The Master of Science (MS) program in epidemiology provides graduate-level training in the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations, with an emphasis on epidemiologic methods and training in human diseases in populations. The degree provides training in the scientific foundations of epidemiology and prepares individuals to address complex public health issues.
Through developing sophisticated analytic and research skills, as well as an understanding of the environmental, social and ethical factors that contribute to health and wellness in the community, scientists trained in this program will be prepared for careers in epidemiologic research, and development and evaluation of new approaches to public health surveillance, risk assessment and epidemic investigation.
Coursework pre-requisites: Students are required to have taken two semesters of calculus and one semester of organic chemistry prior to entrance in the program. Students should have a baccalaureate degree in a scientific field from an accredited college or university or completion of work equivalent to the baccalaureate or master's degree in a scientific field given at UC Denver. Minimum undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4 point scale.
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MS Epidemiology Curriculum
| Course Requirements |
Course # |
Credits |
|---|
| Required Epidemiology Courses |
|
19 |
| Research Methods in Epidemiology |
EPID 6626 |
3 |
| Introduction to Epidemiology |
EPID 6630 |
3 |
| Analytical Epidemiology |
EPID 6631 |
3 |
| Advanced Epidemiology |
EPID 6632 |
3 |
Epidemiology of Communicable Disease |
EPID 6635 |
2 |
| Chronic Disease Epidemiology |
EPID 6636 |
3 |
Injury Epidemiology and Control |
EPID 6637 |
2 |
| Required Biostatistics Courses |
|
9 |
Biostatistical Methods I/II |
BIOS 6611/6612 |
6 |
SAS Database Design and Management |
BIOS 6680 |
3 |
Elective Epidemiology Courses at UC Denver |
|
2 |
Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology |
EPID 6639 |
2 |
Clinical Epidemiology |
EPID 6629 |
1 |
Cancer Prevention and Control |
EPID 6622 |
2 |
Cardiovascular Epidemiology |
EPID 6638 |
1 |
Introduction to Systematic Reviews |
EPID 6646 |
1 |
Public Health Surveillance |
EPID 6624 |
2 |
| Additional Coursework |
|
3 |
Foundations in Public Health |
PUBH 6600 |
2 |
Ethics in Research |
CLSC 7151 |
1 |
Thesis |
EPID 6651/EPID 6950 |
4 |
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS |
|
37 |
Competencies
- Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.
- Apply basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
- Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
- Identify major chronic and infectious diseases and injuries, their general pathophysiology and etiology, descriptive epidemiology and risk factors.
- Calculate basic epidemiology measures.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
- Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data.
- Review and critically evaluate the literature.
- Synthesize available information.
- Identify meaningful gaps in knowledge.
- Formulate an original hypothesis of the research problem.
- Evaluate the use of questionnaires and measurement instruments in collection of data to maintain internal validity.
- Create data files appropriate for analysis.
- Use existing databases to provide background information or data to address research questions.
- Communicate research results to scientists and non-scientists (includes preparation of a publishable manuscript and presentation of research proposals).
- Understand the concepts of human subjects protections and confidentiality.
- Understand the global, cultural, and social context of health problems and how these influence the conduct,interpretation, and dissemination of research studies.