An Essential Guide to MPH Programs in Epidemiology: Finding Your Best Fit

Published on: Jun 28, 2024

WRITTEN BY

Talia Menezes
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul

Epidemiology lays the foundation for understanding population health and building public health policy. On a broad scale, epidemiologists serve as the architects of public health initiatives. Leveraging their expertise, they analyze disease patterns and assess the health impacts on specific populations. Epidemiology highlights trends such as transmission patterns and disease prevention strategies.

Most epidemiology professionals undergo professional training to acquire the necessary skills that underscore their responsibilities. In fact, most epidemiologists need formal public health education, usually a Master of Public Health specializing in Epidemiology, to be qualified for their position. Within the framework of an MPH program, students delve into specialized coursework encompassing epidemiology and biostatistics methodologies. These include the study of directed acyclic graphs (DAG), analysis of categorical data, and observational epidemiology study design alongside foundational statistical methods such as t-tests, linear regression, and risk ratios.

Why Specialize in Epidemiology?

The significance of specializing in Epidemiology extends far beyond the confines of academia; it carries profound implications for public health practice and policy. The CDC describes epidemiology as the study of distribution and determinants of human health outcomes and applying these analyses to address public health problems2. Epidemiologists address global public health challenges such as infectious disease control, mental health promotion, maternal and child health resources, and chronic health interventions.

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health outcomes by unraveling the complex interplay between biological, environmental, and social factors driving disease transmission. Epidemiologists use their research and analyses to inform evidence-based interventions, shape public health policy, and safeguard global health.

Choosing an MPH Program in Epidemiology

Beyond mastering technical skills, an Epidemiology MPH offers a breadth of exploration into various fields, including genetics, environmental health science, adolescent health, behavioral science, health administration, and community health science. A multidisciplinary approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological principles and their application across diverse contexts. As exciting as this opportunity may seem, selecting a master's in public health epidemiology program can be daunting for prospective students. Understandably, there are myriad considerations, from curriculum content to moving expenses.

We highly recommend that prospective students search for accredited MPH programs, especially those accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)3. This accreditation ensures that a program is held accountable by rigorous standards of academic excellence and program quality.

Beyond accreditation, there are many aspects of a degree program to consider, such as the curriculum structure, student services, course offerings, and opportunities for practical experience. Look for specific classes that excite you or for faculty members who specialize in a research area of interest. Moreover, applicants will weigh the opportunity costs associated with pursuing an MPH program, considering factors such as tuition fees, cost of living, and potential income foregone.

For instance, there are many epidemiology-related roles available to those who choose not to pursue a graduate degree, such as research analyst or behavioral health coordinator. However, they might not be able to advance into more senior positions or into management roles without further certification or a graduate degree.

Another critical component of a program to consider is the learning environment. Traditional, hybrid, and online formats each offer unique advantages and considerations. Traditional programs provide in-person interactions, while hybrid and online programs offer flexibility.

MPH Making an Impact

Program Profiles

5 Traditional Masters of Public Health Programs in Epidemiology

The selection below reflects a sample of top U.S. public health programs specializing in Epidemiology. The programs describe the traditional MPH degree format; see the next section for those with a hybrid or online format. These programs were selected from the top 20 schools in the 2024 U.S. News Best Public Health Programs report. Each program below holds accreditation from CEPH3.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Overview4:

  • Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Traditional 

Program Structure:

  • 11 months (July-May) with academic terms (5-8 weeks)

  • 80 total credits 

  • Students can choose a concentration and certificate 

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core courses → 45-50 credits

  • Concentration and/or Elective courses → 30-35 credits

  • MPH Concentration for those interested in an epidemiology MPH: Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research

  • Epidemiology-related certificates: Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals, Pharmacoepidemiology, and Drug Safety, Healthcare Epidemiology & Infection Prevention & Control

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: Required for all MPH students. It is a written research report that starts during the 1st academic term. There will also be an oral presentation during the Capstone Symposium. 

  • Practicum: This is required for all MPH students. The internship should be a population-level project with an established organization or agency. Students are expected to complete at least 100 hours for their practicum requirement. 

Faculty:

  • Notable Faculty: Dr. Tanjala Purnell, PhD, MPH, FASN, is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology. Her work in epidemiology and health services was featured on the Johns Hopkins webpage to highlight her contributions toward improving equity in transplantation and similar conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney diseases5. For one, Dr. Purnell is the Founding Director of the B.O.L.D. (Building Opportunities for Lasting Discoveries) Health Equity Initiative and Executive Director of Health Freedom: A Path to Wellness. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Applying to the Bloomberg MPH program requires two years of full-time work experience.

