MPH Epidemiology

In addition to the overall Master of Public Health degree competencies, Epidemiology graduates will be able to:

Epidemiologic Principles and Methods

1. Describe and discuss the history and theory of epidemiology;
2. Identify, describe and discuss the public health problems in terms of magnitude, person, time and place;
3. Assess, synthesize and critically evaluate epidemiologic scientific literature;
4. Describe and discuss strengths and limitations of experimental and observational study designs;
5. Describe and discuss basic epidemiologic principles of infectious and chronic disease research;
6. Identify and discuss risk factors and their relationships to health outcomes; and
7. Demonstrate proficiency in basic and intermediate epidemiologic methods and principles.

Data Management and Statistical Methods

1. Demonstrate proficiency of data management and processing; and
2. Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis and appropriate interpretation of results.

Epidemiologic Practice

1. Identify and discuss ethical and legal principles in the design, collection, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data and public health research;
2. Apply epidemiologic knowledge and skills in a public health setting;
3. Conduct a guided epidemiologic project or critical synthesis of the epidemiologic literature; and
4. Synthesize and apply knowledge in the core areas of public health.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for the Master of Public Health degree, applicants should also meet these concentration prerequisites:

• Public health course prerequisites:
  • HSC 4551 Survey of Human Diseases
  • PHC 4101 Introduction to Public Health
  • Or an equivalent course is required for students who lack training in public health or biological sciences.
• Suggested undergraduate majors: Public health, social sciences, natural sciences, biology, nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, gerontology, allied health professions, environmental health, management information systems, mathematics, statistics, computer sciences.
• Suggested undergraduate courses: College algebra, basic computer skills (e.g. operating system, internet, word processing, spread sheet), human structure and function, human health biology. Calculus is recommended.
• Work experience: Prior work experience is preferred, but not required.
• Other criteria: Academic background, goal statement, student's academic interests, references and availability of faculty and facility resources are also considered as part of the entrance evaluation.

Program Coursework

* CH=Credit Hours; Pre-reqs= prerequisite courses unless noted as CR (co-requisite) or CC (Concurrent requisite)

1. During 2^nd semester meet with advisor and begin planning field experience. See http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/academicaffairs/fe/. May be met through the Peace Corps Master’s International option.
2. Any grade below a C (C- to F) is required to be retaken.  The grade will be included in the student's GPA.
3. The College Reserves All Rights to Repeal And/or Modify.
4. Emphasis Area Support Courses must include: 1 Course in Infectious Disease Epidemiology; 1 Course in Chronic Disease Epidemiology; 1 Additional Elective
5. Supervised Field Experience: No experience, or less than two years using epidemiologic principles in a work setting: 3 credits minimum.  Two or more years experience using epidemiologic principles in a work setting:  1 credit minimum.

• For Emphasis Area Support Courses, students will select additional coursework from the following categories:
  • 1 Course in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • 1 Course in Chronic Disease Epidemiology
  • 1 Additional departmental course elective

• Department Specific Guidelines for Special Project, Field Experience, Comprehensive Exam
• Academic and Student Affairs: Registration, Academic Procedures, etc.
• Tuition and Financial Aid 
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