MPH in Epidemiology online programs guide

In short, epidemiology explores what causes diseases, how they are spread, and which populations are affected and at risk. The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology is a common concentration and helps lay the foundation for a profession in public health.

What is epidemiology?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), epidemiology is the “branch of medical science that investigates all the factors that determine the presence or absence of diseases and disorders.”

Epidemiology MPH programs:
There are many programs that focus on epidemiology. Because epidemiology is a broad concentration within public health, some programs offer combination tracks. Prospective learners may see combined tracks in some of the following areas of public health: clinical research, biostatistics, disease control, maternal and child health, microbial diseases, international health and occupational epidemiology.

Through research and analysis, an MPH in Epidemiology degree teaches learners to look at individuals who have certain health conditions and compare their characteristics and environment to those who are healthy or have a different set of characteristics.

This information is used to plan and develop strategies that prevent disease or manage populations where disease has already spread. Epidemiologists may work in emergency outbreak situations or develop plans to prevent or manage chronic diseases.

The program cards featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

Sponsored MPH Online Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Master of Public Health (MPH)

Earn your Master of Public Health (MPH) from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health in as few as 20–24 months. The CEPH-accredited online learning experience offers four concentrations.

  • Three accredited concentrations: MPH Leadership, MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health, and Applied Epidemiology
  • Part-time and full-time program options
  • Curriculum includes applied field experience. Field placement services available.

George Washington University

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Master of Public Health

With the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, you can earn your MPH in as few as 12 months. Make a meaningful difference in public health without having to relocate. No GRE required.

  • Complete in as few as 12 months  
  • No GRE required  
  • Accredited by CEPH 

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MPH in Epidemiology vs. MS in Epidemiology

While a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH) and a Master of Science in Epidemiology (MS) are similar, there are differences between the degrees.

  • Master of Public Health in Epidemiology: A Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH) is an integrated interdisciplinary degree, meaning the program covers foundational aspects of public health, along with detailed training in epidemiology and epidemiologic investigations. In this program, learners are taught the entire process of solving epidemiologic public health issues including diagnosing a problem, developing a hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting the results of their studies to their team of other public health professionals.
  • Master of Science in Epidemiology (MS): While an MPH includes foundational material and encompasses all aspects of epidemiologic investigations, the Master of Science in Epidemiology is a research-oriented degree. Learners are taught skills in measurement, statistical, and analytic methods, and complete coursework in biostatistics and data management. Upon graduation, learners should have a solid foundation in developing hypotheses, data collection, epidemiologic methods, and statistical analysis. Graduates of MS in Epidemiology programs might go on to careers in public health research, both in the public and private sector.

Top concentration areas for a master’s degree in epidemiology

Our directory contains several master’s in public health in epidemiology programs, but some have specific concentrations. The following are a sample of epidemiological concentrations:

  • Epidemiological sciences
  • Clinical research
  • Biostatistics
  • Disease control
  • Maternal and child health
  • Epidemiology of microbial diseases
  • International health
  • Occupational & environmental epidemiology

MPH in Epidemiology requirements

Typical requirements for application to an epidemiology MPH program

In order to apply to an online MPH in Epidemiology program, learners must complete the SOPHAS application, which is the centralized application service for Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited schools. Learners may use this application for all CEPH-accredited schools they are applying to, as it is a universal application. Depending on the program, the following items may also be required:

  • Minimum GPA (varies by school)
  • College transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume

Typical requirements to graduate from an accredited MPH program

In order to graduate with an MPH in Epidemiology, learners are typically required to complete some combination of credit hours, practicum and a thesis.

  • Curriculum – A traditional MPH in Epidemiology curriculum is four semesters long and includes courses covering topics such as:
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Genetics in epidemiology
  • Social and economic determinants of population health
  • Public health informatics
  • Applied epidemiology
  • Applied biostatistics
  • Issues in global health
  • Public health surveillance
  • Data analysis
  • Chronic disease epidemiology
  • Practicum – Many programs require a practicum, which allows learners to acquire first-hand experience in the field of epidemiology. During their practicum, learners are able to practice skills and methods introduced in the classroom, applying them to real-world experiences. Typically, learners are able to choose their practicum based on their area of specialization. For example, a learner interested in environmental epidemiology might choose to base their project on a local waste management facility and spend time on-site exploring a certain topic.
  • Thesis – The thesis is the culmination of an MPH in Epidemiology and is often a yearlong project, completed in the second year of the program. Learners work with an advisor to choose a topic associated with their specialization. It is a research paper that is generally significant in length.

