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Epidemiology is concerned with the study of factors that determine the distribution of health and disease in human populations.

The purposes of epidemiological research are to discover the causes of disease, to advance and evaluate methods of disease prevention, and to aid in planning and evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs. Epidemiologists are interested in the study of infectious and noninfectious diseases. In recent years they have turned their attention increasingly toward the study of conditions affected by forces in the social and physical environment.

Curriculum

Our 11-month program requires 42 units of coursework in public health and advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods. A master’s paper is required for completion of the program.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must be doctoral level health professionals (e.g. physicians, veterinarians or dentists), have a prior doctoral degree in a related discipline (e.g. anthropology, sociology, psychology, demography or biology sciences), or be concurrently enrolled in a doctoral level degree program in a health profession or related discipline.
  • Common work experience for admitted applicants includes medical doctor, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, and/or research experience in a public health setting.
  • GRE scores are optional for the fall 2023 admissions cycle. We recommend submitting a GRE if you have no other evidence of quantitative, verbal, or analytical abilities in your application.

Employment

Graduates often secure positions utilizing epidemiologic and statistical training in federal, state and local health departments, as well as a wide variety of academic research positions and positions in the private medical and health care fields.


Bethany Lee

MPH ’19

I came here so I could learn the epidemiologic tools to carry out rigorous research and analyze the effects of policy on health. Not only did my time at Berkeley equip me with these skills and more, but it also solidified my passion to work in the intersection of research and policy.

Admissions Statistics

25 / 28 Admissions Ratio
3.7 Average GPA of admitted applicants

Epidemiology Faculty

Core Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Adjunct Faculty

Emeriti Faculty