Disease Control & Prevention Professionals
Online Master of Science in Epidemiology
UofL’s 100% online Master of Science in Epidemiology (MS EPI) is designed as a terminal degree to prepare students for an epidemiology career and/or for their PhD in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in epidemiology.
Earning an online master's in epidemiology equips professionals with the knowledge needed to investigate patterns and causes of diseases in populations, preparing them for careers in public health research, policy and practice. Through a combination of coursework in epidemiologic theory, study design, and skill-based practical methods, research, biostatistics, and software programming in SAS and R, students learn how to analyze epidemiologic data and interpret findings, which is crucial for understanding and controlling diseases.
This program is offered online by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health within the School of Public Health & Information Sciences at the University of Louisville.
Epidemiology, MS Info Session: Thursday, May 15
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join the MSEPI faculty and staff for a virtual information session to learn more about the program, how to apply, and get your questions answered.
Register Now!
Online MS in Epidemiology Highlights
Academic Year Tuition?
$830 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
- The Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology program is designed as a terminal degree to prepare students for a career as an epidemiologist, and (for those interested) prepares students for the PhD program in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Epidemiology.
- Learn to design epidemiologic studies and apply methods for data collection, management and analysis for epidemiological research.
- Evaluate and explain the evolving paradigms of epidemiological theory and study design and their impact on public health and medical sciences.
- Formulate epidemiological research questions and testable hypotheses.
- Integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge from molecular to population levels to make appropriate causal inferences.
- Gain experience from courses taught 100% online by leaders in the epidemiology field.
- Skip the GRE— not required for admission into the master’s program.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
"This program produces well-rounded epidemiologists with practical skills, poised for employment in academic settings as study coordinators and in a wide range of industries including insurance and pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit research institutes, clinical research and the public health workforce."
Kira Taylor, PhD, MS
MSEPI PROGRAM DIRECTOR
What Can I Do with a Master's in Epidemiology?
The employment outlook for professionals with an advanced degree in epidemiology continues to expand rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (bls.gov).
A master's degree in epidemiology opens a variety of career paths in public health, healthcare, research, academia and more.
Our successful graduates are well-suited to apply their credentials toward the following roles and careers:
- Epidemiologist
- Research Epidemiologist
- Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
- Disease Surveillance Specialist
- Outbreak Investigator
- Public Health Analyst
- Data Scientist (with focus on epidemiology)
- Epidemiology Program Manager
- Epidemiology Consultant
- Epidemiology Research Coordinator
- Health Policy Analyst (with focus on epidemiological data)
- Global Health Epidemiologist
- Public Health Administrator
- ...and more!
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall Term | August |
| December 1 | Spring Term | January |
| April 1 | Summer Term | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials required for acceptance may take more time.
How to Apply for the Online MS in Epidemiology Program
- Complete graduate application
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Request official transcripts showing all degrees awarded and all undergraduate and graduate work (all courses) completed from each accredited college/university previously attended
-
Electronic (recommended):
gradadm@louisville.edu -
Physical Mail:
University of Louisville,
Graduate School
2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105
Louisville, KY 40292;
-
Electronic (recommended):
- Check for Scholarships
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online MS in Epidemiology Admission Requirements
- Formal application through the UofL Graduate School with transcripts and curriculum vitae
- A one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and interest in epidemiology
- Two letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate GPA at least 3.0 on 4.0 scale*
- Official transcripts of all degrees
* Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 will be considered for provisional acceptance; however, they must maintain a 3.00 GPA at a minimum in their first year of study to continue in the program.
Online International Applicants
The Master of Science in Epidemiology program is open to international students, 100% online. If you live outside of the United States (U.S.) and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students:
- International students for whom English is not the primary language must show English language proficiency by one of the following:
- TOEFL examination score at or above a 5.0 on the TWE test, 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (internet-based test)
- IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher
- Duolingo test score of 105 or higher
- Demonstration of a degree awarded from an institution with instruction primarily in English, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official.
