Epidemiology

The Master of Science in Epidemiology at Emory University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in public health, research, and policy. This rigorous degree program offers students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the principles, methods, and applications of epidemiology, the foundational science of public health. Through a combination of coursework, practical experiences, and research opportunities, students gain the skills needed to investigate the causes of diseases, evaluate prevention strategies, and contribute to improving health outcomes on both local and global scales.

The curriculum is structured to provide a solid grounding in biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, and the social and behavioral sciences that influence health. Students learn to design and implement epidemiologic studies, analyze complex data sets, and interpret findings to inform public health practice and policy. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty members who are leading experts in infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, environmental health, and health disparities.

Emory University's location in Atlanta provides unique access to a vibrant public health community, including close collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which enhances the learning experience and offers students practical training and networking opportunities. The program is suitable for individuals aiming for careers in academia, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry sectors involved in health research and disease prevention.

Students in the program benefit from a flexible learning environment that supports part-time and full-time study, as well as online options in some courses, to accommodate diverse backgrounds and commitments. The program culminates in a thesis or capstone project, requiring students to apply their knowledge to real-world public health challenges. Graduates of the Master of Science in Epidemiology at Emory are well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in epidemiology and to the development of strategies aimed at reducing health disparities and improving population health worldwide.

• EPI 530, SAS Programming (1)
• EPI 533, Epidemiologic Methods II (3)
• EPI 534, Grant Writing and Research Ethics (2)
• EPI 591U, Application of Epidemiologic Concepts (3)
• EPI 731, Analytical Foundations of Epidemiology (3)
• EPI 738, Advanced Epidemiologic Methods I (2)
• EPI 739, Advanced Epidemiologic Methods II (2)
• EPI 790R, Journal Club (enrollment required every semester until graduation) (1)
• EPI 740, Epidemiologic Modeling (3)
• EPI 750, Longitudinal Data Analysis (3)
• BIOS 500 or 506, Biostatistical Methods I (4)
• BIOS 591P or 507, Biostatistical Methods II or Applied Linear Models (4)
• BIOS 510, Probability Theory (4)
• EPI XXX, Electives 6(min)
• EPI 799R, Research Hours 24
• EPI 701, Translational and Interdisciplinary Public Health Research (1)

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• College-level biology and calculus are required. These courses must be complete no later than December 18, 2016 for Fall 2017 consideration. Applications that do not meet the calculus and biology requirement will not be considered. Applicants are specifically asked in the application to identify where on their transcript we will find the pre-requisites met.
• GRE scores taken within the last five years. Scores in the 60th percentile or higher are recommended.
• Application + $75 application fee. For applications completed on or before October 31, the $75 application fee will be automatically waived.
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Graduate faculty identification- on the application, students should identify at least two epidemiology graduate faculty members with whom they would like to work. Prospective students may view faculty who are available to mentor students in Fall 2017 by clicking here.
• Statement of purpose: Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose that should be no more than approximately 500 words or two pages double-spaced.  The personal statement should convey an understanding of the field of epidemiology, the applicant’s desire to pursue a PhD in epidemiology, defined research interests inasmuch as possible, and why the Epidemiology PhD program at Emory is a good fit for his or her doctoral training.
• Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended.
• Resume/CV
• For applicants with post-secondary degrees from a non-US institution, WES course-by-course evaluations are strongly recommended.

International Applicants

In addition to these requirements, all departments require international students to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

TOEFL scores should be at least 100 or higher on the Internet-based test. International applicants who earned an undergraduate or two year graduate degree from an institution within the United States are waived from the TOEFL requirement.

A World Education Service (WES) course-by-course report is STRONGLY recommended of all students who have received a baccalaureate and/or advanced degree from a non-US institution. This does not include students who completed a semester study abroad as part of a US degree.

Scholarships

All admitted PhD students receive merit-based support packages consisting of full tuition scholarships each year. The first two years students are typically funded from institutional support from Laney Graduate School or Training Grants (pending satisfactory progress in the program). In years three through five, students in good standing are funded through mentor grants, training grants, pre-doctoral training fellowships, etc. As of 2016-2017, doctoral students receive annual stipends of $23,376

Training grants currently support some EPI PhD students with the following interests and research areas: 1) Reproductive, Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 2) Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology, 3) Molecules to Mankind (M2M), 4) Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, and 5) Health Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease. Laney Graduate School also offers Professional Development Funding and Training(to attend conferences and for research).

The Master of Science in Epidemiology at Emory University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in public health research, policy, and practice. The program offers a robust curriculum that covers fundamental concepts in epidemiology, biostatistics, health data analysis, and disease prevention. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the methods used to investigate the distribution and determinants of health-related states and events in populations. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, equipping graduates with the ability to design, conduct, and analyze epidemiological studies.

At Emory, students have access to extensive research resources and collaboration opportunities with renowned faculty members involved in cutting-edge research across various health disciplines. The program also emphasizes the importance of multicultural perspectives in health and disease, preparing students to address health disparities and implement effective intervention strategies. Enrollees are encouraged to engage in multidisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from medicine, public health, and social sciences to tackle complex health challenges.

The program is suitable for individuals aiming for careers in academia, governmental health agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry. It may offer specializations or tracks depending on career goals, such as infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease epidemiology, or global health. Practical experience through internships, research projects, and fieldwork is a core component of the curriculum, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue doctoral studies or enter professional fields where epidemiological expertise is crucial. Emory University supports its students through mentorship, career counseling, and networking opportunities within its extensive alumni and professional communities. The program’s overall goal is to develop skilled epidemiologists capable of conducting research that informs policy and improves population health outcomes on a local, national, and global scale.