Master of Science in Epidemiology
Epidemiology is where research, data and discovery come together to explain what shapes health across populations. In the M.S. in Epidemiology program in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, you will develop the research skills needed to study the genetic, biological, environmental, social and behavioral factors that affect illness, premature death, health and well-being.
This program is built for students who want to focus on public health or biomedical research, strengthen quantitative research skills and prepare for research roles or future doctoral study. Unlike the MPH, which is practice focused, the M.S. is research focused and includes a thesis.
What You’ll Study
Students will build the skills to plan and conduct epidemiologic studies, develop and evaluate surveillance programs, create culturally appropriate data collection protocols, analyze public health data and present findings clearly in oral and written formats. The program also emphasizes formulating research questions, developing evidence-based hypotheses, synthesizing public health literature, applying quantitative methods, using software such as SAS or R and analyzing health disparities and inequities.
Curriculum
The M.S. in Epidemiology is a 43-credit-hour research-focused program that includes a public health core course, epidemiology and biostatistics department core courses, major courses, an elective and a thesis. The thesis distinguishes the M.S. from the practice-focused MPH and supports students who want deeper preparation for research roles or Ph.D. study.
View the full curriculum in the Graduate Academic Bulletin.
Admissions
Applicants must apply through SOPHAS. Applications are reviewed once per year for fall matriculation.
Learn about the complete admission requirements.
Where our Grads Work
Graduates are prepared for research positions in departments of public health, hospital or healthcare settings, industry and academia. Many graduates also continue into Ph.D. programs in epidemiology. Our alumni work in places like the SC Departments of Public Health & Environmental Services, Merck, The National Institutes of Health (NIH), BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Optum, and universities.
Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship is a part-time position that allows graduate students to work in a variety of roles, depending on the source of funding.
Graduate assistants may be hired by a faculty member to support research on a grant-funded project or by a department to assist with teaching, clerical, administrative or other program-related duties.
Graduate assistants must be enrolled as full-time students. Assistantships are typically classified as quarter-time, which is 10 hours per week, or half-time, which is 20 hours per week.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status, residency and program format. Departmental fellowships are available which provide in-state resident status for tuition purposes. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, scholarships and assistantships to help support their education. Learn more from the Office of Graduate Student Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The M.S. in Epidemiology focuses on developing research skills for public health or biomedical research and includes a thesis.
The M.S. is research focused and includes a thesis, whereas the MPH is practice focused and prepares students to apply epidemiologic skills in practice settings.
The program requires 43 credit hours.
No. GRE scores are not required and will not be reviewed.
Yes. Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. in Epidemiology should choose the M.S. rather than the MPH.
Applicants apply through SOPHAS.
Ready to Get Started?
Prepare for a research career that uses evidence, data and scientific discovery to understand what drives health and disease across populations.
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Learn more about the M.S. in Epidemiology.