  • Standardized test scores are optional; they will be considered if you choose to include your scores.

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): December 1st, 2024

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: Approx. $82,440  

  • Cost of Attendance: Approx. $119,550

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: There are many JHSPH-associated scholarships, such as merit-based awards given by individual departments. Prospective students are automatically considered for many of these when they apply. Students can also apply for other internal and external funding opportunities.

Alumni Outcomes:

  • After one year of graduating, the top three industries in which JHSPH MPH alumni work are healthcare systems (25%), academia (23%), and non-profit organizations (16%)6.

Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Overview7

  • Location: Manhattan, New York, New York 

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Traditional 

Program Structure:

  • Two academic years

  • 52-60 total credits 

  • Students belong to a department and are required to choose a certificate track. 

Curriculum & Specialization:

  • Core courses → 21 credits; completed in the first semester

  • Department, Concentration, and Elective courses → 31-39 credits

  • The Mailman Epidemiology Department houses six certificate programs: Advanced Epidemiology, Epidemiology of Chronic Disease, Global Health, Health Communication, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, and Injury Prevention and Control. Students in the Epidemiology Department can choose one or several others outside their home department. 

Capstone & Practicum Requirements 

  • Thesis Project: This is required for all MPH students, but requirements vary by department. Instead of a Capstone, Epidemiology MPH students will complete a written research report in collaboration with a faculty member. The thesis follows the format of a peer-reviewed journal article. 

  • Practicum: This is required for all MPH students, but requirements vary by department. The Epidemiology department requires the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) to have at least 280 practicum hours. 

Faculty:

  • The research tracks under the Department of Epidemiology include Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Environmental Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Violence and Injury Epidemiology, Neuroepidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Social and Spatial Epidemiology, and Substance Abuse Epidemiology.

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Work experience is not required, but relevant paid/volunteer work is preferred for the Epidemiology MPH program.

  • Standardized test scores are optional; they will be considered if you include them.

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): January 15th, 2024 

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: Approx. $92,234

  • Cost of Attendance: Approx. $163,8944

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Many Mailman-associated scholarships, including merit-based grants, are available. Prospective students are automatically considered for many of these when they apply. Students can also apply for other internal and external funding opportunities.

Alumni Outcomes:

  • After one year of graduating, the top three industries MPH graduates from the Department of Epidemiology work in are healthcare systems (33%), academia (14%), and government agencies (14%)8.  

University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health

Overview9

  • Location: Berkeley, California

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Traditional 

  • Program Name: Epidemiology / Biostatistics MPH

Program Structure:

  • Two academic years

  • 48 total units 

  • Optional certificates 

Curriculum & Specialization:

  • Core courses → 6 courses, primarily completed in the first and second semesters

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistic coursework: ⅓ epidemiology classes, ⅓ biostatisic classes and ⅓ elective classes10

  • Students can choose from one of seven certificate programs to expand beyond epidemiology and biostatic topics. 

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: This is required for all MPH students. Epidemiology / Biostatistics MPH students will complete a Master’s research paper and presentation. 

  • Practicum: This is required for all MPH students. It usually takes place over the summer. The practicum must be a full-time placement for a minimum of 12 weeks. 

Faculty:

  • Notable Faculty: Jennifer ​Ahern, PhD, MPH, is the Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Epidemiology. Her work focuses on the impact of social and physical environments on health outcomes. Dr. Ahern is also an alumnus of the Berkely Epidemiology / Biostatistics MPH program11. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Work experience is not required, but relevant paid/volunteer work is preferred for the Epidemiology / Biostatistics MPH program.

  • Standardized test scores are optional; they will be considered if you choose to include your scores.

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): December 4th, 2024

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition + Fees for California Residents: Approx. $21,416

  • Program Tuition + Fees for California Non-Residents: Approx. $55,616

  • Cost of Attendance: Approx. $57,478 or $91,67812

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: There are scholarships and grants offered through UCB, some of which are department-specific. Prospective students are automatically considered for many of these when they apply. Students can also apply for other internal and external funding opportunities.

Alumni Outcomes:

  • After one year of graduating, Berkeley Public Health alums go on to work in these top industries: continuing education (25%), healthcare systems (18%), and academia (11%)13.

