MS in Epidemiology
Focus your research lens on epidemiology with our master’s degree.
Epidemiology is scientific, systematic, data-driven, and a rewarding academic path if you want to develop an epidemiological orientation to public health problems with an emphasis on research.
Our 42-credit master of science (MS) in epidemiology provides methodological skills in research design, study implementation, and data analysis. As a UMass Amherst graduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to be involved in transdisciplinary research collaborations in multiple areas, including community-based research, women’s health issues, physical activity, nutrition, and biomarkers. By studying the spread of disease, social factors and other risk factors, you’ll help unravel some of today’s’ most complex health issues.
MS in epidemiology course requirements:
- One public health core courses (1 credit)
- Seven epidemiology and biostatistics core courses (21 credits)
- Four epidemiology electives (12 credits)
- One other elective (3 credits)
- Culminating experience/master’s thesis (5 credits)
Benefits list
Master’s Thesis
Gain experience in problem identification, study design, data analysis, and interpretation of results as an investigator working in collaboration with fellow professionals. Your thesis allows you to demonstrate your competence in applying theory and methodology to investigating a problem.
Collaborative Research
Our faculty fosters a unique environment in which practical involvement in transdisciplinary research collaborations enhance learning, and are involved in multiple avenues of research, including community-based research, women’s health issues, physical activity, nutrition, and biomarkers.
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 class
This course provides an overview of fundamental research methods and analytical tools utilized in conducting genetic epidemiology studies. It will also cover the ethical, legal, and logistical challenges faced when conducting this sort of research.
Featured faculty
Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson
Director, Center for Program Evaluation
Women’s health; mental health
Nicole VanKim
Focus on LGBT health, health disparities, social and behavioral epidemiology
Susan Sturgeon
Professor of Epidemiology
Focus on cancer epidemiology
Brian W. Whitcomb
Chair, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Focus on reproductive/perinatal epidemiology, epidemiologic methods
Katherine Reeves
Professor of Epidemiology
Focus on cancer epidemiology, women's health, breast cancer, endocrine disruption
Application information & deadlines
Prospective students must apply first through the SOPHAS site and then the UMass Graduate School Supplemental Application, which will be emailed to you upon completion of the SOPHAS application.
Application Deadline
Applications for the fall term are due by Feb. 1.
Epidemiology
Preparing our future workforce to confront myriad, complex public health challenges.