Epidemiology

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at Rutgers University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in disease control, public health research, and health policy. This program provides students with a solid foundation in the core principles of epidemiology, including study design, data analysis, disease surveillance, and the application of epidemiological methods to address pressing public health issues. Curriculum components integrate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling graduates to excel in research settings, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions.

Students in the MPH in Epidemiology program are trained to analyze complex health data, identify risk factors for disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve population health outcomes. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches and promotes critical thinking, allowing students to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of public health challenges such as infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, environmental health risks, and emerging health threats.

The program offers both full-time and part-time study options, accommodating the needs of working professionals. It is delivered through a combination of coursework, laboratory work, and practical field experiences, including internships and research projects. Faculty members are experts in the field, involved in cutting-edge research and public health initiatives, and dedicated to mentoring students through their academic and professional development.

Graduates of the MPH in Epidemiology program are equipped with the skills necessary to conduct epidemiological research, develop public health policies, and implement programs aimed at disease prevention and health promotion. They can pursue careers in governmental health agencies such as the CDC or state health departments, international health organizations, research institutions, or continue their education through PhD programs. Overall, Rutgers’ MPH in Epidemiology offers a rigorous, multidisciplinary education that prepares students to make meaningful contributions to global and community health challenges.

Students seeking the PhD in Epidemiology degree must complete a minimum of 72 credits of academic work with an average grade of “B” or better. Courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.

PREREQUISITES

• BIST 0535 - Biometrics Computing (or equivalent)

CORE COURSES (9 credits)

• PHCO 0502 - Principles and Methods of Epidemiology (Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills Assessment)
• PHCO 0504 - Introduction to Biostatistics (Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills Assessment)
• PHCO 0508 - Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health (1 credit)
• PHCO 0510 - Issues in Health Education and Behavioral Science (1 credit)
• PHCO 0511 - Issues in Health Care Systems and Policy (1 credit)

REQUIRED COURSES (33 credits)
Semesters when the required courses will be offered are noted for your course planning.

-also-

• EPID 0552 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• EPID 0652 - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases
• EPID 0656 - Intermediate Epidemiologic Research Methods (Spring)
• EPID 0657 - Applied Methods in Epidemiologic Research (Fall)
• EPID 0753 - Advanced Epidemiologic Research Methods with Applications (Fall)
• BIST 0551 - Applied Regression Analysis for Public Health Studies (Fall/Spring)
• BIST 0615 - Categorical Data Analysis
• BIST 0616 - Lifetime Data Analysis
• BIST 0650 - Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis
• ENOH 0594 - Environmental & Occupational Toxicology or other toxicology/biology course
• Choose one of the following two:
• HEBS 0663 - Intermediate Survey Research Methods (Spring)
• EPID 0621 - Survey Research Methods Questionnaire Design

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVE COURSES (6 credits)

• EPID 0563 - Introduction to Outcomes Research
• EPID 0591 - Air Pollution Epidemiology (2 credits)
• EPID 0595 - Global Communicable Disease Control
• EPID 0607 - Perinatal Epidemiology
• EPID 0650 - Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
• EPID 0670 - Advanced Seminar in Epidemiology I
• EPID 0671 - Advanced Seminar in Epidemiology II
• EPID 0673 - Social Epidemiology
• EPID 9542 - GIS for Health and Planning
• EPID 9663 - Regression Analysis
• BIST 0655 - Biocomputing II
• BIST 0660 - Clinical Trials: Design and Analysis of Medical Experiments
• BIST 9655 - Nonparametric Statistics
• ENOH 9627 - Advanced Multivariate Methods for Environmental Health Issues
• PHCO 0503 - Introduction to Environmental Heath 

REQUIRED RESEARCH (24 credits)

• RESH 0760 - Doctoral Research

Requirements for admission to the doctoral programs are generally more stringent than those for the MPH or MS degree programs. Considerable attention is given to the match between the expertise of the faculty and the specific interests of the candidate. Students may work towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at Rutgers School of Public Health.

• UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (all transcripts must be official sent directly from accredited institution). 
• GRE
• MCAT, GMAT, DAT, or Pass USMLE, Step I; or have U.S. or Canadian Medical Board Certification; or have a doctorate from an accredited school in the US or Canada; LSAT for JD/MPH applicants or the LSAT can be substituted in all departments except BIST and EPID.
• ESSAY ON STATEMENT OF GOALS
• Three letters are required for doctoral degree applicants.
• TOEFL
• Relevant work experience is preferred

Scholarships

Rutgers School of Public Health realizes that many students need financial aid to help them complete their education. Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan or paid employment offered for the express purpose of helping a student meet educationally-related expenses. Such aid is usually provided by or through federal and state agencies, foundations, corporations and/or the University. Financial aid is awarded based on financial “need,” which is the difference between the cost of attending school and the student’s ability to contribute to his or her education, as determined on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once a student has matriculated, financial aid funding is also contingent on the student making satisfactory academic progress.

The Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology at Rutgers University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in the study of disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations. This program aims to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate health data, understand disease transmission, and develop strategies for disease prevention and control. The curriculum typically covers core areas such as biostatistics, public health, disease surveillance, environmental health, and health policy, offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding epidemiological issues. Students are likely to engage in coursework that emphasizes research methods, data analysis, and the application of epidemiological principles to real-world health problems. The program often includes opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, research projects, or collaborative work with public health agencies. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in public health departments, research institutions, health policy organizations, and international health agencies. They may also pursue advanced degrees in epidemiology, public health, or related fields. Rutgers University’s program benefits from strong faculty expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a network of professional connections within the public health community. Overall, the Epidemiology program emphasizes a rigorous scientific approach combined with practical skills essential for addressing contemporary public health challenges.