Epidemiology (EPDM)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health

Abstract

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, and other health states in human populations. As the fundamental science of public health practice, epidemiology provides the conceptual and applied tools necessary for the study of public health problems. The MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology is a 45-credit professional degree that prepares graduates to work in public health services as practitioners, researchers, administrators, and consultants. A full-time student may complete our program in 2 years. Part-time students may take up to 4 years to complete the program. The majority of courses are offered in the evenings. In addition to coursework, all epidemiology masters’ students are required to complete a 240-hour internship and an independent project.

Our proximity to the nation’s capital offers students unparalleled opportunities for research experiences in public health, including placements at the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and many other national, state, and local health agencies.

Contact

Brit I. Saksvig, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
2234 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2491
Email: bsaksvig@umd.edu

Website: http://sph.umd.edu/department/epib

Courses: EPIB

Applications for the MPH program with concentration in Epidemiology are reviewed with consideration to the following criteria:

1. Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA; outstanding performance in quantitative-oriented courses
2. Official transcripts for all completed college courses should be submitted directly to SOPHAS
3. Test scores. Official GRE and English proficiency (IELTS and TOEFL) scores, taken within the past 5 years, must be sent to 0485 (UMD SOPHAS code). GRE scores should be at least in the 50th percentile for all sections.
4. Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic capabilities and probability of success in graduate school
5. Statement of Purpose: your statement of purpose should address each of the following questions:
   1. describe your specific interest in epidemiology;
   2. what previous experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in epidemiology; and
   3. how do you believe UMD’s program will help you reach your career goals.
6. Relevant academic/work experience, including previous coursework in human biology or physiology, and statistical methods. 

The University of Maryland requires a Supplemental Application and a Supplemental Application Fee of $75 for each program. Applicants will receive e-mail instructions for how to complete the Supplemental Application once your SOPHAS application is complete. Applicants to the MPH program with concentration in Epidemiology should be sure to use the major code EPDM when selecting the program on the Supplemental Application.

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) at www.SOPHAS.org. Remember to designate the University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, as one of your school choices along with your desired program. The University of Maryland School of Public Health GRE Code in SOPHAS is 0485 (the GRE is required in all applications). For information please see http://sph.umd.edu/content/graduate-admissions.

Application Deadlines

Other Deadlines: Please visit the program website at http://www.sph.umd.edu

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics faculty includes individuals with multi-faceted interests in both epidemiology and biostatistics. Our faculty has multi-faceted interests and expertise in the epidemiology of infectious disease and chronic disease with particular focus in the areas of HIV/STIs, cancer, health disparities, cardiovascular disease, obesity/physical activity, and sexual and reproductive health. Additional areas of specialization include social and behavioral determinants of health, aging, cultural competency, and community-based interventions. Biostatistics faculty apply statistical techniques including survival and longitudinal analysis, computational statistics, statistical analysis of genomic and proteomic data, machine learning, neuroimaging statistics, (network) meta-analysis, missing data analysis, Bayesian hierarchical methods, and bioinformatics to analyze and interpret health data.