Master of Science in Epidemiology
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
The MS in Epidemiology, an academic, research-oriented degree often pursued in preparation for a doctoral degree, readies students for research careers in academia, government, or industry through intensive coursework in areas such as epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, data management, chronic disease epidemiology, and global and infectious disease epidemiology, along with a major research project.
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Program Requirements
1. Departmental Course Requirements (48 units)
MS students who do not have a degree from a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited public health school, must take PH C201 to meet the CEPH required 12 learning objectives.
- Biostat 100A: Introduction to Biostatistics (or approved higher level course)
- Biostat 100B: Introduction to Biostatistics (or approved higher level course)
- Epidem 200A: Epidemiology Methods I
- Epidem 200B: Epidemiologic Methods II
- Epidem 200C: Epidemiologic Methods III
- Epidem 220: Principles in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Epidem XXX: Chronic Disease course
- Epidem XXX: Data management course
- XXXXX: Approved multivariate regression analysis course
- PubHlt C201: Contemporary Health Issues (if required)
In addition, the student must complete electives in Epidemiology selected from the following areas:
- Bioterrorism: Epidem C275
- Cancer Epidemiology: Epidem 242, 243, 244
- Intervention studies: Epiderm 205. 245
- Data Management and Analysis: Epidem M403, 404, 407A, 407B, 410
- 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
- Metabolic Epidemiology: 240, 241
- Methods, Quantitative: Epidem M204, 205, 205, M211, 212, 215
- Methods, Other: Epidem M216, M218, 413, 219
- Nutritional Epidemiology: Epidem M254
- Occupational Epidemiology: Epidem M261, 265
- Psychiatric Epidemiology (proposed course pending Registrar's approval): 271
- Reproductive Epidemiology: Epidem 267
- Social and Behavioral Epidemiology: Epidem 217, 246, 268, 269, 270, M272, 412
- Substance Use Epidemiology: Epiderm 269
2. School of Public Health Core Requirements (12 units)
- Biostat 100A: Introduction to Biostatistics
- Biostat 100B: Introduction to Biostatistics
- Epidemiology 100: Principles of Epidemiology
2. Thesis or Capstone
Students complete either a thesis or a capstone (comprehensive examination and research report) before graduation.
1. Thesis, Plan I
If the thesis option is approved, a thesis committee of three member faculty is appointed by the dean of the graduate division on recommendation of the department. The chair of the committee and at least one other member must hold academic appointments in the Department of Epidemiology. The committee approves the thesis prospectus before the student files for advancement to candidacy. The thesis must be acceptable to the thesis committee.
2. Capstone, Plan II
If the capstone option is chosen, a guidance committee of three Department of Epidemiology faculty is appointed. A comprehensive examination on the major area of study must be passed. If failed, the examination may be repeated once. In addition, the student must complete a research report which is approved by the guidance committee.
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Typical Course Sequencing
Students in the MS program should take Epidemiology 200A and Biostatistics 100A in their first quarter, Epidemiology 200B and Biostatistics 100B in their second quarter, and Epidemiology 200C in their third quarter. They may also take additional courses in each of those quarters or substitute Biostatistics 100A-B with appropriate higher level courses.
Students who plan to take their epidemiology first year core courses (Epi 200A, Epi 200B and Epi 200C) in a different sequence must have approval from their advisors.
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Time to Degree
The MS degree is typically obtained after two years of full-time study (six academic quarters).
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Department Faculty
View a list of faculty in the Department of Epidemiology.
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Career Outcomes
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:
- Clinical Trials Manager
- Clinical Research Coordinator/Manager
- Data Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Research Associate
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Tuition & Fees
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.
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Admissions
Desired Qualifications
In addition to meeting the University’s minimum requirements, prior training in quantitative methods and research experience are considered in the evaluation of applicants for admission.
Admissions Process
Visit the application guide to learn about our admissions process.
Application Guide
Please note:
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This information is intended as an overview, and should be used as a guide only. Requirements, course offerings and other elements may change, and this overview may not list all details of the program.
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Admission requirements listed are departmental requirements, and are in addition to the University's minimum requirements. Many programs receive more applicants than can be admitted, so meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not ensure admission. Every effort is made to ensure minimum admissions requirements are up to date - for the most up-to-date information on the University's minimum requirements, please visit the UCLA Graduate Division.
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Fees are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.