4+1 Accelerated MS in Epidemiology
Fast-track your education in epidemiology with our accelerated bachelor's and master’s degree.
Epidemiology is the basic science of public health. Epidemiologists study disease and other negative health problems in specific populations, such as sudden spikes in asthma in inner cities or heightened risk of disease in the wake of a hurricane. They research the cause, path, and rate of disease and how to control its spread. They also contribute to health care related policy decisions, often providing testimony and recommendations.
Our 4+1 accelerated MS in epidemiology degree is rigorous and demanding, requiring you to take courses toward a graduate degree during your last year of undergraduate studies. You’ll complete the remaining requirements for the graduate degree during one year of study as a graduate student. The 45-credit program develops an epidemiological focus on public health issues with emphasis on improving methodological and quantitative skills.
MS in epidemiology course requirements:
- Three public health core courses (7 credits)
- Six epidemiology and biostatistics core courses (18 credits)
- Four epidemiology electives (12 credits)
- One other elective (3 credits)
- Culminating experience/master’s thesis (5 credits)
Benefits list
Get Started as an Undergraduate
Our 4+1 accelerated MS program allows interested undergraduates to take 12-18 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate, and then complete their master’s degree with just one additional year of full-time graduate study.
Undergraduate Focus Area
The 4+1 focus area requirement allows you to explore areas of interest and relevance to public health and draw connections between disciplines. The classes you choose will enhance your understanding of the field and better prepare you for a career as a public health professional.
CEPH Accreditation
Every program in the department of biostatistics and epidemiology, like every other department within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, is fully accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health, a key benefit of attending UMass.
Featured faculty
Katherine Reeves
Professor of Epidemiology
Focus on cancer epidemiology, women's health, breast cancer, endocrine disruption
Elizabeth Donohoe Cook
Graduate Program Director, Biostatistics & Epidemiology
Focus on principles of and applied epidemiology.
Cassandra Spracklen
Focus on genetic epidemiology; genetics of cardiometabolic traits; reproductive and perinatal epidemiology; life course epidemiology
Andrew Lover
Deputy Director, New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease
Focus on infectious disease epidemiology; vector-borne disease; malaria; global health; epidemiological study design
In the spotlight
I choose to embark on the 4+1 program journey because I knew that it would benefit me academically and financially, and help me progress through my career development. The most valuable benefit that I experienced through this graduate program was the amount of knowledge and skills that I gained through the amazing courses that I took.
Application information & deadlines
Interested students should apply for the 4+1 program during their junior year and must meet all eligibility requirements.
Application Deadline
Students submit the 4+1 application to the department.
Epidemiology
Preparing our future workforce to confront myriad, complex public health challenges.