Master of Science in Epidemiology

The Master of Science in Epidemiology in Temple’s College of Public Health prepares students for advanced study and research-oriented careers in epidemiology. Students learn to use rigorous epidemiologic methods and appropriate analyses to answer pressing research questions related to the public’s health. The master’s degree program will prepare you as a public health professional with expertise in

• application of modern statistical computing software, such as SAS and R, and statistical methods for large and complex data sets in public health and medicine;
• data management of health-related cross-sectional, experimental, longitudinal and survey data;
• study design and appropriate data analyses that can be used to accurately quantify and assess population-based, health-related outcomes; and
• proficiently interpreting and presenting results to various audiences.

Epidemiology is considered the foundational science of public health. It allows researchers and practitioners to identify and understand the descriptive characteristics, determinants and risk factors that influence the public’s health. Students in the Epidemiology MS degree program examine complex global and local challenges related to chronic and infectious diseases; train to understand determinants of, and methodological issues in, cancer and social epidemiology; and apply their knowledge and skills to develop projects that seek to answer timely research questions.

Our graduates are prepared for doctoral programs, as well as for work in a wide range of settings, including academic institutions; applied research settings in health systems and hospitals; federal agencies (such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control);  and local and state health departments. Graduates might pursue careers as epidemiologists; healthcare analysts, health equity managers or health system specialists; research/program managers and analysts; and other positions.

What sets apart our Epidemiology MS?

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary education: The program has a 2-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing students with opportunities to work and engage with diverse faculty. Our location in the College of Public Health encourages interdisciplinary research and prepares students to work in interdisciplinary environments.
• Renowned professors: Our faculty includes experts who focus on behavioral and chronic disease epidemiology, cancer prevention and control, social determinants, and water-related diseases. They have practical experience working in interdisciplinary teams in a wide variety of settings, including community-based entities; federal, state and local government agencies; health systems and clinical practices; and international nongovernmental organizations.
• Real-world experience: You will gain hands-on experience working on projects with faculty, local or state agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations—making you competitive and prepared to launch your career after graduation.

Program Format

Students complete the Epidemiology MS on-site. The master’s program offers a flexible curriculum: Students can choose to study full time to complete the MS in two years or part time to finish it in three years.

Students take core courses in epidemiology to advance their understanding and application of epidemiological and statistical methodology necessary for productive careers to improve the public’s health. Courses in the program address topics such as

• analyses of hierarchical (multilevel or clustered) data;
• data management and coding of health-related data;
• latent variable and structural equation modeling;
• methodological issues and strategies for prevention of leading chronic diseases;
• multivariable regression of general linear and generalized linear models; and
• social, behavioral and biological determinants of cancer and current methods in cancer epidemiology research and practice.

See a full list of program courses.

Thesis

All students in the Epidemiology MS program are required to complete two semesters of thesis planning and development with department faculty supervision. The master’s thesis documents the student’s independent research and demonstrates mastery of a primary area of interest. The specific thesis topic is selected given the student’s interests and opportunities to advance epidemiologic research.