Epidemiology, M.P.H.

About the Program

The Master of Public Health in Epidemiology is a professional degree program for those students who desire to receive fundamental and applied training in the public health sciences with a focus on epidemiological study design, disease surveillance methods, bioethics of population-based research, and core biostatistical methods. This practice-oriented program prepares students to successfully work in public health and applied epidemiology agencies, including conducting disease surveillance within government public health agencies; directing community demonstration and clinical trials research; and evaluating and running screening programs and other preventative health services in the broad areas of public health practice and health policy. The program is grounded in the core M.P.H. competencies and disciplines of public health with an emphasis in epidemiologic techniques. It covers the application of epidemiological research methods with an emphasis on developing research and methodological skills and critically evaluating current epidemiological studies.

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics also offers a small research-intensive M.S. in Epidemiology, which is a research-oriented degree intended for students who desire to learn the advanced concepts and methods of epidemiology and apply those concepts to a unique population-based study through the completion of a master's-level thesis project.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location: Main. Some required and elective courses are offered at satellite campuses and through online courses, but the full M.P.H. program is currently available only at Main Campus.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students can complete the degree program through evening classes and online courses. Full-time students usually complete the program within two academic years. Part-time students usually take three to four years to complete their degree.

Interdisciplinary Study: Interdisciplinary M.P.H. coursework, research, and interactions are encouraged to give students as broad a perspective as possible to excel in the complex, diverse, and dynamic state of public health. Through associations with the Center for Obesity Research and Education, Center for Women's Health, and others, students have access to over 100 faculty at Temple University and additional regional scholars who are actively involved in programs, research, and teaching in public health. Further, as with the other four M.P.H. degree programs offered by the College of Public Health, the M.P.H. in Epidemiology can be undertaken as part of these nine dual M.P.H. degree programs:

D.M.D./M.P.H. with Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry
D.O./M.P.H. with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
D.P.M./M.P.H. with the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
J.D./M.P.H. with Temple University's Beasley School of Law
M.D./M.P.H. with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
M.H.A./M.P.H. with Temple University's Fox School of Business and Management
M.P.P./M.P.H. with Temple University's College of Liberal Arts
M.S. Health Informatics/M.P.H. within the Temple University College of Public Health
M.S.W./M.P.H. with the Temple University School of Social Work

For more information, visit https://cph.temple.edu/mph/dual-degrees.

Affiliation(s): Locally, the program has long-standing research affiliations with The Food Trust, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Health Federation of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), School District of Philadelphia, Temple University Health System, and numerous other community health agencies.

Study Abroad: Short-term intensive study abroad courses are offered as part of the M.P.H. program of study. These courses are offered during the Summer and are open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Accreditation: The M.P.H. is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Achieving accreditation in 1985, Temple's M.P.H. program is one of the longest established accredited M.P.H. programs in community health in the country.

Areas of Specialization: The M.P.H. degree program is offered in five specialty fields of study:

Applied Biostatistics (APBIO)
Environmental Health (EH)
Epidemiology (EPI)
Health Policy and Management (HPM)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS)

In addition, a certificate in Global Health is available to all students in the M.P.H. program. Many students in the Epidemiology M.P.H. program complete this transcripted Global Health concentration by utilizing their three elective courses for Global Health classes.

Job Prospects: Graduates with an M.P.H. in Epidemiology have positions in a wide range of health-related settings, including state and local public health departments, community-based organizations, voluntary health agencies, health maintenance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health-related work sites. Graduates are employed as HIV/AIDS coordinators, infection control coordinators, project directors, program evaluation specialists, research directors, prevention specialists, environmental health specialists, protocol directors, senior health educators, and consultants. Virtually all students are placed within three to six months of graduation.

Licensure: Students who complete an M.P.H. at Temple University are eligible to sit for the Certification in Public Health (CPH) exam and the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. For information regarding credentialing in public health, see https://www.nchec.org/.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are required to speak with an advisor before registering for classes and to obtain the permission of the professor. If accepted to the program, a maximum of three courses may be applied toward the degree program. Exceptions to this policy relate to formal certificate programs.