Boston University School of Public Health

Overview14

  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Traditional 

Program Structure:

  • 16 months; 3 semesters

  • 48 total credits 

  • Students are required to select an MPH Functional Certificate 

  • Up to 4 core classes can be taken online

Curriculum & Specialization:

  • Core courses → 4 core classes

  • For those that chose the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Functional Certificate, there are dedicated classes for these topics → 16 credits.

  • Students in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Certificate program can opt to conduct data analysis or critically evaluate published literature (Integrative Learning Experience)

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: The Integrative Learning Experience might replace the capstone/thesis requirement for those in the Epi/Biostat certificate

  • Practicum: This is required for all MPH students. Students are expected to complete at least 240 hours for their practicum requirement. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Work experience is not required but is valued in the application process

  • Standardized test scores are not required, and any provided scores will not be considered 

  • Application deadline (Spring 2025): December 15th, 2024

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): June 1st, 2025

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: Approx. $95,712.00

  • Cost of Attendance: Approx. $131,50215

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Students accepted to the BU On-Campus MPH program are guaranteed to receive a scholarship. In 2024, accepted students received the $25,000 Access Grant. Students are eligible for other institutional scholarships and external funding opportunities. 

Alumni Outcomes:

  • After one year of graduating, the top three industries BUSPH alums from the Epi/Biostat MPH program go into are healthcare systems (23%), pharmaceutical companies (15%), and academia (12%)16. 

CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy

Overview17

  • Location: Manhattan, New York, New York  

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Traditional 

  • Program Name: MPH in Epidemiology & Biostatistics 

Program Structure:

  • Two academic years; 4 semesters

  • 42 total credits 

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core courses → 15 credits; Mostly during the first semester

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics required courses → 15 credits

  • Elective courses → 6 credits

Capstone & Practicum Requirements:

  • Capstone Project: This is a writing project that requires all MPH students to answer a public health research question. Most students will use the data collected or project experience from the Fieldwork (practicum) project for their capstone.

  • Practicum: This is required for all MPH students. The internship should be at least 180 hours. 

Faculty:

  • Notable Faculty: Dr. Levi Waldron is a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at CUNY SPH. His recent publication in Nature Medicine was celebrated on the CUNY SPH webpage for its innovative discoveries about the gut microbiome and cancer treatment18. His research team found gut microbiome changes in response to advanced melanoma treatment. Importantly, patterns in the bacteria might be able to predict health outcomes of immune therapy treatments.

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Background volunteer/paid/research work in epidemiology, biostatistics, health-related research, or other public health-related practices is required.  

  • Standardized test scores are optional; they will be considered if you include your scores, primarily to determine proficiency in college-level math.

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): April 1st, 2025

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition for New York Residents: Approx. $29,460

  • Program Tuition for New York Non-Residents: Approx. $42,210

  • Cost of Attendance: Approx. $80,420 or $93,17019

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: There are many CUNY SPH-associated scholarships. Prospective students are automatically considered for many of these when they apply. Students can also apply for other internal and external funding opportunities.

Alumni Outcomes:

  • After one year of graduating, the top three industries MPH in Epidemiology & Biostatistics alums are working in: healthcare systems (40%), for-profit organizations (23%), and academia (17%)20.

5 Hybrid and Online Master of Public Health Programs in Epidemiology

The selection below reflects a sample of top U.S. public health programs specializing in Epidemiology and offering asynchronous curriculums. These programs were selected from the top schools in the 2024 U.S. News Best Public Health Programs report. Each program below holds accreditation from CEPH3.

Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

Overview30

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: 100% Online 

  • Program Name: Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology

Program Structure:

  • No campus residency requirement

  • 12 months or more; 12, 18, 21, 33-month plans or a custom plan can be created

  • 46 total quarter credits 

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core courses → 32 credits (10-11 classes)

  • Several epidemiology Graduate Minors are available to add to the MPH: Applied Data Science, Computational Data Science, Healthcare Informatics, Environmental Epidemiology, Biostatistics 

  • Epidemiology-specific coursework: Intermediate SAS, Applied Bayesian Analysis, Survival Data Analysis, Environmental Exposure Science, Evidence Evaluation for Identification of Environmental Hazards, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Perinatal Epidemiology, 

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: This project is required for all MPH students and is conducted through the integrative learning experience requirement. Students will apply core public health competencies and demonstrate epidemiology-specific learning in the written final product of this course. . 

