When you are interested in going into medicine, epidemiology can be a great career choice. There are opportunities to work all over the country because of exploring how health relates to communities and specific populations. Exploring schools that offer a masters in epidemiology can ensure you find a biology degree program that works for you.
What is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is a part of medical students that involves the study of the ways in which health-related events and states are distributed and determined within various populations. Epidemiologists will study not only diseases but also other factors that may impact a person’s health. Statistics are established to determine if there are certain factions of a population more susceptible to certain health issues.
Top 5 Masters in Epidemiology Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station, Texas |
| 3 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
| 4 | University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia |
| 5 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California |
Career Options with an MS in Epidemiology
When you choose to get an MS in Epidemiology, the most common career is to become an epidemiologist. That being said, there are various settings you can work in:
- Pharmaceutical
- Infectious diseases
- Molecular research
- Veterinary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average epidemiologist in the U.S. earns a median salary of $70,990. Additionally, the job outlook proves that it’s growing at 5%, meaning that it’s slightly faster than the average job – with 5% more jobs becoming available over the next 10 years.
We’ve worked to list off the top 20 schools that offer a master’s in epidemiology. Some of the programs are online while others are offered on campus. The schools with the most affordable tuition and the highest enrollment rates are the ones that get top billing.
Best 20 Schools for a Masters Program in Epidemiology
Arizona State University
The ASU College of Health Solutions offers graduate programs in epidemiology. At Arizona State University, students can choose to focus on such things as biomedical informatics, health informatics, the science of health care delivery, and more. Several campuses are found across the state to make it easier for students to complete the degree program. Additionally, individuals can take online courses and work to obtain a certificate in various courses as a way to diversify one’s education.
School Overview
Texas A&M University
It’s possible to earn a master of public health in epidemiology from Texas A&M University. The MPH program with a concentration in Epidemiology allows students to focus on health-related outcomes across populations. Students will learn about various epidemiologic methods, analyze the strengths and limitations of study designs, and compare different reporting formats. In addition to core classes, students will also have access to various elective courses focused on public health. Additionally, this program does not require a thesis.
School Overview
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a Master of Science in Epidemiology. The 36-credit hour program is typically completed in two years. There will be the need to complete a thesis as a way to demonstrate skill. Some of the areas of focus throughout the degree program will include psychiatric, infectious disease, chronic disease, cancer, environmental, and geriatric. The Department of Epidemiology at UF has been growing significantly and is housed within the College of Public Health and Health Professions, allowing students to take various other courses in health.
School Overview
University of Georgia
At the University of Georgia, students can choose from an array of specializations when obtaining a Master of Public Health. This includes various aspects of epidemiology and other aspects of public health including Health Policy, Planning and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and, of course, Epidemiology and Disease Control. The master’s program is designed to last for one year when taking courses full time.
School Overview
University of California-Los Angeles
An MS in Epidemiology is possible at the University of California-Los Angeles. Students enrolled in the program at UCLA will have access to a broad range of projects, including being able to work with the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Inter-school Training Program in Metabolic Diseases as well as the NCI-Cancer Training Program. In order to graduate from the program, there is the need to complete either a comprehensive exam or a thesis.
School Overview
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers an Epidemiology MPH. Students will learn how to analyze trends in order to solve disease-related challenges throughout Minnesota and around the globe. The MPH program offers an interdisciplinary approach so that students can gain access to courses all throughout the public health sector, including Maternal & Child Health and Community Health.
School Overview
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Students can explore a master’s program for epidemiology within the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan has become one of the best schools in the nation for both public research and collaboration. Additionally, over $11 million a year is given in scholarships and tuition assistance. Students studying epidemiology will have access to a wide array of programs as well as student events and organizations.
School Overview
Stanford University
The Department of Epidemiology & Population Health at Stanford University offers a graduate program. Stanford’s program places a significant emphasis on population health and clinical research. Students will have access to a complete academic home for expertise, research, activities, and training. Research projects also allow students to go above and beyond what is taught in the classroom to gain more real-world experience.
School Overview
George Washington University
Various degree programs are available at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Students can choose from a Master of Public Health or a Master of Science. It is also possible to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy. The MPH is a 45-credit hour program while the MS is a 330credit hour program. Students will learn about studying and monitoring populations. There are also collaboration opportunities with the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and other federal research agencies.
