MS – Epidemiology

Overview

The MS in Epidemiology program is designed for individuals who seek to enhance their skills in epidemiologic research. This program is well-suited to individuals interested in pursuing a future research or academic career in epidemiology. The program demands active participation in in-depth mentored research projects. Distinct from the MPH program, which has a broader public health scope, this degree specifically emphasizes epidemiologic research competencies.

To qualify for admission to the MS program, students must secure a dedicated MS mentor to guide them through their research journey, which constitutes a crucial step in the admission process. This tailored approach prepares MS students to excel in various areas of epidemiologic research, including chronic diseases, infectious diseases, epidemiologic methods, and global health, thereby enabling them to contribute significantly to public health. Each MS student is required to complete a thesis or manuscript as their final research project. Throughout the program, they will work closely with their supervisors to progressively develop this project every semester.

Curriculum

See also…

• Course Roadmap – MS in Epidemiology, Full-time (pdf, updated October 2020)
• Educational Objectives – MS in Epidemiology (pdf)

Required Courses

The 36 unit program is listed below and is typically completed in two years by full-time students. 24 units comprise the core Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses with 9 units of Prescribed electives required.

• Epidemiology Concentration Courses (12 units)
  • PH 601 Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
  • PH 623 Epidemiological Methods (3)
  • PH 724 Advanced Epidemiology Methods (3)
  • An additional Epidemiology Methods course selected with Advisor
• Biostatistics Required Courses (12 units)
  • PH 602 Introduction to Biostatistics (3)
  • PH 627 Advanced Statistical Methods in Public Health (3)
  • PH620 SAS I
  • PH629 SAS II
• Methods Prescribed Electives Additional Electives (12 units) *
  • PH 628 Applied Multivariate Statistics (3)
  • PH 820A Modern Epidemiology I
  • PH 820B Modern Epidemiology II
  • PH 826 Analysis of Case Control Studies (3)
  • PH 827 Analysis of Cohort Studies (3)
• Topical Prescribed Electives
  • PH 621 Infectious Diseases Epidemiology (3)
  • PH 622 Chronic Diseases Epidemiology (3)
  • PH 625 Control of Infectious Diseases (3)
  • Ph 700A Seminar in Epidemiology (3)

See the SDSU Graduate Bulletin for descriptions and prerequisites for these courses.

Plan of Study

Students seeking a Master of Science in Epidemiology are required to file a formal Official Program of Study (list all the classes that will be taken to fulfill degree requirements) after completing at least 12 units of study, and before completing the last 9 units. The Official Program of Study must be approved by the graduate advisor.

*Additional Electives

To fulfill the additional elective requirement students are strongly encouraged to take PH 797 (Research). It allows them to earn units for the effort they put into researching their thesis or manuscript. Their committee chair will very likely require them to enroll in PH 797.

**Thesis or Manuscript

Students can complete their degree in the Epidemiology concentration by choosing either Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Manuscript).  If students select Plan A, PH 799A is required for completion of their degree, accompanied by a final defense of their thesis. If students select Plan B, PH 798 (Special Study) is required, and a scientific manuscript based on their research must be prepared for completion of the degree.

Time Limitation

The school expects a student to complete the degree within seven years. Failure to complete the degree requirements within seven years will result in dismissal from the program.