  • Practicum: The Applied Practical Experience (APE) is required for all MPH students. The internship should last at least 120 hours. While the APE is usually community-based fieldwork, it can be done with various other organizations or even completed online in a course setting.

Faculty:

  • Notable Faculty: Sharrelle Barber, SCD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Dornsife School of Public Health. At the 2023 annual Society for Epidemiologic Research meeting, Dr. Barber won the Diverse and Inclusive Epidemiology Award for her work to include under-represented populations and researchers in the epidemiology field. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • Highly recommended pre-requisite courses: statistics, math/science, 6 credits of social or behavioral sciences

  • Preferred pre-requisite courses: 3 credits in biological sciences

  • Standardized test scores are optional; they will be considered if you choose to include your scores, especially to determine proficiency in college-level math. A quantitative GRE score is required if the applicant does not have previous math coursework.

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025; 18, 21, 33-month plans): August 26th, 2025

  • Application deadline (Summer 2025; 12-month plan): May 28th, 2025

  • Apply through the Discover Drexel Portal

Tuition and Financial Aidv

  • Program Tuition: $1,032 per credit

  • Cost of the Program: Approx. $58,042

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Students are eligible for federal financial aid, and there are additional grant and scholarship opportunities. 92% of full-time Master’s students receive some form of scholarship funding. Additionally, there are special tuition rates for Drexel alumni, Military members, and several other partner organizations. 

Alumni Outcomes:

  • About 87% of graduates from the Drexel University Online MPH program are employed! A recent graduate, Ashley Diamond, completed her online MPH in Epidemiology with a minor in Infection Control while living in her home state of Colorado. Since graduating, she has worked as an Infection Preventionist at the University of Colorado Hospital, where she did her practicum. 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health

Overview32

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: 100% Online 

  • Program Name: Online MPH in Epidemiology (Applied Epidemiology concentration)

Program Structure:

  • Full and part-time options for students

  • 20-36 months program length

  • 42 total credits

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core courses → 14 credits

  • Epidemiology-specific courses → 14 credits

  • Elective credits → 9 credits

  • Culmination experiences and practicum → 4 credits

  • Epidemiology-specific coursework: Epidemiologic Data Analysis, Methods in Field Epidemiology, Fundamentals of Public Health Surveillance

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: This is fulfilled through the Culminating Experience course, which includes a written product and is tailored toward the student’s concentration 

  • Practicum: The practicum work experience is required for all MPH students. Students are required to complete 200 hours of professional public health work. There is a pre-practicum class in the curriculum to prepare students and a post-practicum class to reflect and connect the experience to coursework. 

Faculty:

  • Notable Faculty: Chantel Martin, PhD, is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Link. Dr. Martin won the 2022 Gillings Faculty Award for Excellence in Health Equity Research to honor her work addressing social adversity and its links to negative health outcomes. Part of Dr. Martin’s research scope includes how the social environment, racism, and discrimination impact epigenetic pathways.

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • The GRE is not required nor recommended for applicants

  • General application deadline (Fall 2025): July 2nd, 2025 

  • Early priority deadline (Fall 2025): May 14th, 2024

  • Early admission deadline (Fall 2025): June 11th, 2024 

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: $1,735 per credit

  • Cost of the Program: Approx. $74,074.98

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Students are eligible for federal financial aid, and there are external grant and fellowship opportunities. There are also UNC-associated funding opportunities for MPH students, such as the Master’s Merit Fellowship package and the Weiss Urban Livability Fellowship Program. 

Alumni Outcomes:

  • About 99% of graduates from the UNC MPH degree program have a job or are continuing their education within one year of graduation.

Indiana University Indianapolis Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health

Overview34

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Hybrid or Online

  • Program Name: Master of Public Health in Epidemiology

Program Structure:

  • Online MPH Program: There is no residential requirement, and the program consists of accelerated 8-week semesters. Students can complete their MPH in 15 months to 3 years. 

  • Hyrbid MPH Program: At least 50% of courses are taken in person. Completing the MPH in this format takes two to five years. 

