Master’s Programs and Doctoral Programs

Master's Programs

Master of Public Health Program

This program is designed to prepare persons who have no previous training in public health for a career in that area. This program is also designed for individuals already employed in the health field (MD, DDS, RN, DVM, MBBS, or PHARMD) or training to be a physician; it enables them to acquire or update knowledge of epidemiology and research skills need in their jobs.  The Department also participates in the MD/MPH program. A minimum of 45 credits is required for the MPH degree. Students will gain knowledge of general epidemiologic principles and methods and will then apply this knowledge to a chosen area of concentration, such as infectious disease, chronic (i.e., non-infectious) disease, environmental/occupational health, reproductive epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, or molecular epidemiology of cancer.

Students in the Department’s MPH program are required to maintain standards of performance that exceed the minimum required by the School. Students receiving a grade of "C" in any course (including core courses outside of the Department) must repeat the course. Students receiving a grade of "F" in any course will be dismissed (unless special extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated). Students from other departments can only register for courses in epidemiology if they have a grade of "B" or better in each of the prerequisite courses. 

At the completion of the MPH in Epidemiology students will be able to:

• Pose the appropriate research question or questions when given a public health or medical problem requiring an epidemiologic investigation (EPID 626, EPID 712)
• Select the appropriate study design to answer the research question (EPID 712)
• Identify demographic, social/behavioral and environmental factors which have an impact on the problem under investigation (EPID 603, EPID 626, ENHS 603, SPHL 603)
• Specify the data needed to answer the question including data on possible confounding factors identified above (EPID 626, EPID 712)
• Write a study protocol detailing the objectives and methods for such an investigation (EPID 712)
• Identify the sources of health data such as demographic reports, vital statistics records, disease registries, and clinic and hospital records and how to access these sources (EPID 603, EPID 712)
• Interpret health status indices based on these data, such as mortality and morbidity rates (EPID 603)
• Plan, organize, and manage procedures for collecting data from existing sources as well as original sources such as household surveys or subjects identified for specific studies (EPID 626, BIOS 725)
• Use computer software for data processing preparatory to statistical analysis (EPID 623)
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical techniques under the guidance of someone with more advanced training (BIOS 603, BIOS 604)
• Interpret the results in consultation with an investigator experienced in the problem area (EPID 712)
• Critique epidemiologic literature for strengths and weaknesses of the methodology in published studies (EPID 712)
• Discuss from knowledge of the literature the epidemiology in a chosen area of concentration, namely chronic diseases, infectious diseases, environmental, reproductive or behavioral epidemiology (elective course in chosen concentration area)

The following is an overview of the common program requirements a typical MPH student might undertake. These apply to all students entering in the Spring 2007 semester or after.

Required Courses for Epidemiology majors:

       
AND
             
At least two of the following courses in advanced methods:

AND
             
At least one of the following courses in descriptive epidemiology:

AND

AND

Public Health Practicum (SPHL 998)*

Some examples of practicum opportunities in Epidemiology:

• NYC Epi Scholars Program
• Maternal and Child Health Bureau Graduate Student Internship Program
• Louisiana Office of Public Health
• New Orleans Health Department
• ASPH/CDC/ATSDR Internship
• NCI Fellowships and Internships in Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
• Indian Health Service, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
• PACE of Greater New Orleans
• South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness
• Pan American Health Organization
• United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division
• Family Health International
• The Cooper Institute
• Tulane SPHTM Career Center - Internship List

AND

The Culminating Experience in Epidemiology (SPHL 795)*

                Students may choose to complete one of the following:

                      Public Health Analysis

                                    or

                      Thesis

                                    or

                      Comprehesive Exam

*Approval by the student's academic advisor is required prior to beginning the Public Health Practicum and the Culminating Experience.

