Epidemiology

The Program in Epidemiology at Brown University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to understand, investigate, and address complex health issues through the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations. This program provides a strong foundation in the core principles of epidemiologic research, including study design, statistical analysis, and critical interpretation of scientific data. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborating with distinguished faculty who are experts in infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, environmental health, and public health policy. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing graduates to work effectively in academia, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and the private sector. Participants gain hands-on experience with epidemiologic methods, data collection, and software tools used for outbreak investigation, surveillance, and health outcome assessment. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to integrate knowledge from biology, medicine, biostatistics, and social sciences to address real-world health challenges. With access to Brown’s extensive resources, including the Alpert Medical School and the School of Public Health, students benefit from a vibrant academic community focused on advancing public health through innovative research and community engagement. Graduates of the Brown University Epidemiology Program are well-prepared for advanced roles in epidemiologic research, policy development, and health program implementation, contributing to the improvement of health outcomes worldwide.

Students pursuing an ScM in Epidemiology are required to take the following courses:

• PHP 2150 – Foundations in Epidemiologic Research Methods
• PHP 2200 – Intermediate Methods in Epidemiologic Research
• PHP 2260 - Applied Epidemiology Analysis Using SAS 

AND at least two of the following:

• PHP 2030 - Clinical Trials Methodology
• PHP 2040 - Applied Research Methods
• PHP 2180 - Interpretation and Application of Epidemiology
• PHP 2250 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Epidemiological Research
• PHP 2601 - Linear and Generalized Linear Models
• PHP 2602 - Analysis of Lifetime Data
• PHP 2603 - Analysis of Longitudinal Data 
• PHP 2610 - Causal Inference and Missing Data 

Required Biostatistics Courses:

• PHP 2510 – Principles of Biostatistics and Data Analysis
• PHP 2511 – Introduction to Applied Regression Analysis

The remaining courses can be selected from among various offerings in Public Health, Sociology, Environmental Studies or related disciplines with approval from the student's advisor. Electives must be chosen so the student will develop substantive expertise in epidemiologic methods as applied to a specific substantive area, such as cardiovascular, cancer, infectious disease, environmental epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, or health services research. Reading courses completed under the direction of an Epidemiology faculty member may also be counted as electives with prior approval of the study plan from the student's advisor. 

In addition, master's students are required to take the following non-credit courses during the first semester:

Graduate Student Course on SAS Data Management
This workshop (SAS Programming 1: Essentials) is designed as a basic introduction to SAS and must be completed by the end of the first term by all students unless a waiver is obtained. Courses in the second term will assume this course has been completed and that the students understand the material in the first four modules.  All problems are self-graded.

Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) Course
All first-year master's Epidemiology students are required to successfully complete “Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) Training.” This five-week introduction to the scope and complexity of ethical situations that confront modern public health practitioners is led by the School's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Successful completion of this course includes attendance at all meetings and passing the written final examination. 

Requirements

• Personal Statement
• Transcripts 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation 
• GRE 
• TOEFL/IELTS 
• A non-refundable fee of $75 is charged for processing each application received by the Graduate School. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted.
• Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School. Along with the application, international applicants must provide the Graduate School with original documents or official certified copies indicating the nature and scope of their educational program. 

Scholarships

Financial aid is available to master’s students in the form of Public Health Program scholarships and research apprenticeships. The PHP scholarship grants roughly 25% tuition for each incoming student. Supplemental research apprenticeships are also occasionally available and may cover a larger portion of tuition and/or monthly stipend. When available, these awards are based on merit and qualifications; student loans also are available through the Financial Aid Office.

The Brown University Department of Epidemiology offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in public health, disease prevention, and health research. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating biological, behavioral, environmental, and social aspects of disease patterns. Students benefit from a rigorous coursework structure that covers epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, disease-specific modules, and public health principles. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills essential for designing and conducting research studies, analyzing data, and interpreting findings to inform public health policies.

Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including laboratories and data centers, allowing them to engage in innovative projects under the guidance of leading faculty members. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through practicum opportunities, internships, and collaborative projects with local, national, and international health organizations. This hands-on experience prepares graduates to address real-world health challenges effectively.

The faculty comprises experts in various fields such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, health disparities, and environmental health. Their research often influences health policies and contributes to the scientific community's understanding of disease dynamics. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences that foster academic growth and professional networking.

Graduates of the Epidemiology program at Brown are well-positioned for careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies focused on health research and policy development. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees or certifications, including doctoral programs and public health credentials. The program's holistic and research-intensive approach ensures graduates are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of global health and disease prevention efforts.