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Epidemiology
Degree Options:
Epidemiology is concerned with the study of factors that determine the distribution of health and disease in human populations. The purposes of epidemiological research are to discover the causes of disease, to advance and evaluate methods of disease prevention, and to aid in planning and evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs. Epidemiologists are interested in the study of infectious and noninfectious diseases. In recent years that have turned their attention increasingly toward the study of conditions affected by forces in the social and physical environment.
Epidemiology Faculty
Epidemiology Links
Epidemiology: 11-Month Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The 11-month M.P.H. program in Epidemiology requires 42 units of coursework in public health and advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods. A master's paper is required for completion of the program.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.67 Average GRE scores of admitted applicants: Applicants with doctoral degrees are not required to submit GRE scores. Applicants currently in medical school may submit MCATs in lieu of the GRE.
What we look for in competitive applicants:
Applicants must be doctoral level health professionals (e.g. physicians, veterinarians, and dentists), have a prior doctoral degree in a related discipline (e.g. anthropology, sociology, psychology, demography, the biology sciences), or be concurrently enrolled in a doctoral level degree program in a health profession or related discipline. Common work experience for admitted applicants includes medical doctor, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, and/or research experience in a public health setting.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates often secure positions utilizing epidemiologic and statistical training in federal, state, and local health departments as well as a wide variety of academic research positions and positions in the private medical and health care fields.
Epidemiology: Master of Science (M.S.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The M.S. program in Epidemiology is a 2-year course of study. The M.S. program differs from the M.P.H. program in that students emphasize depth of course work in one or more basic science areas complementary to epidemiologic research and are not required to take the breadth courses in public health. Students must complete at least 24 credits of courses in epidemiology and biostatistics and a minimum of three months of epidemiological research. A comprehensive oral exam and master's paper is required for completion of the program.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.79
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants:
Verbal - 580, 82%; Quantitative - 730, 78%
What we look for in competitive applicants:
Applicants must have a strong background in biological, social, or mathematical science, which will provide a basis for the application of epidemiological methods and principles to the study of diseases.
- Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Biological, social, or mathematical sciences
- Common work experience for admitted applicants: Work experience in a public health setting
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates will be prepared for careers in epidemiologic research.
Epidemiology: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The normative time in the Ph.D. program in Epidemiology is 4 years. In addition to the courses required for the Masters degree in epidemiology, students identify a third area of scientific knowledge in which they will develop competence. Written and oral qualifying examinations as well as a dissertation are required for completion of the program.
Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:
Admissions Ratio: 15/114 (13%)
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.69
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants:
Verbal: 680 (96%); Quantitative: 730 (77%)
What we look for in competitive applicants:
The amount of coursework necessary for each doctoral student in the PhD program varies greatly, depending on previous coursework, experience, and background. A Master's degree in epidemiology or a related field is preferable. Successful applicants often have work experience in a public health setting or in epidemiologic research.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates will be prepared for academic careers in research and teaching.