Apply epidemiological skills to identify health patterns and drive the control and prevention of health problems in populations.
MPH Concentration
Epidemiology
Career opportunities: Local/state/federal health department epidemiologist, research epidemiologist, pharmacoepidemiologist, academic, clinical research coordinator, field epidemiologist, and in non-profit agencies.
Overview
Epidemiology focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations and communities. It forms the scientific foundation in public health research that seeks to identify and reduce risk factors, ultimately improving health outcomes. Beyond research, epidemiology plays a crucial role in public health practice and policy, as well as in fields like medicine and pharmacy.
This concentration area is designed to train professionals to apply epidemiological principles and methods across various settings. If you have a strong quantitative background or a passion for quantitative and mathematical work, epidemiology may be the perfect fit. Students often describe themselves as enjoying science, identifying trends, problem-solving, and analytic reasoning. They are motivated by the desire to understand the causes, develop cures, and prevent health problems.
MPH graduates with a concentration in epidemiology are employed as epidemiologists in a broad range of organizations, including:
- Federal, state, and local public health agencies
- Private and government research institutions
- Academic research centers
- Pharmaceutical and other industries
- Healthcare organizations and medical settings
- Legal and consulting firms
Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology
The MPH degree is designed primarily for students seeking a graduate degree to gain skills in public health practice and application, focusing on identifying and reducing risk factors to improve health outcomes. Although strong analytical skills are needed, there are no formal mathematics or statistics prerequisites for the MPH degree.
Graduates of the MPH program with a concentration in Epidemiology enter the workforce with an understanding of quantitative methods used in public health and play crucial roles in public health practice and policy. This knowledge prepares students for jobs in public health agencies, private research institutions, academic research centers, and the medical and pharmaceutical industries that focus on population health. The MPH in Epidemiology includes a broader public health education covering topics like health policy, management, environmental health, and behavioral sciences. The degree also includes an internship and a Capstone project as a culminating experience to complete the program.
For those interested in a more research-focused program, we encourage you to check out our Master of Science in Epidemiology.
Epidemiology Curriculum
Faculty in the Department of Epidemiology teach courses and advise students in the epidemiology concentration. The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on experience in preparing epidemiologists and provide a strong foundation for those wishing to enter the workforce or pursue a PhD program in epidemiology. Courses and other educational experiences are carefully structured to enable students to develop specific epidemiological skills.
Additional information on the curriculum, including plans of study, can be found in the MPH Student Handbook.
- Standard 48-credit/42-credit MPH Curriculum, Epidemiology Concentration
- All MPH students complete an Applied Practice Experience and Capstone.
Epidemiology Core Courses
- PHC 6000 Epidemiology Research Methods I
Prereq: PHC 6001, and PHC 6052 or PHC 6050; or approval of department - PHC 6011 Epidemiology Research Methods II
Prereq: PHC 6000, and PHC 6052 or PHC 6050 or approval of department - PHC 6002 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Prereq: PHC 6001, and PHC 6052 or PHC 6050 or approval of department - PHC 6003 Epidemiology of Chronic Disease
Prereq: PHC 6001, and PHC 6052 or PHC 6050 or approval of department - PHC 6053 Regression Methods for the Health and Life Sciences
Concentration Competencies
Upon completion of the MPH program, students with a concentration in epidemiology should have mastered the following competencies:
- Assess potential confounders in epidemiology studies
- Evaluate interaction, effect modification and mediation in epidemiology studies
- Evaluate the multifactorial etiology and pathophysiology of health outcomes
- Apply criteria for identification, prevention and control of infectious agents
- Manage, analyze and interpret large-scale epidemiologic data
Ready to apply?
If you are interested in the epidemiology concentration, please check out our step-by-step MPH application instructions page or contact askmph@phhp.ufl.edu with any questions.
To learn more about Epidemiology faculty, research and training opportunities, be sure to visit the Department of Epidemiology.
Interested in the other concentrations offered in the MPH program? Explore other options on the Concentrations page.