  • Part-time and full-time options for the hybrid and online formats

  • 45 total credits

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core Courses → 18 credits (6 classes)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Courses → 12 credits (4 classes)

  • Elective Credits → 9 credits (3 classes)

  • Public Health Practical Experience Courses → 6 credits (2 classes)

  • Public Health Certificate Prep → 1 credit (CPH Exam Review Course)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Coursework: Advanced Epidemiology, Public Health Informatics, Applied Epidemiology Methods, Observational Studies

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: Students take a 3-credit Capstone Experience class toward the end of their MPH degree program 

  • Public Health Exam: MPH students are required to take the prep course as a part of the curriculum and to pass the CPH exam before graduation.

  • Practicum: All MPH students are required to complete 160 hours of internship work with a public health organization or agency. 

Faculty:

  • Learn about epidemiology and public health from leading experts in their fields, such as Dr. Gerardo Maupomé and Dr. Thomas Duszynski. The Epidemiology Department has professors who specialize in topics such as injury epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and even public health informatics. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • The GRE is not required unless you are an international student or have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0

  • A 3.0 undergraduate GPA and above is required

  • Online MPH: Rolling Admissions

  • Hybrid MPH: August 1st, 2024 (Fall 2024) & November 1st, 2024 (Spring 2025)

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Hybrid Program Tuition: $582 per credit (Indiana Residents) or $1,412 (Out of State Residents)

  • Online Program Tuition: $582 per credit (Indiana Residents) or $627 per credit (Out of State Residents) 

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Students are eligible for federal financial aid, and there are external grant and fellowship opportunities. Through Indiana University, there are grants and scholarships available too. IU Epidemiology MPH students are eligible for specific opportunities such as the Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship and the Outrun the Sun Scholarship.

University of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Public Health

Overview37

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: Online

  • Program Name: Masters in Epidemiology Online MPH

Program Structure:

  • 42 total credits (14 courses)

  • Part-time or full-time structures are available

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core Courses → 15 credits (5 classes)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Courses → 15 credits (5 classes)

  • Elective Courses → 6 credits (2 classes)

  • Applied Knowledge Courses → 6 credits (2 classes)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Coursework: Biostatistical Programming, Biostatistics for Health Data, Applied Epidemiology Methods, Quantitative Models for Public Health, Advanced Regression Modeling

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: Students take a 3-credit Integrated Practical Learning class after completing their practicum hours. In this course, students will complete a written project, which is often related to their internship experiences.

  • Practicum: All MPH students are required to do approximately 200-220 hours of internship work over two semesters

Faculty:

  • UMass Lowell has a robust public health faculty with some notable experts in epidemiology. Natalia Palacios, Sc.D., is an Associate Professor and was recently featured in a UML article for her new publication exploring the gut microbiome risk factors for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • The GRE is not required 

  • A 3.0 undergraduate GPA and above is required

  • Required Coursework: one semester of statistics, one semester of biology, anatomy or physiology

  • Rolling admissions with multiple start date options

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: $600 per credit 

  • Total Tuition Costs: $25,200 + $30 registration fee each term period

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Students are eligible for federal financial aid. Online MPH students are also eligible for various grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Several merit scholarship opportunities are available, such as the Double River Hawk Graduate Fellowship and the Graduate Online and Professional Studies (GPS) Graduate Fellowship. These, in particular, do not require any additional application materials.

Alumni Outcomes:

  • The State of Massachusetts, Bay Cove Human Services, Sanofi, Ginkgo Bioworks, Guidehouse, Mass General Brigham, and the Massachusetts Trial Court are among the top employers in Massachusetts that hired graduates from the Epidemiology MPH program.

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

Overview40

  • Accreditation: CEPH-Accredited 

  • Format: 100% Online

  • Program Name: Online MPH in Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Program Structure:

  • 42 total credits

  • Choose from the full-time, part-time, or one-year fast-track enrollment options

  • No residency requirement

  • Spring, summer, and fall start dates

Curriculum & Specialization: 

  • Core Courses → 16 credits (4 classes)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Courses → 16 credits (4 classes)

  • Elective Courses → 8 credits (2 classes)

  • Applied Knowledge Courses → 2 credits (2 classes)

  • Epidemiology-Specific Coursework: Data Analysis SAS, Data Analysis Stata, Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Epidemiological Approach to Environmental Health, and Program Evaluation and Research.

Capstone & Practicum Requirements: 

  • Capstone Project: During the last semester of the MPH program, students enroll in the 1-unit course Capstone in Public Health. Students will complete a project that builds upon their practicum hours and portfolio. 