Important Note: students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
Online Master of Science in Epidemiology Courses
The online Master of Science in Epidemiology is a 31 credit hour (10 course) program, with each course delivered in a 15-week course format, 100% online. Students will need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or higher for graduate courses to satisfy the degree requirements.
| Core Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHEP 618: Epidemiologic Methods* | 4 |
| PHEP 621: Statistical Foundations for Epidemiology * | 4 |
| PHEP 614: Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
| PHEP 619: Biology of Disease in Populations | 3 |
| PHEP 620: Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology | 3 |
| PHEP 623: Theoretical Foundations of Epidemiology | 3 |
| PHEP 627: Survey Research Methods | 3 |
| PHEP 628: Computational Epidemiology with SAS | 3 |
| PHEP 629: Computational Epidemiology with R | 3 |
| PHEP 630: Study Coordination Skills for Epidemiologic Studies | 3 |
| Degree Total Credit Hours | 31 |
*Successful completion of PHEP 618 and PHEP 621 courses is required to enroll in the remaining coursework.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
PHEP 618: Epidemiologic Methods
This course provides an intensive review of epidemiologic methods with hands-on application to existing or simulated epidemiologic datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 621: Statistical Foundations for Epidemiology
This course introduces essential statistical concepts and foundations for epidemiologists. It is designed for epidemiology students to exercise statistical theory and computer programming using SAS software as applied to epidemiologic problem-solving.
PHEP 614: Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts of clinical epidemiology, including epidemiological study designs and methods applied in clinical research for determining the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic criteria, efficacy of treatments and interventions, and evaluating prognosis and outcomes.
PHEP 619: Biology of Disease in Populations
This course provides an overview of the biology and basic pathophysiology of common acute and chronic diseases and conditions from the epidemiologic perspective.
PHEP 620: Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
This course offers an overview of selected topics in environmental and occupational epidemiology and methods for studying environmental and occupational determinants of disease.
PHEP 623: Theoretical Foundations of Epidemiology
This course provides an overview of the history of epidemiology, the development of theory, study designs and methods, and ethical and legal issues in the translation of epidemiologic findings into public health policy.
PHEP 627: Survey Research Methods
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of survey research methods. It will focus on all aspects of the survey research process, from sampling, design of instruments prior to data collection, including online instruments, and including analysis of survey data and reporting. Students will learn about sources of bias, psychometrics (assessing validity and reliability), measurement theory, and ethical issues. They will also gain first-hand experience of survey analysis using applied techniques.
PHEP 628: Computational Epidemiology with SAS
This course provides an overview of data management using SAS statistical software, as well as common statistical methods used in epidemiology with hands-on application to existing or simulated datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 629: Computational Epidemiology with R
This course provides an overview of data management using R statistical software, as well as common statistical methods used in epidemiology with hands-on application to existing or simulated datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 630: Study Coordination Skills for Epidemiologic Studies
This course will introduce students to the basic and skill-based practical methods needed for the coordination and management of a population-based epidemiologic research study. This will include research ethics and associated Internal Review Board (IRB) submissions and amendments, coordination and tracking of study processes and progress, instruments for data collection, and other skills necessary for the management of a successful epidemiologic research study.
Online MS in Epidemiology Highlights
Academic Year Tuition?
$830 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
- The Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology program is designed as a terminal degree to prepare students for a career as an epidemiologist, and (for those interested) prepares students for the PhD program in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Epidemiology.
- Learn to design epidemiologic studies and apply methods for data collection, management and analysis for epidemiological research.
- Evaluate and explain the evolving paradigms of epidemiological theory and study design and their impact on public health and medical sciences.
- Formulate epidemiological research questions and testable hypotheses.
- Integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge from molecular to population levels to make appropriate causal inferences.
- Gain experience from courses taught 100% online by leaders in the epidemiology field.
- Skip the GRE— not required for admission into the master’s program.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
"This program produces well-rounded epidemiologists with practical skills, poised for employment in academic settings as study coordinators and in a wide range of industries including insurance and pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit research institutes, clinical research and the public health workforce."
Kira Taylor, PhD, MS
MSEPI PROGRAM DIRECTOR
What Can I Do with a Master's in Epidemiology?
The employment outlook for professionals with an advanced degree in epidemiology continues to expand rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (bls.gov).
A master's degree in epidemiology opens a variety of career paths in public health, healthcare, research, academia and more.
Our successful graduates are well-suited to apply their credentials toward the following roles and careers:
- Epidemiologist
- Research Epidemiologist
- Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
- Disease Surveillance Specialist
- Outbreak Investigator
- Public Health Analyst
- Data Scientist (with focus on epidemiology)
- Epidemiology Program Manager
- Epidemiology Consultant
- Epidemiology Research Coordinator
- Health Policy Analyst (with focus on epidemiological data)
- Global Health Epidemiologist
- Public Health Administrator
- ...and more!
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall Term | August |
| December 1 | Spring Term | January |
| April 1 | Summer Term | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials required for acceptance may take more time.
