EPIDEMIOLOGY

Our department consists of two divisions representing the disciplines epidemiology and biostatistics, and offers master’s and doctoral degrees in each.

The major in epidemiology is designed for students pursuing careers in the study of patterns of diseases, disabling conditions and other indicators of health in human populations.  The field of epidemiology involves research into factors that influence human health states or events and evaluation of prevention and treatment interventions.  Epidemiologists attempt to establish the causes of health problems by describing the genetic, biological, environmental, social and behavioral factors affecting illness and premature death as well as factors that contribute to health and well being.  Descriptive and analytic techniques are used to gather information on disease occurrence, extend basic knowledge about the biologic, physical, mental and social processes affecting health, and develop effective disease control measures, and examine health services, treatments and intervention programs.  The products of such inquiries also are used in the development of health programs and formulation of health policy.  Epidemiologic studies often require innovative approaches to study design and exposure assessment in order to identify representative samples and to allow for assessment of the associations of various factors with development or progression of the disease or health condition of interest.  Because of the important connection to the human condition, the discipline has an interest in ensuring adherence to ethical standards of practice with regard to persons’ participation (both access to and right to refuse) in research as well as to the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of epidemiologic investigations.  Epidemiologists work closely with other public health practitioners, physicians, environmental health personnel, behavioral and basic scientists, microbiologists, demographers, biostatisticians, and administrators of health agencies.

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree is designed for experienced health professionals who wish to extend their analytic and investigative abilities and want to focus on application of epidemiologic skills in a public health setting.

The Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) degree is designed for those who wish to acquire skills necessary for doing research in public health and want to focus on development of basic research skills for the study of correlates and determinants of disease and other health conditions.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is an advanced graduate degree for those who intend to pursue teaching and research careers. The major objective is to prepare an individual to pursue original epidemiologic investigation of diseases and develop novel methodological approaches.

The Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) degree with concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is an advanced degree for experienced health professionals. The major objectives are to prepare practicing professionals in the application of research methods and provide them with a broad knowledge base for solving public health problems.