Financing Opportunities: The Graduate School awards fellowships on a competitive basis only to students with outstanding academic records who are admitted to Temple University for the Fall term. Applicants who wish to be considered for fellowships must apply no later than January 26 for consideration for the Fall term. The Admissions Committee of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics nominates outstanding students for these awards, but the Graduate Board's Fellowship Committee makes all award decisions.

Limited Teaching and Research Assistantships are available in the College of Public Health. The Graduate School website details the types of graduate student support. Assistantships are awarded on a term or annual basis. Students whose Fall applications are complete prior to or at the application deadline are reviewed for eligibility for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions. TAs are required to work 20 hours per week in any combination of teaching assignments made by the department and must meet the English Language Proficiency standards set by the University and the College. Students who hold Teaching or Research Assistantships are not permitted to hold other employment without the written prior approval of their advisor, the Director of Graduate Programs, and the Graduate School. To be considered for a Teaching or Research Assistantship, complete an application form that is sent to students upon admission to the M.P.H. program. The completed application must be returned to publichealth@temple.edu to be considered.

The College of Public Health has a limited number of scholarship opportunities available for M.P.H. students. Available scholarships are listed at https://cph.temple.edu/admissions/scholarships. Students may also be eligible for financial support through the Office of Student Financial Services.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1

All applicants to the M.P.H. program must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.

Applicants should check their application status on the SOPHAS portal often and inquire directly of SOPHAS about receipt of materials. For other questions, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation, which are completed electronically through the SOPHAS system, should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with academic competence. If the applicant has been out of school for a long time, please ensure that letters are from professional colleagues and that they address academic abilities, such as writing and research.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants' files are reviewed for undergraduate coursework in mathematics and/or statistics, social science, and writing.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree is required.

Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, address the following questions:

What are your interests in Public Health, and why are you planning to pursue an M.P.H. in Epidemiology?
What are your future career goals, and what have you done either academically or professionally to guide your interest in Public Health?
Are there any exceptional circumstances related to previous academic performance that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider?

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required. While the program takes a portfolio approach to admissions, standardized tests provide important insight into quantitative and verbal abilities. Minimum scores are 153 on the verbal section and 144 on the quantitative section.

Standardized tests considered in lieu of the GRE include DAT, GMAT, MCAT, OAT, and PCAT. The LSAT, which is also considered for some M.P.H. specialties, is not accepted when applying for Applied Biostatistics or Epidemiology.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53

Clearances: The M.P.H. programs require students to complete clinical/field education experiences at facilities both on and off Temple University’s campuses. These placements may require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances, and perhaps a drug screen. Placements may also require the student to maintain personal health insurance. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in her/his inability to meet graduation requirements.

Resume: Current resume or CV required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an M.P.H. program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) may be transferred into the M.P.H. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered at Temple, and the grade must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The M.P.H. advisor approves the transfer of credits based on a review of course materials provided by the student. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 9.

Test Waivers: Graduates with a terminal degree from a U.S. medical school, foreign-trained physicians who have obtained licensure to practice in the United States, and those with Ph.D.’s may have the GRE requirement waived.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 42

Required Courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
College Core Course
HRPR 5001	Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions	0
Public Health Core Courses
ENVH 5004	Environmental Health	1.5
EPBI 5002	Biostatistics	3
EPBI 5005	Applied Analysis of Health	1.5
EPBI 5201	Epidemiological Research Methods I	3
HPM 5006	Political and Economic Aspects of Health	3
SBS 5001	Fundamentals of Public Health	3
SBS 5002	Program Planning, Theory, and Practice	3
Epidemiology Courses
EPBI 8012	Multivariable Biostatistics	3
EPBI 8202	Epidemiological Research Methods II	3
EPBI 8205	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	3
or EPBI 8206	Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Epidemiology Elective		3
Select one from the following:
ENVH 8207	Environmental Epidemiology
EPBI 5204	Mental Health Epidemiology
EPBI 5500	Seminar in Current Issues in Public Health ¹
EPBI 8011	Social Epidemiology
EPBI 8207
EPBI 8209	Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
EPBI 8210
Electives ²		6
Select two from the following:
ENVH 8207	Environmental Epidemiology ³
EPBI 5204	Mental Health Epidemiology ³
EPBI 5500	Seminar in Current Issues in Public Health ^1,3
EPBI 8011	Social Epidemiology ³
EPBI 8207	³
EPBI 8209	Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS ³
EPBI 8210	³
GUS 5062	Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems
GUS 5069	GIS for Health Data Analysis
M.P.H. Fieldwork Experience
EPBI 9289	MPH Fieldwork I	3
EPBI 9389	MPH Fieldwork II	3
Total Credit Hours		42

Approval required.