Online MPH in Epidemiology programs (CEPH-accredited)

Online degree programs can be great opportunities for professionals with busy schedules or those who might not want to relocate to attend an on-campus program.

When choosing an online epidemiology MPH program, it’s important to remember to look for programs that are accredited by the CEPH, an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits schools of public health and public health programs to ensure that they are meeting the proper standards and quality of education.

Online MPH in Epidemiology sample courses to expect

Infectious disease epidemiology

Preventing and controlling disease is the cornerstone of epidemiology. In this course, learners could study foundational methods to identify, prevent, and control infectious diseases. Learners will use case studies to perform real-world investigations.

Genetics in epidemiology

In this course, learners might examine how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of disease in families and populations.

Social and economic determinants of population health

Obesity, disability, environment, and stress are just a few key social determinants of health in populations that learners will study in this course. They will examine methods and epidemiologic approaches that define population health, as well as how social determinants affect public health issues.

Career possibilities with a MPH in Epidemiology

While there are general opportunities to become an epidemiologist in the field, some graduates with an MPH in Epidemiology may work in a public health specialization. Some of these include environmental health, research, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

General epidemiology

  • Also known as disease detectives, field epidemiologists are the first on the scene of disease outbreaks. They work on the ground to track, contain, and eliminate disease outbreaks before they become epidemics.
  • It is the job of the field epidemiologist to communicate critical information quickly about the situation to public health officials. They often travel domestically and overseas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for epidemiologists was $78,520 in 2022, with the highest 10% earning more than $123,430.

Environmental health epidemiology

  • The role of an environmental epidemiologist is to study how factors from the environment have an affect on the health of a population.
  • Their research can involve work within populations that have been exposed to air pollution, hazardous waste, pesticides, asbestos, or radiation. They also might investigate the unknown causes of diseases such as cancer and how environmental factors may have had a role in their development.

Research epidemiology

  • Clinical epidemiologists study the way diseases spread. Their jobs are research-oriented and often done in both laboratories and the field as opposed to one-on-one with patients.
  • Some of the responsibilities of a clinical epidemiologist include gathering and analyzing data, developing and overseeing clinical studies and reporting research outcomes and disease prevention methods to public health departments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, epidemiologists working in research and development earned a median annual wage of $103,650 in 2022.

Medical epidemiology

  • Infection control epidemiologists specialize in stopping the spread of infectious diseases as well as ensuring the proper procedures are in place should an outbreak occur. They typically work in hospitals or other medical facilities, collecting data through blood samples, observation, and interviews.
  • It is the job of the infection control epidemiologist to help enforce hygiene and cleanliness in hospitals and medical facilities in order to prevent the spread of disease and infection. Those who specialize in this field are particularly skilled in biology, physical science, math, and statistics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for epidemiologists working in general medical and surgical hospitals was $95,240 in 2022.

Pharmaceutical epidemiology

  • A pharmaceutical epidemiologist studies how pharmaceuticals affect the health of a population. Through clinical studies and research, they look at how certain diseases spread due to social trends and other factors within the community.
  • The job of a pharmaceutical epidemiologist is research-heavy and they might spend the majority of their time in the lab, studying samples and how they react with certain chemicals and drugs. Those who specialize in this field are often particularly skilled in biology, chemistry, and statistics.

Last updated November 2023

CEPH-accredited programs

See below for a list of MPH programs that are CEPH-accredited.

Boston University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Boston, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Program Management, Healthcare Management, Health Policy and Law, Health Communication and Promotion, Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Design and Conduct of Public Health Research, Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Boston University

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Master of Public Health

Norfolk, Virginia

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 40+

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, Applied Data Science

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two letters of reference
  • 2.5 GPA
  • Personal statement
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Eastern Virginia Medical School

Georgia Southern University

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Statesboro, Georgia

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Community Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Georgia Southern University

Grand Valley State University

Master of Public Health

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Applied Epidemiology, Health Promotion

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Statement of purpose
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Grand Valley State University

Harvard University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Boston, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

