Degree Requirements
Course Credit Requirements
The MS in epidemiology curriculum consists of the following 36 credit requirements:
- 12 credits of epidemiology core courses, including one course each in the principles of epidemiology, intermediate epidemiology methods, epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, and epidemiology, and control of chronic diseases
- 9 credits of appropriate biostatistics courses
- 6 credits of epidemiology electives
- 5 credits of Public health electives (Health Outcomes, Health Policy, Health Services Research)
- 4 credits of an MS thesis
The MS in epidemiology with concentration in biostatistics curriculum consists of the following 36 credit requirements:
- 12 credits of epidemiology core courses, including one course each in the principles of epidemiology, intermediate epidemiology methods, epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, and epidemiology and control of chronic diseases
- 12 credits of biostatistics courses including introduction to biostatistics, statistical methods, and other courses in biostatistics listed on page 23
- 8 credits of elective courses in epidemiology and biostatistics
- 4 credits of an MS thesis
The MS in epidemiology with concentration in health policy curriculum consists of the following 36 credit requirements:
- 12 credits of epidemiology core courses, including one course each in the principles of epidemiology, intermediate epidemiology methods, epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, and epidemiology and control of chronic diseases
- 12 credits of health policy courses (Health Outcomes, Health Policy, Health Services Research)
- 6 credits of biostatistics courses
- 4 credits of an MS thesis
- 2 credits of public health electives or advanced epidemiological/evaluation methods
Computer Proficiency
Students are expected to achieve a working knowledge of methods, programming and applications of computers as used in epidemiology. This knowledge may be acquired by formal class work or by experience acquired either before entering or during the course of study.
Biology Courses
The student is also expected to possess a general understanding of the biological sciences as they relate to human health and disease. Students who do not have a strong background in the biological sciences will be required to take one or more appropriate courses. The course work to satisfy this requirement may be taken before or after entering the program. If course work is undertaken to fulfill this requirement, it is in addition to the minimum 36 hours required for the degree track in epidemiology or the 36 hours required for the degree track in epidemiology and biostatistics
Electives
Electives from biostatistics, epidemiology or other public health degree tracks may be used to fulfill the remaining credit hours for graduation. Each student’s individual program of study should be formalized with the guidance of the faculty advisor and will be subject to approval by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Director, Division of Epidemiology.
Comprehensive Examination and Thesis Requirements
To graduate, the student is expected to write a research thesis of publishable quality. In addition, the student must satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination in the areas of concentration that includes an oral thesis defense and a written examination covering the core courses in the MS program and special emphasis in epidemiology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, or Epidemiology and Health Policy.
