science in Epidemiology
  • Duration: 2 Years
  • Format: Onsite, Weekdays
  • Type: Academic
  • Capstone: Major Research