School Overview
University of Miami
Graduate programs in public health are found at the Miller School of Medicine within the University of Miami. It is possible to study public health with a concentration in epidemiology. There is also the opportunity to earn an MPH/MD joint degree. The training at the university takes an innovative and global approach to public health while providing public experience throughout the communities in Miami.
School Overview
Harvard University
Students who attend Harvard University to study epidemiology will do so within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The MPH program with a concentration in epidemiology offers online and on-campus course. In addition to the flexible learning formats, there will be a significant amount of learning in the field. Students will complete a self-designed, year-long practicum that focuses on integrative learning, all while being mentored by Harvard faculty members.
School Overview
Emory University
Within Emory University is the Rollins School of Public Health. The MPH program in Epidemiology provides a strong foundation in both epidemiologic and biostatistical methods. Students will learn a variety of concepts in the classroom as well as have hands-on applications in the field. The full program is 42 credit hours, though there are part-time formats as well as formats for those seeking a dual degree.
School Overview
John Hopkins University
The Bloomberg School of Public Health at John Hopkins University offers a Master of Public Health. The MPH concentration is in Epidemiological & Biostatistics Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research. The degree program works together with the Department of Biostatistics in order to provide courses. The four-term sequence will focus on everything from health survey methods to grant proposal development. It is also possible to seek out other concentrations, including an MPH Concentration in Infectious Diseases.
School Overview
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. The Perelman School of Medicine provides an array of courses to ensure students have an interdisciplinary education. Clinical research studies at the University of Pennsylvania are among some of the best in the country. Students can also choose to participate in a certificate program or PhD program.
School Overview
Wake Forest University
The Department of Epidemiology and Prevention at Wake Forest University provides an array of opportunities. The Wake Forest School of medicine offers graduate programs in epidemiology as well as various dual degrees. Students will learn in the classroom and have the opportunity to explore unique mentoring programs with the faculty.
School Overview
Washington University in St. Louis
The Brown School at the Washington University in St. Louis offers a Master of Public Health. Students can choose to concentrate in epidemiology as a way to transform health outcomes for populations across Missouri and around the globe. Collaborations exist all across the university, creating opportunities for students to enjoy multifaceted research and practice. In addition to epidemiology, students can also concentrate in global health, health policy analysis, mental and behavioral health, and urban design.
School Overview
Vanderbilt University
It is possible to earn a Master of Public Health at Vanderbilt University. The two-year program is offered through the Vanderbilt University school of medicine. The full MPH program is also accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Three tracks are available at the University, which includes epidemiology, global health, and health policy. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the school offers a variety of learning centers and research opportunities.
School Overview
Tulane University
Tulane University, located in New Orleans, offers an MPH in Epidemiology. Students will learn about conceptual methodology as well as have the opportunity to learn within a variety of different fields including chronic or infectious disease, reproductive, genetic, and molecular/cancer epidemiology. The full program is 45 credit hours and includes courses on health systems policy, biostatistics, and advanced methods of epidemiology.
School Overview
Tufts University
At Tufts University, students can pursue a Master of Public Health. In a variety of different areas, including epidemiology and biostatistics, nutrition, behavioral science and health communication, as well as health services management and policy. This allows students to individualize their track in order to diversify their education in public health. Additionally, the school excels in providing hands-on learning experiences outside of the classroom.
School Overview
Brown University
The Department of Epidemiology at Brown University offers a master’s program. The two-year degree earns students an MPH with an epidemiology concentration. Students will need to complete a wide array of courses while also completing an internship and a thesis. Students can also choose to customize their degree with various specialized concentrations. The Brown School of Public Health ensures that students learn about public health by doing it firsthand through teaching, research, and other hands-on opportunities.
School Overview
How We Rank the Schools
We rank the schools using two important components: tuition and enrollment. First, we rank all of the schools based on tuition. The schools with the most affordable tuition are given higher scores. Then, we rank the schools with the highest enrollment numbers being given the higher scores. We add both scores together in order to come up with the rank we have provided.
The tuition rates are based on graduate coursework and is in-state when applicable. All of the featured rates provided are based on tuition and fees. Room, board, and books are not taken into the equation. Additionally, many programs will offer scholarships and grants, reducing the amount that most students will pay for tuition.
Our ranking system is based on the most updated information we can find. If you work for a school that’s on the list and notice an error, please let us know. We aim to use the most relevant data to rank the schools appropriately.
As you decide the kind of career you want to have in medicine, let us help you to find an online program at a college or university.
