Best Online Masters Programs in Epidemiology

The Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH-EPI) program at the Harvard Chan School is tailored to equip students with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in leadership roles within their respective fields, all while accommodating their demanding schedules. As part of this program, students specialize in advanced quantitative epidemiology methodologies, focusing on their applications in both clinical and population health research, policy development, and implementation of public health initiatives.

This unique part-time format of the MPH-EPI program integrates a blend of on-campus, online, and field learning experiences, providing students with a comprehensive educational journey that caters to their professional and personal commitments. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, students benefit from the renowned expertise of faculty members at the Harvard Chan School, gaining insights into cutting-edge epidemiological techniques and strategies.

The program offers students the flexibility to participate in coursework and collaborative activities online, enabling them to effectively manage their studies alongside their professional commitments. In addition, on-campus sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to engage in in-depth discussions, receive hands-on training, and network with both peers and field experts.

Moreover, field learning experiences are incorporated into the program, providing students with firsthand exposure to real-world epidemiological challenges. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, thereby strengthening their problem-solving skills and preparing them for leadership roles in tackling complex public health issues.

The Online MS in Epidemiology is designed to provide working professionals with the additional knowledge, skills, and credentials they need to advance in their career or pursue a new direction.

Online MS students gain a command of major concepts and techniques in epidemiology and a solid foundation in biostatistics. They acquire the skills needed to develop testable hypotheses and design research projects, from clinical trials to broad population studies.

The rigorous research degree program is designed for highly motivated professionals working in health departments, academia, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings.

Our new online platform uses learning management systems to deliver course content.

The virtual Online MS gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace. Materials and lectures can be viewed repeatedly to reinforce concepts. Students also have the flexibility needed to manage a full-time job, other responsibilities, and earn their MS in Epidemiology at a world-class institution.

With an on-line weekend class schedule, the program is tailored to accommodate the professional and family obligations of working students:.

Between program weekends, virtual of­fice hours review sessions are scheduled for each course.

Our MS Epidemiology students have access to the following resources to help them plan their career:.

Off-campus jobs and internships shared through monthly newsletter from the EPID Program.

Connections to Georgetown alumni through Hoya Gateway, an online platform matching students to grads who volunteer advising time and expertise.

Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases and Fellowship Program.

By pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH), you can choose to specialize in epidemiology and address the need for competent public health experts who have the ability to rigorously evaluate scientific information and use it to better society.

Manage and develop public health programs, monitor their progress and see ways to optimize and innovate research techniques.

Many in the field also pursue courses or continuing education in biochemistry or molecular biology so they can specialize in certain numerous applications or variations of epidemiology. This kind of training prepares students to use the tools most commonly associated with the field such as SAS or SPSS statistical software, interviewing techniques and medical processes such as drawing blood.

Due to its diverse nature, epidemiology work environments can vary widely, but no matter the occupational setting, epidemiologists typically work to align evidence with real-world problems and reveal new ways to resolve public health issues around the globe.

Epidemiologists are typically employed at health departments for state and local governments in offices and laboratories. Epidemiologists are hired at hospitals, colleges, universities and federal government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Private organizations, such as CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, also employ epidemiologists.

Aspiring public health professionals fascinated by the idea of investigating, analyzing, and collecting data to improve the health of populations around the world may be interested in specializing in epidemiology.

Specializing in epidemiology presents a wide number of possibilities for employment, enabling these professionals to find a particular occupational sector or setting that aligns with their interests.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Epidemiological and infection control capacity is expected to increase in hospitals as hospitals join programs such as the National Healthcare Safety Network and realize the benefits of strengthened infection control programs.2.

Most epidemiologists have a standard schedule and work full time. Occasionally, epidemiologists may have to work long or irregular hours in order to complete fieldwork or tend to duties during public health emergencies.

The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $74,560 in May 2020. In May 2020, the median annual wages for epidemiologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:3.

MPH GW offers students part-time or full-time completion tracks with an option to earn your degree online in as little as 12 months. Students also have the opportunity to tailor their curriculum and concentrate their electives in public health disciplines such as epidemiology.

Fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), MPH GW enables students to advance their public health career online from a top-ranked school without relocating.

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) consists of 14 courses and total 43 credits. The degree can be completed in just two years with or without a graduate certificate.

Throughout the program, you complete 7 core courses, 5 electives, and 2 capstone courses. Students may earn a graduate certificate in Health Management and Policy, Health Education and Promotion, Data Analytics or Epidemiology with their five elective courses. Students are not required to select a graduate certificate to complete and are able to select five elective courses to fulfill their degree requirements.

Students have the opportunity to complete an optional certificate or customize their degree plan with elective courses that amount to 15 total credits. If chosen to complete a certificate, this will fulfill their five elective course option.

PBHL 5503 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation I (3 credits).

Studies the patterns of disease and injury in human populations and applies findings to the control of health problems using Excel and PASW (formerly SPSS) statistical software.

PBHL 6203 Public Health Education Programs and Skills (3 credits).

PBHL 6203 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation.

During the internship, students will demonstrate skills and competencies learned in the MPH program in a practical, supervised experience in a health-related agency. The purpose of the internship is to provide experiential learning and the opportunity to explore professional goals.