MS in Epidemiology
The Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology is a program primarily for health care clinicians interested in research careers. Exceptional students with other backgrounds may be considered. The program places particular emphasis on the science of epidemiology, as applied to medical and public health research.
To fulfill the requirements for the MS degree, students are expected to complete 32 credits (eight courses) with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0) and grades of at least a B in all required courses. Required courses include:
- BS 703 Biostatistics
- EP 713 Introduction to Epidemiology
- EP 813 Intermediate Epidemiology
- BS 723 Introduction to Statistical Computing
In addition, at least two of the following courses (8 credits) must be taken:
- BS 722 Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
- EP 721 Survey Methods in Public Health
- BS 851 Applied Statistics in Clinical Trials I
- BS 852 Statistical Methods in Epidemology
- EP 762 Clinical Epidemiology
- EP 854 Advanced Epidemiology
- PM 811 Health Services Research Methods
Students may request to have required courses waived on the basis of coursework performed elsewhere or through other avenues of learning. Waivers will not reduce the overall number of course credits to be taken.
The remaining credits will generally be taken from among the above list of required courses or other departmental courses, but excluding EP 911 Directed Research in Epidemiology and EP 912 Directed Research in Epidemiology. The following courses may also be taken: PM 833 Health Economics, PM 837 Measuring and Evaluating Medical Care Processes and Outcomes, and SB 822 Qualitative Methods for Program Evaluation.
Students enrolled in the MS program are also required to complete a thesis. The completed thesis must constitute the equivalent of one epidemiologic paper that meets the current standards of publication in refereed journals. Thesis research will involve processing and analyzing data. The student is encouraged but not required to conduct original data collection. Once the thesis is complete, it must be approved by the thesis committee and one outside reader. After approval, the student will give an oral presentation of the thesis research.
The maximum time permitted to complete all of the degree requirements is four years. Students are required to complete at least 24 credits of coursework as degree candidates in residence. Students who have completed their course requirements must register each subsequent fall and spring semester for EP 980, and pay the continuing study fee, until they have completed all requirements for the degree.
All master of science students must adhere to the following calendar in preparing and submitting the thesis in 2011–2012.
MS Graduation Calendar
| Degree awarded | Sept. 25, 2011 | Jan. 25, 2012 | May 15, 2012 |
| Graduation application | At least 30 days before the final oral exam | At least 30 days before the final oral exam | At least 30 days before the final oral exam |
| Last day for final oral exam | Aug. 19, 2011 | Nov. 22, 2011 | Apr. 13, 2012 |
| Approved and signed thesis (2 copies to Mugar Library) | Sept. 9, 2011 | Dec. 16, 2011 | Apr. 30, 2012 |
For more information about the program, please contact Program Director Dr. Ann Aschengrau.
