Master of Public Health in Epidemiology/Juris Doctor in Law

The degree consists of 68 quarter-credit units.

1. Course Requirements in Epidemiology

• BIOS 100B: Introduction to Biostatistics (or approved higher level course)
• EPI 200A: Epidemiologic Methods I
• EPI 200B: Epidemiologic Methods II
• EPI 220: Principles in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• EPI 400: Field Studies in Epidemiology
• EPI 410: Management of Epidemiologic Data
• EPI 413: Methods of Scientific Communication
• EPI XXX: Chronic disease epidemiology course
• EPI XXX: Data management course

2. Core Course Requirements in Public Health 

• PH 200A and B: Foundations in Public Health
• PH 401: Public Health as a Profession

In addition, the student then chooses electives in epidemiology selected from the following areas. Elective units are based on the number of units remaining to reach 68 units after units for required coursework is set. Eight of these units can be taken outside of the Department of Epidemiology with approval. Epidemiology electives are selected from the following areas: 

• Bioterrorism: Epidem C275
• Cancer Epidemiology: Epidem 242, 243, 244, 245
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology: Epidem 240
• Data Management and Analysis: Epidem M403, 404,407A,407B
• Environmental Epidemiology: Epidem 260
• Genetic Epidemiology: Epidem 249
• Global Epidemiology: Epidem 273, 420
• Infectious Disease: Epidem 227, 228, 230, 231, 232
• Lifecourse Epidemiology: Epidem 247
• Methods, Quantitative: Epidem M204, M211, 212, 215
• Methods, Other: Epidem M216, M218, 413
• Nutritional Epidemiology: Epidem M254
• Occupational Epidemiology: Epidem M261, 265
• Reproductive Epidemiology: Epidem 267
• Social and Behavioral Epidemiology: Epidem 217,246, 268, 270, M272, 412

3. Comprehensive Examination

A written comprehensive examination covering the above course material is required. The exam is offered twice a year.  Students may take the MPH comprehensive examination while enrolled in Epidemiology 200B contingent upon successful completion of Epidemiology 200A.

4. Written Report

All MPH degree enrolled students must submit a report demonstrating competence in epidemiologic methodology. The MPH report should demonstrate (1) understanding of an epidemiologic topic and (2) analytic competence of candidates in either infectious or general epidemiology. Students select one option as listed below:

Analyze and write up existing data:

The student can define a research problem and, using existing data, carry out the necessary data analysis to answer or illuminate the problem. The report based on a project of this type should follow usual research paper format.

Carry out an original research project:

The student can define a research problem and design and carry out the research necessary to answer or illuminate the problem posed. This can be a laboratory or other type of study (e.g., medical records, vital records, interview, etc.). The report based on a project of this type should follow the usual research paper format.

Literature review of a disease (health problem) and development of a proposal for relevant epidemiologic study:

This should consist of an in-depth analysis of existing literature leading to the development of a research proposal. The proposal should include objectives, rationale, methods (clearly and explicitly developed) and an appropriate discussion of projected analyses. The project should also be feasible, particularly with respect to human subjects review.

Some internships may give students a chance to develop an MPH report in one of the above formats.

Incoming epidemiology majors must take Public Health 200A in the fall quarter for which they are enrolled. First year students will then take Public Health 200B and Biostatistics 100B in the following winter quarter. All entering students must take a data management course by the winter quarter of their first year. They should plan on completing their first year by taking Epidemiology 410 and electives of their choice within epidemiology. Epidemiology 200A/B, 220, 400 and 413 are taken in the second year.

The MPH degree is typically obtained after two years of full-time study (six academic quarters).

View a list of faculty in the Department of Epidemiology.

Graduates may work in a wide variety of settings, including international health agencies, state and local health departments, federal government agencies and health programs, health maintenance organizations, colleges and universities, and numerous research institutions, both privately and publicly sponsored.

Examples of positions held by graduates include:

• Epidemiologist
• Analyst
• Research Coordinator
• Research Consultant
• Survey Researcher
• Disease Intervention Specialist

For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.

Please see the cost and aid section of our website for information on awards, scholarships, training opportunities, employment, summer internship funding, and need-based aid. Please note that opportunities listed under 'Summer Internship Funding' are only applicable to MPH students.

In addition to meeting the University’s minimum requirements, prior training in quantitative methods is considered in the evaluation of applicants for admission.

Admissions Process

Visit the application guide to learn about our admissions process.