Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of population differences in health. The field seeks to understand why some groups of individuals have better health than others; these insights can be used to improve health and reduce health inequities. Epidemiology is organized around the types of determinants of health we address (e.g., genetic factors, social conditions, health behaviors, clinical care, or pharmaceuticals) and the outcomes we evaluate (e.g., mental health, cardiovascular disease, infant mortality). As epidemiologists, our answers form the basis for developing policies, programs, systems, and interventions to protect and improve the health of populations and reduce health inequities across and within populations.

The field of epidemiology has grown dramatically in scope and importance in recent decades. With increasing concerns about emerging infections, environmental hazards, and health disparities, epidemiologists are playing key roles in an expanding range of public health issues. Our faculty members conduct research in six intersecting clusters: research methodology, including measurement, recruitment, sampling, study design and analyses; structural and social determinants of health; stress, trauma, and mental health; infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19; aging and chronic diseases; and reproductive, perinatal, developmental, and gynecologic epidemiology.

Academic Programs

Department of Epidemiology faculty and staff participate in interdisciplinary master’s and doctoral degrees and offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology and the MS in Epidemiology, co-direct the Master of Public Health (MPH) Functional Certificate in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and house the Master of Public Health (MPH) Context Certificate in Chronic & Non-Communicable Diseases.