The Department of Epidemiology offers the following three graduate degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, and Master of Public Health, for individuals intending to become academicians, highly qualified research specialists, or well-trained public health practitioners, respectively. The department also offers a number of degree tracks within the master's degree programs, as well as several graduate certificates.
Graduate Programs
Epidemiology
Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Epidemiology)
Program Overview
Deepen your knowledge of epidemiologic methods and principles through a rigorous academic curriculum coupled with research skill development by working alongside renowned faculty and a talented and diverse student body. Graduates of our PhD program have found success improving public health through research in positions in academia, research institutes, government, and industry.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Required Public Health Interdisciplinary Course: PHI 500
Elective Epidemiology Courses: One Infectious Disease Course, one Non-Infectious Disease Course, and one additional Disease/Exposure or Methods course. All course lists maintained by the program.
Additional School of Public Health Courses: Minimum of 3 graduate courses of 2 or more credits offered within the School of Public Health.
Program of Study: Master Of Public Health (Epidemiology)
Program Overview
The General Epidemiology Track combines broad training in public health with specific training in the principles and methods of epidemiology. The degree requirements include course work in epidemiology, biostatistics, health disparities, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, as well as a practicum experience in a public health agency; and completion of either a capstone project or a research-based master's thesis. Students may select the Epidemiology MPH General Track or the Epidemiology MPH Maternal and Child Health Track.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Public Health (Epidemiology)
Master Of Public Health (Epidemiology: Global Health)
Master Of Public Health (Epidemiology: Maternal And Child Health)
Program of Study: Master Of Public Health (Public Health Genetics)
Program Overview
The MPH degree program trains students in the fundamentals of public health genetics within the context of law, ethics, and policy. The degree requirements include course work in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, environmental health, law, ethics, and sociocultural aspects of public health genetics; a practice experience (practicum); and completion of a research-based Master’s thesis. The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Program of Study: Master Of Science (Epidemiology)
Program Overview
The MS program includes course work in epidemiology and biostatistics, epidemiology and public health electives, and a research-based master's thesis. This degree is appropriate for students with a bachelor’s degree or a clinical doctorate who prefer a program more strictly focused on epidemiologic research methods training than the MPH to prepare for research and teaching careers.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Science (Epidemiology: Clinical & Translational Research)
Master Of Science (Epidemiology: Public Health)
Master Of Science (Epidemiology: Clinical & Translational Research)
Credential Overview
The Clinical and Translational Research Methods track is a research training program designed for clinicians who intend to conduct research with patients in clinical settings. Examples include clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, studies of new tools for diagnosis or for monitoring disease course, and studies of factors that influence the outcome of illness.
Additional Translational Research Course Requirement: Minimum of 2 credits from the approved list of Translational focus courses. Course list maintained by the program.
Additional Biostatistics Requirement: BIOST 524
Research Ethics Requirement: B H 536 or 6 hours of the UW BRI Lecture Series
The MS General Track offers in-depth training in epidemiologic methods for students preparing to pursue a research focused career. Students may tailor the degree to specific interests through elective coursework and the thesis.
Required Public Health Interdisciplinary Course: PHI 500
Additional Option-specific Requirement (Varies depending on option): See additional requirements section below for option-specific requirements.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option-specific requirements:
Additional Epidemiology Course Requirement: Minimum 6 credits chosen from elective course lists maintained by the program. At least one course chosen must be Disease/Exposure focus.
Additional School of Public Health Course Requirement: Minimum 2 graduate courses offered within the School of Public Health.
Program of Study: Master Of Science (Genetic Epidemiology)
Program Overview
The program provides in-depth training in genetic epidemiology through unique coursework and training opportunities. Genetic epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on training in epidemiology, genetics, and biostatistics. This unique field examines how genes and environmental factors interact to influence health and disease in human populations. The Master of Science degree in Genetic Epidemiology at the UW was one of the first such programs to be developed. Training in genetic epidemiology focuses on methods to identify genetic diseases and their interactions with environmental exposures in populations. The program emphasizes applied research skills.
This program of study leads to the following credential: