Epidemiology, M.S.

(Major Code: 04154) (SIMS Code: 557322)

The M.S. degree in epidemiology is a research-oriented degree addressing the study of the causes, control, and prevention of disease; distribution of health resources, and design and analyses of clinical trials. The degree is designed for health professionals who wish to gain the necessary skills to conduct sophisticated epidemiologic research. Students develop expertise in both the foundational concepts that underlie study design and analysis and in the innovative methods that are changing and improving the practice of epidemiology. A research-based thesis or manuscript option is required; both require a three-member committee and an oral defense with a written approved document. The public health integrative core courses required for the Master of Public Health are not required. Students who complete the M.S. degree in epidemiology become independent researchers in academia, health departments, nonprofits, the pharmaceutical industry, or pursue a doctoral degree.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Specific Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must complete an officially approved course of study of not less than 36 units. This includes 24 units of required courses, one additional epidemiology/biostatistics methods course, nine units of prescribed electives; and a thesis or manuscript. Up to six units may be accepted in transfer, with approval of the graduate adviser.

Courses Required for the Degree

(24 units)

Three units of epidemiology/biostatistics methods courses selected with approval of the graduate adviser.

P H 601 - Epidemiology Units: 3
P H 602 - Biostatistics Units: 3
P H 620 - SAS for Biostatistics I Units: 3
P H 623 - Epidemiological Methods Units: 3
P H 627 - Advanced Statistical Methods in Public Health Units: 3
P H 629 - SAS for Biostatistics II Units: 3
P H 724 - Advanced Methods in Epidemiology Units: 3

Prescribed Electives

A minimum of nine units of coursework selected from the following with approval of the graduate adviser.

P H 621 - Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Units: 3
P H 622 - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases Units: 3
P H 625 - Control of Infectious Diseases Units: 3
P H 626 - International Health Epidemiology Practicum Units: 3
P H 628 - Applications of Multivariate Statistics in Public Health Units: 3
P H 649 - Border and Global Public Health Surveillance Units: 3
P H 700A - Seminar in Public Health: Epidemiology Units: 1-3
P H 823 - Case-Control Studies Units: 3
P H 824 - Cohort Studies Units: 3
P H 826 - Analysis of Case-Control Studies Units: 3
P H 827 - Analysis of Cohort Studies Units: 3

Culminating Experience

(3 units)

P H 799A - Thesis Units: 3
or
P H 798 - Special Study Units: 1-3