  • Practicum: The curriculum includes a one-unit Practicum in Public Health class. Students are expected to complete 260 hours of field training in a public health organization as part of the internship requirement. They will also complete a mid-practicum assessment and produce a portfolio to present their experiences. 

Faculty:

  • As a part of the USC MPH program, students can attend faculty-led experiential learning trips and earn course credit. These trips are often international and usually 2 weeks long. 

  • The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department at the Keck School of Medicine is home to a widely accomplished cohort of faculty members. These include Meredith Franklin, PhD, who specializes in environmental statistics and pollution epidemiology, and Tom Mack, MD, MPH, who focuses on infectious and chronic disease epidemiology. 

  • Online MPH students will likely take their Epidemiology and Research Methods class with Roksana Karim, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor of Clinical Preventive Medicine. Her work is dedicated to women’s health and chronic diseases. 

Notable Admission Requirements:

  • The GRE is not required 

  • A 3.0 undergraduate GPA and above is required

  • Application deadline (Fall 2025): July 19th, 2025

Tuition and Financial Aid:

  • Program Tuition: $2,244 per credit 

  • Total Tuition Costs: $94,248

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Online MPH students at USC are eligible for federal financial aid. There are additional scholarship opportunities specific to online MPH students, such as the Breman Global Health Fellowship, the Gehr Family Student Innovator Award Program, and various USC Alumni Association Scholarships. 

Alumni Outcomes:

  • Graduates of the online USC MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics have taken on roles in hospital systems, government health agencies at all levels, pharmaceutical companies, medical centers, insurance companies, and nonprofits. Their responsibilities include project management, statistical analysis, clinical data science research, and even infection control/prevention.

Application Advice

Getting a competitive edge in your application process begins with early action and reaching out for guidance. However, the process is not just about understanding admission statistics like acceptance rates, tuition costs, and average GPAs. We encourage you to connect with schools directly to understand better what they offer beyond the numbers. Ask about campus life, community engagement, connections to potential employers, and available resources, including support for resume writing.

Authenticity in a statement of purpose will be essential. The admission committee is not looking for all the correct answers. They want to learn more about your journey and what makes you a unique addition to their cohort. Highlight your empathy and creativity—it's not just about what's on your resume.

Apply to 3-5 schools that genuinely excite you. It’s important to shortlist which schools you wish to apply to. This allows an applicant to spend their time creating a more authentic application without the risk of burnout. Show how you fit into their program by tying in personal details. Look for shared interests with faculty or specific program requirements that resonate with you. Keep a running list of requirements and notes to compare programs as your preferences evolve quickly.

Career Outlook

Because of a well-rounded and extensive curriculum, MPH graduates with an epidemiology concentration can pursue various career paths, including clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, healthcare data analysis, population health coordinator, HIV epidemiology, health research, and infectious disease epidemiology. Moreover, capstone and practicum requirements provide invaluable applied epidemiology experience for gaining hands-on skills, networking, and exploring career interests. If you’re curious to learn more about what you can do after an MPH Epidemiology program, this article is a great start.

Key Takeaways

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we are experiencing a boost in epidemiology-related jobs. Between 2022 and 2032, they project a 27% increase in epidemiology employment, with 800 openings each year28. There is an undeniable demand for more trained public health professionals, making it an excellent time for you to explore your interest in epidemiology.

A masters in public health epidemiology program specializing in Epidemiology provides an exceptional opportunity to develop the skills to address today's and tomorrow's pressing public health challenges.

References:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm

  2. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11200

  3. https://ceph.org/about/org-info/who-we-accredit/accredited/

  4. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/academics/mph

  5. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3109/tanjala-s-purnell

  6. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-03/careeroutcomesreportupdatedfeb22.pdf

  7. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/academics/degrees/master-public-health

  8. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/file/5723/download?token=a1aZlDLx

  9. https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/academics/programs/epidemiology-mph

  10. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f-qJ6ZCMGNOVsqTDX9CkRq-tJ9JI7CJJqUHFzQFvtqM/edit

  11. https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/people/jennifer-ahern

  12. https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/how-aid-works/student-budgets-cost-of-attendance/

  13. https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/app/uploads/Berkeley-Public-Health-brochure-2019-2020.pdf

  14. https://www.bu.edu/sph/education/degrees-and-programs/master-of-public-health-programs/