Other electives may be selected with approval.

May be selected as a general elective if not taken as an Epidemiology elective above.

Internship: An internship is required as part of a student's M.P.H. fieldwork.

Culminating Events:
Fieldwork Practicum:
M.P.H. fieldwork requires a student to synthesize and integrate the knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice through an internship or practicum experience with a public health agency or under the supervision of a faculty preceptor. The M.P.H. fieldwork experience serves as the culminating event as required by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting body of all U.S. schools of public health, for completion of the Master of Public Health degree. In addition, this culminating experience provides the student with the opportunity to develop expertise in a topic area and to contribute original and independent observations to a body of knowledge.

For the culminating experience to fulfill the requirements of EPBI 9289 and EPBI 9389, M.P.H. in Epidemiology students are expected to complete a fieldwork experience, which enables them to:

Identify key sources of data for epidemiological purposes.
Identify the principles and limitations of public health screening programs.
Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time, and place.
Explain the importance of epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical, economic, and political discussion of health issues.
Comprehend basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of epidemiologic data.
Apply the basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
Calculate basic epidemiologic measures.
Communicate epidemiologic information to lay and professional audiences.
Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
Apply basic statistical methods for summarizing public health data and for inference.
Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public health data.
Recognize concepts of probability, random variation, and commonly used statistical probability distributions.
Distinguish the pros and cons of existing, national, publicly available data sets and surveys.
Disseminate information through press releases, poster formats, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

A final paper is the required deliverable for the M.P.H. fieldwork requirement. Students must demonstrate their proficiency and the application of theory and principles in the paper and demonstrate mastery of the required competencies during the oral defense. The evaluation of the M.P.H. fieldwork practicum experience, therefore, is integrated into the culminating experience requirement.

Courses

EPBI 5002. Biostatistics. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will review fundamentals of descriptive statistics, estimation, and hypothesis testing. More advanced influential methods will be introduced, including, but not limited to, regression and correlation and analysis of variance. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to analyze real data sets and provide quantitative evidence to support scientific conclusions. The emphasis is on "doing" statistics utilizing sound statistical theory and relying on validated statistical software (SAS/SPSS) to produce descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, and interpret the results.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 5003. Spatial Analysis in Public Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will create a methodological framework for approaching public health issues within the context of spatial investigations of health and disease, both internally via perceptual mapping, and externally via geographic information systems (GIS). This integrative discipline provides the opportunity for students to draw upon the concepts and techniques of sound public health and add a spatial perspective to their analysis.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 5005. Applied Analysis of Health. 1.5 Credit Hour.

This lab course will focus on integrating concepts from biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral health through hands-on data analysis and presentation techniques using SAS statistical software. Modules will also include SPSS and qualitative software. Labs will immerse students in applied exercises so they more fully understand the statistical principles presented in the co-requisite lecture course (EPBI 5002) as well become comfortable assessing available data and producing data-driven public health materials for various audiences. Each lab session includes exercises to help students more fully understand the statistical and analytic principles. It also re-enforces material covered in EPBI 5101, EPBI 5201, and EPBI 5002.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Co-requisites: EPBI 5002.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5101|Minimum Grade of B-|May be taken concurrently
OR EPBI 5201|Minimum Grade of B-|May be taken concurrently.