General, Epidemiology

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree/professional degree/doctorate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three to five years relevant work experience (depending on degree upon admission)
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of reference
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Harvard University

Indiana University / Purdue University of Indianapolis

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Indianapolis, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
  • Personal statement
  • CV/resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Indiana University / Purdue University of Indianapolis

Indiana University at Bloomington

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Bloomington, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 44

Concentrations:

Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Parks and Recreation Lands Management, Physical Activity, Public Health Administration

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Indiana University at Bloomington

Kent State University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Kent, Ohio

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 46

Concentrations:

Social and Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management

Admission Requirements:

  • 3.00 GPA
  • GRE scores
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Goal Statement
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Kent State University

North Dakota State University

College of Health Professions, Department of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Fargo, North Dakota

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from North Dakota State University

Northwestern University

School of Medicine, Center for Education in Health Sciences

Master of Public Health

Chicago, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 47.5

Concentrations:

Generalist, Community Health Research, Epidemiology, Global Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Official GRE
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of recommendation
  • World Education Services Course-by-Course evaluation 
  • GRE Optional
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Northwestern University

Old Dominion University

College of Health Sciences

Master of Public Health

Norfolk, Virginia

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 43

Concentrations:

Applied Epidemiology and Public Health Data Analytics, Global Environmental Health, Health Behavior and Health Promotion

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Unofficial/official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Essay
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Old Dominion University

University of Pennsylvania

School of Medicine

Master of Public Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 14

Concentrations:

Environmental Health, General, Global Health, One Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Pennsylvania

Temple University

College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites (Nutrition only, other preferred but not required)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • CV/resume
  • TOEFL, course evaluations (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Temple University

Texas A&M University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

College Station, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 45-54

Concentrations:

Epidemiology

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Texas A&M University

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Birmingham, Alabama

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 44

Concentrations:

Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Care Organization and Policy, Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • TOEFL/IELTS, transcript evaluation (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Arizona

Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Tucson, Arizona

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Behavior Health Promotion, Environmental & Occupational Health, Global Health, Family & Child Health, Biostatistics

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of purpose and objectives
  • GRE or MCAT scores – Waived for all Fall 2021, Spring 2022 and Summer 2022 applicants
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from The University of Arizona

University of California – irvine

Master of Public Health

Irvine, California

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 64-66

Concentrations:

Sociocultural Diversity and Health, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Personal History Statement
  • Official transcripts from all institutions 
  • Prerequisite coursework (see Transcripts below)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of California – irvine

University of Florida

College of Public Health and Health Professions

Master of Public Health

Gainesville, Florida

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Population Health Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Public Health Practice

Admission Requirements:

  • The Public Health Practice concentration requires substantial post-baccalaureate professional work experience in a health-related field in addition to the required academic credentials.
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Florida

University of Louisville

Master of Public Health

Louisville, Kentucky

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42-48

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Global Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA
  • TOEFL Scores for International Students  
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Louisville

University of Michigan

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42-60

Concentrations:

Health Behavior and Health Education, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Management and Policy, Population and Health Sciences (fully online), Nutritional Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Course prerequisites
Learn more about the Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration from University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Community Health Promotion, Environmental Health, Public Health Practice, Public Health Nutrition, Public Health Administration & Policy, Maternal & Child Health, Epidemiology

Admission Requirements:

  • Baccalaureate or higher degree
  • 3.00 GPA
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume or C.V.
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE Scores
  • 3 letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Minnesota

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Master of Public Health

Las Vegas, Nevada

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
  • Essay
  • Personal data sheet
  • CV/resume
  • Three letter of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The University of New Mexico

College of Population Health

Master of Public Health

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Systems, Services and Policy, Community Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Course prerequisites
  • Bachelor’s degree (CEPH accredited, otherwise applicants will need to complete additional courses)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE Scores
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from The University of New Mexico

University of South Dakota

Master of Public Health

Vermillion, South Dakota

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Health Services Administration, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Background Check
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of South Dakota

University of South Florida

College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Tampa, Florida

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42-44

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief and Security, Health, Safety, and the Environment, Infection Control, Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health Practice, Social Marketing

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of South Florida

Yale University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

New Haven, Connecticut

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 20

Concentrations:

Health Informatics, Environmental Health Sciences, Applied Analytic Methods and Epidemiology, Critical Topics in Public Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum four years of relevant work experience
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Yale University