I am interested in obtaining an advanced degree in population health research, epidemiology or clinical research. Which degree in your department should I pursue?
Master of Science in Population Health — This academic graduate degree aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand health, diseases, and their determinants across the lifespan; test interventions to improve health; and develop methodological approaches for population health research. This foundation in research provides preparation for either further graduate work or employment in a variety of research settings (including clinical). This interdisciplinary training program builds on the core disciplines of epidemiology, health services research/health determinants, and quantitative research methods. With a background in these core areas, students are then given the opportunity to pursue one or more of the following concentrations: epidemiology, health services research/health determinants, social and behavioral health, or clinical research. Students are prepared in a holistic way about the various aspects of population health – which in turn helps them develop a complete understanding of various public health issues and how to initiate quality research. An essential part of this degree is a research thesis.
Doctorate in Philosophy in Population Health — This academic graduate degree has the same focus as the Master of Science in Population Health but explores it at a deeper level. There is a heavy focus on research methods and experience in the conduct of research studies. PhD graduates tend to gravitate toward academic positions in colleges and universities, research firms, and government agencies like the National Institutes of Health. An essential part of this degree is a research dissertation which is defended after passing a qualifying written exam and one of two preliminary oral exam(s).
Master of Science and Doctorate in Philosophy in Epidemiology — Epidemiology is one of the core methodological disciplines under the umbrellas of population health research and public health. If you want to conduct research focusing on the distribution and determinants of disease in the population, have a strong foundation in mathematics and biology or human health, then the program in epidemiology may be the best fit. Consult some of the faculty research profiles on the website to see if your goals align with any of their interests.