Including 400-hours of mentored research, BU's MS in Epidemiology is a STEM-approved, 34-credit program that will prepare you for research positions in academic settings, government, hospitals, private industries, or to pursue doctoral education in epidemiology and related fields. The Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology focuses on the development, spread, and control of disease. It is a crucial field in public health that is at the very core of the discovery and implementation of solutions to the world's health challenges.
As part of the Population Health Research umbrella program, this degree provides a fundamental grounding in both the theory and practice of epidemiology, and emphasizes the development and application of quantitative research skills to real-world research in public health. This includes the acquisition of skills in hypothesis formation, data collection and management, statistical computing, and interpretation of results.
The epidemiology master's degree program unpacks the risk factors of disease, including the thorough examination of genetic, reproductive, and aging factors.
The MS degree is structured to blend advanced knowledge with expertise in research methods, real-world experience, faculty-mentored research, and professional network building in Boston and beyond.
Through the Epidemiology degree program, students will be equipped with the following essential research skills:
Critically evaluate research reports and publications
Design data collection and management plans
Analyze and synthesize research findings to inform evidence-based policies or recommendations
Develop a scientific hypothesis and design a research study to test the hypothesis
The MS degree in Epidemiology can be completed in 12 months through full-time study beginning during the summer term. All students (full and part time) will begin the program in July and must complete Essentials of Population Health Research, an online program, and Accelerated Training in Statistical Computing, which runs in late August over two weeks.
