Master of Science Degree (MS)
Thank you for your interest in the Epidemiology Master of Science (MS) degree program. Our MS program is designed to help you develop a solid foundation in quantitative research methods skills while providing curricular flexibility that allows you to explore substantive content areas of interest to you.
New MS Student Group Advising Video
Program Outline
The 60-credit-hour program is typically finished in six quarters of coursework (2 years). It begins in autumn quarter and requires on-site attendance for the majority of the program. You and your peers will move through the core requirements together. Faculty and staff will help you make important connections with partner departments and public health agencies.
Core MS Curriculum
Epi MS students take a set of core foundational courses during the program:
- EPI 510, Epidemiologic Data Analysis (3 CR)
- EPI 512, Epidemiologic Methods I (4 CR)
- EPI 513, Epidemiologic Methods II (4 CR)
- EPI 514, Application of Epidemiologic Methods (5 CR)
- BIOST 511, Medical Biometry I (4 CR)*
- BIOST 512, Medical Biometry II (4 CR)
- BIOST 513, Medical Biometry III (4 CR)
*A more advanced 2 course Biostatistics sequence (BIOST 517/518) can be taken instead of this 3 course Biostatistics sequence (BIOST 511/512/513).
A faculty mentored master’s thesis rounds out the program giving you experience in developing, leading, and executing a research project.
The MS General Track offers in-depth training in epidemiologic methods for students preparing to pursue a research focused career. You may tailor the degree to your specific interests through elective coursework and the thesis.
Our Degree Checklist for the MS General track details all degree requirements.
The Clinical and Translational Research Methods track is a research training program designed for clinicians who intend to conduct research with patients in clinical settings. Examples include clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, studies of new tools for diagnosis or for monitoring disease course, and studies of factors that influence the outcome of illness.
Our Degree Checklist for the MS Clinical and Translational Research Methods track details all degree requirements.
If you are interested in quantitative data analysis and interpretation, learning about measurement of causes of health and illness in populations, and translating research conclusions into actions that improve public health, our MS in Epidemiology may be the right choice for you. The skills and knowledge you gain from the Epi MS program will prepare you for a rewarding career in public health that is shaped to a strong epidemiologic perspective. Representative career examples include Data Analyst, Study Coordinator, and Surveillance Specialist. The Epi MS is perfectly suited for MD’s who perform clinical research and excellent preparation for students hoping to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology.
The Department attracts students nationally and internationally and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. You must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher by the time of entry. We do not require specific undergraduate courses of study. Typical undergraduate programs of our applicants include public health, quantitative sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and clinical degrees.