Degree Programs | Master of Science | Chronic Disease Epidemiology Track | Chronic Disease Epidemiology Track

Chronic Disease Epidemiology Track

With the growth of biotechnology and medical research in the pharmaceutical industry there is a high demand for well-trained graduates in chronic disease epidemiology. This track provides intensive training in epidemiology and research methods for medical and health care professionals, or others seeking the skills necessary to conduct epidemiological research in their professional practice. Applicants without a prior doctorate but with a strong background in a biological or social science are also eligible to apply for this degree. 

Curriculum

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The M.S. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology requires the completion of ten courses, including a Capstone course. The M.S. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology requires the student to complete the following courses. All "a" courses are offered in the fall term, "b" courses are offered in the spring term.

  • BIS 623a, Applied Regression Analysis (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 625a, Categorical Data Analysis (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 630b, Applied Survival Analysis (0.5 Course Unit)
  • BIS 632b, Design and Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies (0.5 Course Unit)
  • CDE 508a, Principles of Epidemiology I (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 516b, Principles of Epidemiology II (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 523b, Measurement Issues in Chronic Disease Epidemiology (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 617b, Developing a Research Protocol (Capstone Course)* (1 Course Unit)
  • EPH 600b, Research Ethics and Responsibility (SAT/UNSAT) 

Three of the following ELECTIVES:

  • BIS 511a, GIS Applications in Epidemiology and Public Health (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 540a, Fundamentals of Clinical Trials (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 561b, Advanced Topics in Multicenter Clinical Trials (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 631a, Topics in Genetic Epidemiology (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 643b, Theory of Survival Analysis and its Applications (1 Course Unit)
  • BIS 645a, Statistical Methods in Human Genetics (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 518b, Introduction to Pharmacoepidemiology (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 520b, Chronic Disease Genetics and Genomics (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 531a, Health and Aging (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 532b, Epidemiology of Cancer (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 533a, Topics in Perinatal Epidemiology (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 535b, Epidemiology of Heart Disease and Stroke (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 562a, Nutrition and Chronic Disease (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 630a, Molecular Epidemiology of Chronic Disease (1 Course Unit)
  • CDE 650a, Introduction to Evidence-Based Health Care and Medicine (1 Course Unit)

*In this capstone course, the student is required to complete an NIH-type grant application that is deemed reasonably competitive by the instructor. An optional addition to the capstone experience is an individualized tutorial in which the student completes a manuscript that is suitable for submission for publication in a relevant journal. 

MS Competencies

Upon receiving an M.S. degree in Epidemiology and Public Health with a concentration in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, the student will be able to:

  • Explain and apply the terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
  • Evaluate the scientific merit and feasibility of epidemiologic study designs.
  • Describe the epidemiology of common chronic diseases.
  • Synthesize information from a variety of epidemiologic and related studies.
  • Design and carry out epidemiologic studies, with minimal supervision.
  • Analyze data and draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic studies at an intermediate to advanced level, using a variety of analytical tools including multivariate logistic regression, Poisson regression, linear regression, and survival analysis.
  • Write an NIH-type epidemiologic research proposal.
  • Identify, interpret, and use routinely collected data on disease occurrence.
  • Review, critique and evaluate epidemiologic reports and research articles at an intermediate level.

Chronic Disease Epidemiology Track - Prerequisites

The candidate should have a basic understanding of quantitative science and statistics. Typically, we expect candidates with strong science backgrounds to apply who have demonstrated competency in statistical analysis and logical thinking. Applicants from rigorous programs in the biological or social sciences will be given preference. Persons already holding science Ph.D.s, candidates from the pharmaceutical industry or medical practitioners are also likely degree applicants. At a minimum, applicants should have taken one year of coursework in statistics or equivalent prior to enrolling in the Chronic Disease Epidemiology program track.