Epidemiology is critical to disease prevention because it sheds light on why a particular disease originates, how it spreads, and its effective control. It encompasses infectious diseases as well as chronic diseases. The discipline of epidemiology has a conceptual theory, a specific methodology, and a body of substantive knowledge. An academic background in health, the biological or social sciences, or in mathematics and statistics is desirable for candidates wishing to enter this field. Demonstration of quantitative skills is required for admission.
Admission is for fall term only.
This concentration emphasizes the basic epidemiologic concepts and skills essential for research, program planning, and evaluation. The program aims to prepare students for careers in public health with a focus on research and community diagnosis, public health action, and program evaluation. Courses in epidemiology cover methodological, biomedical, and sociomedical areas. The selection of specific courses depends on each student's background and major areas of interest. In addition to a general orientation to the principles of epidemiology and the design and application of epidemiologic studies, students may focus on epidemiologic approaches to one of several special areas of public health concern, such as chronic diseases, child health and development, psychiatric problems, and evaluation of programs and services.