  15. https://www.bumc.bu.edu/osfs/cost-of-attendance-bot/sph-coa/

  16. https://www.bu.edu/sph/files/2021/02/EPIBIO-TITLES-AND-EMPLOYERS-2020.pdf

  17. https://sph.cuny.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/masters-programs/mph-in-epidemiology-and-biostatistics/

  18. https://sph.cuny.edu/life-at-sph/news/2024/02/21/immune-therapy-changes-in-gut-microbiome-shed-light-on-effectiveness-of-treatment/

  19. https://sph.cuny.edu/students/student-services/bursar/tuition-and-fees/

  20. https://sph.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SPH_career_2024_v01.pdf?_gl=1*57t52j*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI2MDA4Njc1MC4xNzEwNDAxMDgx*_ga_6XD2NXSRSN*MTcxMDQwMTA3OC4xLjEuMTcxMDQwMTA4OS4wLjAuMA..

  21. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/academics/mph/program-options/onlinepart-time-format

  22. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/academics/degrees/master-public-health/advanced-mph-online

  23. https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/academics/online

  24. https://gradapp.berkeley.edu/account/login?r=https%3a%2f%2fgradapp.berkeley.edu%2fapply%2ffrm%3f39d405e7-53e8-412f-a704-d3f79c89dadd

  25. https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/app/uploads/Berkeley-Public-Health-brochure-2019-2020.pdf

  26. https://www.bu.edu/sph/education/degrees-and-programs/online-master-of-public-health/

  27. https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/Menu/index.html

  28. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm

  29. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/public-health-rankings

  30. https://drexel.edu/dornsife/academics/degrees/online-mph-in-epidemiology/

  31. https://drexel.edu/dornsife/academics/faculty/Sharrelle-Barber/

  32. https://onlinemph.unc.edu/concentrations/applied-epidemiology/

  33. https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/martin-receives-2022-gillings-faculty-award-for-excellence-in-health-equity-research/

  34. https://fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/masters/mph/index.html

  35. https://fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/about/directory/maupome-gerardo.html

  36. https://fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/about/directory/duszynski-thomas.html

  37. https://gps.uml.edu/degrees/grad/online-master-public-health-epidemiology-degree.cfm

  38. https://www.uml.edu/health-sciences/public-health/faculty/palacios-natalia.aspx

  39. https://www.uml.edu/news/stories/2023/microbiome-brain.aspx

  40. https://online.usc.edu/programs/master-of-public-health/

  41. https://mphdegree.usc.edu/faculty/meredith-franklin

  42. https://mphdegree.usc.edu/faculty/tom-mack-md-mph

  43. https://mphdegree.usc.edu/faculty/roksana-karim

About the Authors

Written by:

Talia Menezes, MPH

Talia Menezes, MPH, is currently an HRTP intern at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH), where she supports the project team for Early Childhood Mental Health Services. In this role, she focuses on data collection and analysis for early childhood mental health programs for the Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF). During her graduate studies, Ms. Menezes completed a practicum focused on the gut-brain-immune axis and its impacts on neuropsychiatric outcomes, including Long Covid, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Ms. Menezes holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology from Columbia University, with a specialization in Chronic Disease.  She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from Santa Clara University.

Prior to pursuing her MPH, Ms. Menezes was a Clinical Research Coordinator at Stanford University, working with the Binns Program for Cord Blood Research. Her diverse background in research and public health has equipped her with a robust understanding of the intersections between chronic disease, microbiology, mental health, and epidemiology.

Opinions and information published by the author here on MastersPublicHealth.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer or other organizations for my designated roles.

Talia Menezes, MPH

Contributing Author

Education: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Knowledge: Epidemiology, Chronic Disease

Reviewed by:

Katherine Paul, MPH

Katherine Paul, MPH is a senior project manager at a leading medical communications and publications organization. She supports multidisciplinary teams handling large-scale accounts, the deliverables of which improve health outcomes and patient well-being. Ms. Paul holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Promotion from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) shortly after graduation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Dickinson College.

Ms. Paul previously worked at a public health non-profit where she managed all aspects of diverse health-related projects, including the implementation of a randomized controlled clinical trial on sexual health for teens with developmental disabilities, as well as the evaluation of a statewide tobacco cessation program with more than 20,000 annual cases. She has developed and delivered posters and presentations at national conferences including the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Opinions and information published by the author here on MastersPublicHealth.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer or other organizations for my designated roles.

Katherine Paul

Katherine Paul, MPH

Editorial Lead

Education: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health

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