EPBI 5101. Fundamentals of Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

The main purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the basic methods and tools used by epidemiologists to study the health of populations. This course provides a graduate-level introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods used in epidemiology, the basic science of public health and prevention. This course covers terminology used in epidemiology; basic measures of frequency of disease occurrence; concepts of exposure, outcome, and association; epidemiologic study designs; epidemiologic criteria for causality; potential sources of bias and controlling for bias; and the role of epidemiology in public health policy. Applications related to a broad range of current epidemiologic studies are discussed. Students will calculate basic statistics used in epidemiologic studies.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 5201. Epidemiological Research Methods I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of conducting epidemiologic research and protocol development. It covers definitions of epidemiology; measures of disease frequency and risk assessment; measures of effect and association; epidemiologic study designs, including randomized clinical trials, cohort, case-control studies, and cross-sectional surveys; assessment of screening programs; an overview of the role of bias and confounding in epidemiologic study results; and analytic techniques, including modeling using multiple variables, survival analysis, and issues related to quality assurance. Note: This course is the introductory epidemiology course for students in the M.S. in Epidemiology or related Public Health degree programs that require advanced quantitative methods. May be taken in place of EPBI/PBHL 5101 for students in the M.P.H., M.S. in Environmental Health and Ph.D. programs.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 5204. Mental Health Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Epidemiology of psychiatric disturbances is explored, including alcohol and other drug dependencies, psychosocial aspects of health and illness. The emphasis is on epidemiologic methods and theories in psychosocial and mental health research.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health, Social Work.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 5500. Seminar in Current Issues in Public Health. 3 Credit Hours.

Seminar topics rotate to address current issues in public health research, policy and practice.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 8001. Research Methods in Public Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines how to develop and test models, formulate research problem statements and hypotheses, and implement and evaluate research designs and methods of data collection in public health research. It concentrates on fundamental concepts in research design and measurement that help prepare the student to plan and implement theoretically informed and methodologically sound scientific studies in public health and to critically evaluate and discuss public health research. The course emphasizes ethical and practical methods of studying and evaluating causal relations (efficacy and internal validity); determining generalizability of observations (effectiveness, external and ecological validity); and accurate and reliable measuring and conceptualizing of variables (construct validity). In addition, it covers systematic literature searches and randomized controlled trials, which are both increasingly important methods for conducting research in public health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8002. Research Seminar in Public Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This is a research seminar on linkages between theory and research in social and behavioral health studies. It is required for Ph.D. students prior to taking the preliminary examinations.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8011. Social Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction for graduate students to the key social factors that are thought to influence health. These social factors include constructs such as gender, race, socioeconomic status, and social support. Understanding these social factors is important for public health research and practice. These factors can be considered "fundamental causes" of health outcomes insofar as they may cause or modify other factors that are known to influence health, such as individual behaviors or genetics. The course will focus on the conceptual and theoretical basis of these social factors, how these social factors are measured in epidemiologic research, and the mechanisms by which these social factors are thought to affect health. Students will have the opportunity to improve their skills in critically evaluating empirical data about the association between these social factors and health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8012. Multivariable Biostatistics. 3 Credit Hours.

The objective of the course is to provide basic theory and application of regression models, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics, and survival analysis applied to the analysis of population-based data. The emphasis will be on generating and interpreting results and health related applications rather than on statistical theory. The course is designed for graduate students in public health who are already familiar with basic statistical concepts, including descriptive statistics, the components of statistical inference (p-values, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, etc.), as well as concepts of confounding and effect modification.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5002|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently
OR PBHL 5002|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 8201. Structural Equation Modeling. 3 Credit Hours.

An extremely rapid pace of change in statistics and methodology in the field of developmental processes and family systems requires that graduate students (and newly minted PhDs in academic and applied settings) be well versed in current data analytic techniques and able to keep abreast of emergent techniques by being aware of contemporary methodological literature. This course will illustrate the uses of structural equation models for cross-sectional, longitudinal, and family data analysis. The course is organized to take participants through each of the cumulative steps in the analysis: deciding which type of model is appropriate, setting up the data file and coding variables, interpreting and displaying empirical findings, and presenting results in both verbal and written form. Class time will be devoted primarily to lectures, examples, group discussions, and hands-on application of course material.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8202. Epidemiological Research Methods II. 3 Credit Hours.

