Epidemiology
Overview
Epidemiology programs focus on ways to manage outbreaks of diseases and traumas in society.Epidemiology programs teach people about the causes of diseases and environmental injuries. Students study biology and chemistry. They learn how to set up programs to prevent and control outbreaks.
Epidemiology programs include topics such as:
- Biostatistics
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
- Genetic disease and disability factors
- Behavioral studies
- Environmental disease and injury factors
- Population studies
Schools
Many universities offer graduate degrees in epidemiology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology, math, or nursing
Typical Course Work
Graduate Program Courses
This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Advanced Health Research
- Biochemistry
- Biostatistics
- Chronic and Infectious Diseases
- Demography
- Environmental Issues
- Genetics
- Health Services Administration
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathophysiology
- Physiology
- Toxicology
In addition, depending on your interests, you can take courses in other areas such as:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Environment and Health
- Genetic Disorders
- Nutrition
- Reproduction
Graduate programs in epidemiology usually also include:
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Epidemiology programs are often combined with biostatistics programs.
Most epidemiologists work as researchers and policy analysts. As an epidemiologist, you can study diseases for a pharmaceutical company. You can also teach at medical, dental, nursing, or veterinary schools. In addition, you can work for government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Advanced Clinical Research Methods
- Basic Clinical Research Methods
- Global Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Pathobiology
- Public Health Genetics--Genetic Epidemiology
- Public Health--General Epidemiology