Frequently Asked Questions

  What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of diseases in populations, their causes, and the ways in which they can be prevented and controlled. Epidemiologists are interested not only in the biological origins of disease, but in the impact of social, economic and environmental conditions that may contribute to ill-health. To develop clues to what may cause disease, they examine variations in rates of diseases over time, by geographic area, and in different groups of people. They investigate localized outbreaks of diseases of known cause to understand where the public health infrastructure needs to be strengthened. Epidemiologists also frequently study the effects of clinical protocols and medical care systems to see what works best. Prevention programs, health education efforts and public health policy are all important applications of epidemiologic research.

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  What careers are available in Epidemiology?

Epidemiologists work in hospitals, for county and state health departments, for government agencies, in universities, and for pharmaceutical companies. Hospital epidemiologists study nosocomial (hospital-acquired) diseases, conduct drug trials, research treatment outcomes, or may be involved in hospital planning. Epidemiologists employed with county or state health departments investigate disease outbreaks, or conduct studies of disorders of importance to the geographical entity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes for Health (NIH) and other federal agencies employ epidemiologists to conduct epidemiologic studies, perform risk factor analyses, track the prevalent incidence of disease, and formulate public health policy. Epidemiologists employed with pharmaceutical companies are involved in drug trials, post marketing surveillance and pharmaceutical needs assessment.

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  Are applicants required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Medical School Admission Test (MCAT)?

The department accepts either the GRE or the MCAT.  When completing your forms the Institution Code is 1465 and the Department Code is 0606

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  Does MSU offer a PhD in Epidemiology?

The Department of Epidemiology does offer a PhD degree in Epidemiology. For more information, visit the Academic Programs page.

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  What courses are required for the Certificate in Epidemiology?

The Certificate in Epidemiology requires three of the four required core courses, and two required courses in biostatistics. For more information, visit the Academic Programs page.

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  Can courses taken for the Certificate Program be applied toward the MS Program?

Students in the certificate program can apply to the master's program. If accepted, up to 10 credits can be transferred toward the master's program.

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  What undergraduate majors are preferred for acceptance to the MS Program?

Any undergraduate major is satisfactory. However, applicants are expected to have taken one year of college level coursework in both math and biology.

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  Can courses taken under the auspices of lifelong education be applied towards the MS program?

Only 10 lifelong education credits can be applied to a graduate degree at MSU.