The content of this course illustrates statistical concepts, methods, and strategies used in epidemiologic studies, beyond the principles discussed in EPBI/PBHL 5201 (Epidemiological Research Methods 1). Topics include a review of basic study designs, analysis of prospective and retrospective data, assessment of bias, confounding, effect modification/interaction, statistical methods of stratification and adjustment, sample size/power calculations, importance of quality control and data monitoring in randomized clinical trials, critical determination of causality, and the comprehensive analyses, reporting and presentation of epidemiologic results.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5201|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently
OR PBHL 5201|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 8203. Public Health Data Reporting. 3 Credit Hours.

Systematic reviews are essential tools for health care workers, researchers, consumers, and policymakers who need to keep abreast of the accumulation of knowledge within their field. Systematic reviews provide more objective evaluation of the evidence than has been possible with traditional narrative reviews, and so can help resolve uncertainty and point toward promising future directions in research and practice. When appropriate, meta-analyses can help increase the precision of estimates regarding treatment effects and way to improve treatments. For example, identification of subgroups of individuals most (or least) likely to benefit from treatment can generate new questions to be addressed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8204. Multilev Mod in Int Res. 3 Credit Hours.

Interdisciplinary research nearly always involves data with a nested, hierarchical, or multilevel structure. Such data violate the standard statistical assumption of independence of observations. As well, the most important interdisciplinary research questions often involve understanding effects of one level of this structure on characteristics of another level of structure. Within the intervention contexts, individuals often serve as their own context as events unfold over chronological time. This course provides a broad and comprehensive introduction to analysis of multilevel data with an emphasis on questions which bridge disciplines. Participants should be familiar with the general linear model (analysis of variance, regression) prior to enrolling in this course, but no previous familiarity with mixed models (other than repeated measures ANOVA) is assumed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8205. Chronic Disease Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

This intermediate course will cover selected topics in chronic disease epidemiology through critical examination of the current literature. Students will have the opportunity to study methodological issues, strategies for prevention, and contemporary issues in research. Coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic lung diseases and others will be addressed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8206. Infectious Disease Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides the basis for understanding infectious diseases, disease transmission, risk factors, outbreak investigation and study designs, surveillance methods, and current infection-control strategies and mechanisms. The purpose of this course is to expose students to the principles and practices of infectious disease epidemiology and how communicable diseases and their control affect public health locally, nationally, and internationally.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8208. Data Management and Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

The content of this course will illustrate practical concepts, methods, and strategies used in the development, management and analysis of large data sets through in-class and homework exercises, quizzes, and a final project. Each class session will be a mixture of a lecture, demonstration and hands-on SAS programming exercises.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5002|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently
OR EPBI 8012|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 8209. Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS. 3 Credit Hours.

The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS is the subject of this course. Application of epidemiological principles and concepts in infectious disease epidemiology with emphasis on surveillance, research, prevention, and control are covered.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8211. Epidemiology Grand Rounds. 1 Credit Hour.

