Department of Epidemiology (EPID)

About Epidemiology

Epidemiology has been defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in humans. Epidemiological studies are essential in identifying effective public health interventions and in providing data needed for setting priorities in the field.

This department formally recognizes the close nexus between epidemiology, quantitative methods and computing. The goals of the department are to provide students with epidemiological and computing skills that will allow them to undertake meaningful research in the public health sector. Specifically, graduates of the department should be able to assist or lead in studies that describe the distribution of disease in time and place, identify determinants of disease and perform quantitative evaluation of intervention programs.

In addition to encouraging curiosity, clear thinking and active learning, department courses provide students with a thorough familiarity with the logic and use of epidemiologic methods in public health research and practice. Department faculty discourages rote learning and emphasize critical thinking, computer literacy and hands-on experience with data analysis and interpretation. This is especially true for the fieldwork experience, but also characterizes the department approach to other courses. The department encourages students from other disciplines to take elective coursework in epidemiology. Our aim is to support the other departments by increasing students� understanding of how new public health information is developed, how to critique it, and how to interpret its reliability and significance.

Degrees offered: MPH, PhD, DrPH, MD/MPH, DO/MPH, PsyD/MPH, MPH/MSPA, BS/MPH, BA/MPH