Master of Public Health - Epidemiology

Program Overview

The MPH in Epidemiology at UB is a 47-credit hour program, typically completed over two years for full-time students. It seamlessly integrates foundational public health coursework with specialized training in epidemiological principles, biostatistics, and research methods. The program's core objective is to provide students with the ability to design and conduct epidemiological studies, analyze complex health data, interpret findings, and effectively communicate public health information to diverse audiences. A mandatory field training experience provides invaluable hands-on experience in real-world public health settings, and the program culminates in a culminating project, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of core public health competencies and concentration-specific skills through an applied public health problem.

CEPH Accredited: Yes, the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University at Buffalo is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is the premier independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accrediting schools and programs of public health. This accreditation is a testament to the program's commitment to delivering high-quality public health education that meets national standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice. Furthermore, graduates of CEPH-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, enhancing their professional standing. The School received its latest reaccreditation in September 2023, underscoring its continued excellence.

Curriculum: The 47-credit curriculum for the MPH in Epidemiology provides a comprehensive understanding of core public health domains and in-depth knowledge of epidemiological theory and application. Foundational MPH courses typically include "Introduction to Epidemiology," "Statistical Analysis I," "Environmental Health," "Introduction to Health Care Organization," and "Study of Health Behavior." The concentration-specific courses delve rigorously into "Epidemiologic Methods," "Applied Biostatistics," "Chronic Disease Epidemiology," and "Infectious Disease Epidemiology." Students also select elective courses to further specialize their knowledge in areas like advanced biostatistics, social epidemiology, or specific disease areas. The competency-based curriculum ensures students develop skills in areas such as assessing population health, designing interventions, and evaluating public health programs.

Research Focus: The MPH in Epidemiology at UB has a strong research focus, emphasizing the application of epidemiological methods to real-world public health challenges. Faculty within the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health are actively engaged in diverse and impactful research across various health domains. These include, but are not limited to, cancer epidemiology, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance and control, social and behavioral epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and genetic epidemiology. Students have ample opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects, often involving the analysis of large population-based datasets, and to develop their own research interests through their culminating projects, contributing to the evidence base for public health practice.

Industry Engagement: The MPH in Epidemiology program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into the workforce in critical public health and research sectors. The program actively fosters connections with a wide array of employers, including local, state, and federal public health agencies (e.g., county health departments, New York State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC), academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and healthcare systems. The required field training experience is a cornerstone of the program, providing students with invaluable practical experience, professional networking opportunities, and exposure to real-world public health challenges, directly aligning their skills with industry demands.

Global Perspective: The MPH in Epidemiology at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing diseases and health phenomena that are often transnational in nature. The principles of epidemiology are universally applicable for understanding disease patterns, evaluating health interventions, and informing public health policies across diverse populations and international contexts. Many faculty members are involved in global health research initiatives, investigating health issues that transcend national borders, such as emerging infectious diseases, non-communicable disease burdens in developing countries, and health disparities across different regions of the world. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and approaches to global health challenges. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute effectively to international public health efforts and collaborative research.