How to Apply for the Online MS in Epidemiology Program
- Complete graduate application
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Request official transcripts showing all degrees awarded and all undergraduate and graduate work (all courses) completed from each accredited college/university previously attended
-
Electronic (recommended):
gradadm@louisville.edu -
Physical Mail:
University of Louisville,
Graduate School
2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105
Louisville, KY 40292;
-
Electronic (recommended):
- Check for Scholarships
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online MS in Epidemiology Admission Requirements
- Formal application through the UofL Graduate School with transcripts and curriculum vitae
- A one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and interest in epidemiology
- Two letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate GPA at least 3.0 on 4.0 scale*
- Official transcripts of all degrees
* Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 will be considered for provisional acceptance; however, they must maintain a 3.00 GPA at a minimum in their first year of study to continue in the program.
Online International Applicants
The Master of Science in Epidemiology program is open to international students, 100% online. If you live outside of the United States (U.S.) and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students:
- International students for whom English is not the primary language must show English language proficiency by one of the following:
- TOEFL examination score at or above a 5.0 on the TWE test, 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (internet-based test)
- IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher
- Duolingo test score of 105 or higher
- Demonstration of a degree awarded from an institution with instruction primarily in English, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official.
Important Note: students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
Online Master of Science in Epidemiology Courses
The online Master of Science in Epidemiology is a 31 credit hour (10 course) program, with each course delivered in a 15-week course format, 100% online. Students will need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or higher for graduate courses to satisfy the degree requirements.
| Core Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHEP 618: Epidemiologic Methods* | 4 |
| PHEP 621: Statistical Foundations for Epidemiology * | 4 |
| PHEP 614: Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
| PHEP 619: Biology of Disease in Populations | 3 |
| PHEP 620: Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology | 3 |
| PHEP 623: Theoretical Foundations of Epidemiology | 3 |
| PHEP 627: Survey Research Methods | 3 |
| PHEP 628: Computational Epidemiology with SAS | 3 |
| PHEP 629: Computational Epidemiology with R | 3 |
| PHEP 630: Study Coordination Skills for Epidemiologic Studies | 3 |
| Degree Total Credit Hours | 31 |
*Successful completion of PHEP 618 and PHEP 621 courses is required to enroll in the remaining coursework.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
PHEP 618: Epidemiologic Methods
This course provides an intensive review of epidemiologic methods with hands-on application to existing or simulated epidemiologic datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 621: Statistical Foundations for Epidemiology
This course introduces essential statistical concepts and foundations for epidemiologists. It is designed for epidemiology students to exercise statistical theory and computer programming using SAS software as applied to epidemiologic problem-solving.
PHEP 614: Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts of clinical epidemiology, including epidemiological study designs and methods applied in clinical research for determining the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic criteria, efficacy of treatments and interventions, and evaluating prognosis and outcomes.
PHEP 619: Biology of Disease in Populations
This course provides an overview of the biology and basic pathophysiology of common acute and chronic diseases and conditions from the epidemiologic perspective.
PHEP 620: Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
This course offers an overview of selected topics in environmental and occupational epidemiology and methods for studying environmental and occupational determinants of disease.
PHEP 623: Theoretical Foundations of Epidemiology
This course provides an overview of the history of epidemiology, the development of theory, study designs and methods, and ethical and legal issues in the translation of epidemiologic findings into public health policy.
PHEP 627: Survey Research Methods
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of survey research methods. It will focus on all aspects of the survey research process, from sampling, design of instruments prior to data collection, including online instruments, and including analysis of survey data and reporting. Students will learn about sources of bias, psychometrics (assessing validity and reliability), measurement theory, and ethical issues. They will also gain first-hand experience of survey analysis using applied techniques.
PHEP 628: Computational Epidemiology with SAS
This course provides an overview of data management using SAS statistical software, as well as common statistical methods used in epidemiology with hands-on application to existing or simulated datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 629: Computational Epidemiology with R
This course provides an overview of data management using R statistical software, as well as common statistical methods used in epidemiology with hands-on application to existing or simulated datasets under a variety of study designs.
PHEP 630: Study Coordination Skills for Epidemiologic Studies
This course will introduce students to the basic and skill-based practical methods needed for the coordination and management of a population-based epidemiologic research study. This will include research ethics and associated Internal Review Board (IRB) submissions and amendments, coordination and tracking of study processes and progress, instruments for data collection, and other skills necessary for the management of a successful epidemiologic research study.