The purpose of this course is to socialize, inform and engage graduate-level students in the broader profession of public health through promoting attendance of lectures and background readings of publications for invited speakers through the College of Public Health (CPH). This is a required course for the PhD Epidemiology program. The course will enable students to interact with researchers and practitioners from other settings and universities both nationally and internationally. The course will build students' capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams and address challenging and complex public health problems. Four CPH invited speakers who are presenting their work on substantive programs in a wide range of public health topics will be identified. Enrollment in this course requires that students participate and attend the selected CPH sponsored lectures or symposiums during the term for which they are enrolled as well as participate in course specific meetings and deliverables. For example, prior to the lecture, students will conduct a guided literature search and develop a written review of the state-of-knowledge and gaps in literature related to the speaker's topic. Students will also participate in a directed discussion prior to the invited lecture. Following the discussion, students will attend the lecture, meet with the invited speaker to ask questions, and complete a summary paper outlining the invited speaker's contribution to the science.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8212. Grantsmanship in Health Research. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide students with applied advanced epidemiologic research methods to critically assess gaps in current knowledge and to develop a competitive grant proposal application. Students will apply the epidemiologic methods and knowledge from prior courses and gain expertise in assessing gaps in knowledge, innovative thinking, grant conception, development and writing, study implementation and approach, budget preparation, and grant critiques. In the first half of the course, students will be introduced to the concepts of significance and innovation, identifying gaps in knowledge, choosing an epidemiologic research topic, identifying a funding agency and developing a set of specific aims, significance and innovation statements. In the second half of the course, the grant proposal will be written in the format of an NIH pre-doctoral epidemiology research grant following NIH grant application guidelines including a developed research plan, identified research team, and NIH biosketch and human subject protection plans. Students will be introduced to the concepts of power, sample size and effect size and will calculate necessary power and sample size requirements in the finalized grant proposal. Students will also participate in a mock grant review session. Students will use this opportunity to develop and submit an application for an NIH or foundation pre-doctoral award to support their dissertation work.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 8301. Clinical Research Methods in Public Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the core topics in clinical research. Beginning with practical issues in starting and advancing in a career in clinical investigation, the course proceeds to cover diagnosis and treatment studies, research on prognostic and casual risk factors, special types of study design and analyses, principles of measurement in human subjects, studies using secondary databases, and outcomes research. This course will be an elective class for all students enrolled in the Master of Science in Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, as well as the Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology programs. This graduate level course is principally aimed at health care professionals, not limited to the field of public health, usually with graduate courses relevant to their clinical discipline, who desire advanced knowledge and skills in evaluating, designing and implementing clinical research studies.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5002|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 8302. Behavioral Measurement. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will cover the classical and modern test theories and their applications to solve measurement problems in practice. This course will educate students on measurement concepts including test standardization, validity, reliability, operational definitions, scaling and latent variables in social and behavioral sciences. Issues surrounding validity and reliability of measures will be discussed in detail. Students will be given an opportunity to critically evaluate existing measures and to propose how a new measure can be developed and evaluated.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 5002|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently
OR EPBI 8012|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 8307. Systematic Reviews. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 9083. Readings and Conference in Public Health. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

This is an advanced tutorial in public health with an appropriate faculty member. Note: Registration requires a written contract with the supervising faculty member and approval of the student's advisor and of the Director of Graduate Programs.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9187. Biostat Cnslt Practicum. 3 Credit Hours.

The objective of this course is to prepare students to collaborate effectively as biostatistics support consultants in the health professions. The emphasis will be to refresh statistical techniques and develop communication and problem solving skills. This course is designed for graduate students in public health who can use well-validated commercial statistical software, such as SAS, for the analyses of data from observational and/or interventional research studies.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9189. MPH Capstone Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar is required of M.P.H. students during final year of study. The seminar includes integration of coursework and practice skills to develop a fieldwork project or internship in a public health agency.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9289. MPH Fieldwork I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course entails a fieldwork project or internship in a public health agency. It includes seminars, oral and written reports of progress, and joint supervision by a preceptor and faculty member.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 9389. MPH Fieldwork II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an evaluation of the fieldwork project or internship using a full range of research methodologies. Data are collected, analyzed, and reported in a comprehensive final report. Oral and/or poster presentations are presented to public health organizations. The course includes a final oral defense of the project or internship.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

EPBI 9991. Public Health Research Project. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Under the direction of an appropriate graduate faculty member, students tie together their coursework in a project that poses a problem, gathers data to help analyze the problem, and provides a solution. Note: Enrollment must be approved by the student's advisor and the Director of Graduate Programs.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9994. Preliminary Examinations. 1 Credit Hour.

This course supports preparation for taking the preliminary examinations in the Health Policy and Social and Behavioral Sciences Ph.D. programs. To enroll, students must have completed all required coursework for the Ph.D. and obtain the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director. Students must be enrolled to take the required preliminary examinations.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9996. Masters Res in Pub Hlth. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is limited to students who have chosen to fulfill the master's degree by writing a thesis.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

EPBI 9998. Dissertation Proposal Research. 1 to 2 Credit Hour.

This course supports preparation of the dissertation proposal. The course is required for students who have passed the preliminary examinations for their PhD program and who have not yet defended the dissertation proposal.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
EPBI 9994|Minimum Grade of P|May not be taken concurrently.

EPBI 9999. Dissertation Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is limited to Ph.D. candidates who have completed and defended a dissertation proposal that is filed with the Graduate School by the last day to add a course in the semester. Continuous registration in 9999 fall and spring is required until the dissertation is successfully defended.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.