Graduate Bulletin

Epidemiology, M.S.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: April 15

Applications are reviewed throughout the year as they are received.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence and, if appropriate, research supervisors or mentors.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

Proficiency in statistical programming and a minimum of 6 s.h. of undergraduate quantitative and/or analytical methods (statistics, research design, etc.) are required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A baccalaureate degree is required.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words in length and should include the following elements: your interest in the M.S. in Epidemiology program; your research area of interest, research goals and experience, and current quantitative skills; your future career goals; and your academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE or MCAT is required.  Scores on both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE should be 500 or higher. Test scores must be from within the past five years.

Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted: 620 paper-based, 260 computer-based, or 105 internet-based.

Resume:

A resume or CV is required.

Interview:

An interview is required.

Test Waivers:

Postdoctoral applicants who hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution may request a waiver of the GRE/MCAT.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 36

(30 s.h. of coursework and 6 s.h. of master's thesis)

Required Courses:

PH502 (strongly suggested), PH520, PH670, PH671, PH951

Internship:  No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Thesis:

The master's thesis documents the independent research of the student and demonstrates mastery of her/his primary area of interest. Thesis research is conducted under the direct supervision of an academic advisor. The specific topic for research should be of current interest in the professional community. After a research topic is selected, the student performs preliminary research. A thesis proposal is then submitted describing the initial results and a plan for further research toward completion of the proposed research. The student may continue the research only after the proposal is approved by the committee. Presentation of methods and study results will be conducted upon completion of the thesis.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/chp/dpts/publichealth/PH_grad_epidemiology.htm

Department Information:

M.S. Program in Epidemiology

Department of Public Health

College of Health Professions
1700 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
dnelson@temple.edu
215-204-9659

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Deborah Nelson, Ph.D.
dnelson@temple.edu
215-204-9659

Program Director:

Deborah Nelson, Ph.D.
dnelson@temple.edu
215-204-9659

Graduate Chairperson:

Alice Hausman, Ph.D.
alice.hausman@temple.edu
215-204-3718

About the Program

The conduct of epidemiologic research involves the study of the distribution of disease and/or injury in human populations. The M.S. in Epidemiology degree is designed specifically for students interested in in-depth training and knowledge of the research techniques appropriate to conducting epidemiologic studies in a particular concentration of health research. Master's-level epidemiologists may work in applied settings conducting disease surveillance and outbreak investigations or in research settings developing and evaluating research hypotheses generated to understand the effects of biological, environmental, social, and behavioral factors on human health. Since epidemiology is the principal science underlying disease prevention and control programs, this training is also a basic component for other degree and training programs in public health and preventative medicine.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

Campus Location:

Main

Courses are also offered at the Center City and Health Sciences Center campuses.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.  While the time limit for degree completion is set at 3 years, full-time students are expected to earn their degree within 2 years; part-time students are granted the additional year.

Department Information:

M.S. Program in Epidemiology

Department of Public Health

College of Health Professions
1700 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
dnelson@temple.edu
215-204-9659

Interdisciplinary Study:

Students are encouraged to develop programs of study that are interdisciplinary in nature, involving coursework across departments, schools, and colleges. Research in affiliated units is encouraged.

Affiliation(s):

Research affiliations of the graduate faculty of the M.S in Epidemiology program include the Center for Asian Tobacco Control; the Department of Nursing; the Fox Chase Cancer Center; Temple University School of Medicine and Children's Medical Center; and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Additional research opportunities include the Institute for Survey Research, the Social Science Data Library, and the Testing and Measurement Center.

Study Abroad:

Temple University has campuses in Japan, London, and Rome where independent research can be pursued under advisement.

Ranking:

Not applicable.

Accreditation:

Currently under way.

Areas of Specialization:

Areas of specialization can be dictated through the area of concentration pursued by the student in her/his thesis research for all students earning the M.S. in Epidemiology degree.

Job Placement:

Graduates of the M.S in Epidemiology program are prepared to be faculty members or researchers in colleges and universities or to hold research-related positions in a wide range of organizations. Graduates are employed in health systems, hospitals and clinics, public health departments, and public health and other healthcare and human service agencies. Some graduates are employed by schools at the local, state, and federal levels. Graduates also work in pharmaceutical companies, non-profit and for-profit corporations, foundations, and consulting firms.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Students are permitted to take up to 9 s.h. of coursework before matriculation. If accepted into the program, those courses may be applied toward the degree requirements. Course selection should be made in consultation with an advisor, and students should be aware that completion of coursework does not ensure admission into the program.

Financing Opportunities

Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) provide 20 hours of service per week. TAs may be assigned to assist in the teaching of courses, including grading examinations and papers or teaching laboratory sections. Some TAs independently teach undergraduate courses. RAs perform supervised research activities. Both assistantships carry a minimum stipend and full tuition remission for up to 9 credits per semester. Applications for assistantships are available from the Department of Public Health and must be submitted by January 15 for the following fall semester. The application requires a statement of previous teaching and/or research experience, areas of interest, and future goals; unofficial copies of transcripts; and a curriculum vitae. The department makes offers of assistantships following admission to the program. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Alice Hausman, Chair of the Department of Public Health, 1700 North Broad Street, Room 304, Temple University, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0843.

Updated 3.7.07