Suggested Sequencing of Program Requirements 45 credit MPH program

First Semester

• EPID 603 Epidemiologic Methods I                            3 credits
• EPID 623 Computer Packages for Epidemiology         2 credits
• BIOS 603 Introductory Biostatistics                           3 credits
• SPHTM Core                                                           3 credits

Semester Total                                                            11 credits

Second Semester

• EPID 712 Epidemiologic Methods II                            3 credits   
• BIOS 604 Intermediate Biostatistics                           3 credits
• SPHTM Core                                                            3 credits
• EPID Content or Methods Course                               2-3 credits
• Organize the Practicum                                             _________

Semester Total                                                              11-12 credits

Summer

• Practicum                                                                 0 credits

Third Semester

• EPID 713 Observational Epidemiology                          3 credits
• SPHTM Core                                                              3 credits
• EPID Content or Methods Course                                 2-3 credits
• EPID Content or Methods Course                                 2-3 credits   

                                                                        ________

    Semester Total                                                        10-12 credits

Fourth Semester

• EPID Content or Methods Course                                 2-3 credits
• SPHTM Core                                                              3 credits
• Elective Courses                                                         4-7 credits
• Culminating Experience                                               0 crediits

                                                                         ________

 Semester Total                                                               10-13 credits

Degree Total                                                                 45 credits

Master of Science Program 

The Department of Epidemiology also offers the degrees of Master of Science and Master of Science in Clinical Research.  The MS degree is an academic degree intended to prepare students for careers in research/education institutes with programs that emphasize understanding of theoretical issues and the application of disciplinary methods to the study of public health problems.  The MS program offers research training in epidemiology and is appropriate for physicians or other health professionals who are interested primarily in the academic subject matter of the field to prepare for research and teaching careers rather than professional practice.  The program includes coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics and a research-based master's thesis is required.

The MS in Clinical Research is limited to health professionals already holding a doctoral degree who plan a career in clinical research. The class size is strictly limited with preference being given to faculty and fellows already at the Tulane School of Medicine. Other applicants are considered on an individual basis.

Students complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a thesis.

At the completion of the MS program in Epidemiology students will be able to:

• Define the concepts and contents of epidemiology (EPID 603) 
• Formulate a research hypothesis (EPID 603)
• Determine study aim, objectives and appropriate study design to address the hypothesis (EPID 603)
• Identify risk and/or preventive factors that may contribute to outcomes and incorporate them into a research study (EPID 712, EPID 713)
• Use computers to collect, manage and analyze data for evaluation of hypotheses (EPID 623, EPID 713)
• Evaluate the use of questionnaires and measurement instruments in collection of data to maintain internal validity (EPID 712)
• Use existing databases to provide background or supportive data to address research questions (EPID 998 Thesis)
• Analyze data to compose an understandable and presentable report of the results (BIOS 604, BIOS 706, BIOS 715)
• Perform ethical research (EPID 998 Thesis)

The following is an overview of the common program requirements a typical MS student might undertake. These apply to all students entering in the Spring 2007 semester or after.

Required Courses:

AND
             
At least one of the following courses in advanced methods:

AND
             
At least one of the following courses in descriptive epidemiology:

Thesis Requirement

Students enrolled in the MS program are required to complete a thesis which will demonstrate an ability to interpret current literature and conduct epidemiologic analysis.  The completed thesis must constitute the equivalent of one epidemiologic paper that meets the current standards of publication in refereed journals.  Students must also defend the purpose, methods and results of the thesis research in an oral presentation.  No more than six credit hours may be earned for thesis research.

MS degree requirements must be completed within 2 years after the student first enrolls as a master's student, if full-time, and one year post completion of coursework for part-time students.

Suggested Sequencing of Program Requirements for the 36 credit MS program

Areas of Focus in Epidemiology

Chronic Disease Epidemiology 

This track focuses on chronic disease epidemiology in general.  This includes cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic renal disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer among others.  The objective of the chronic disease epidemiology track is to provide students with the cutting edge of  knowledge, etiology and prevention of chronic diseases. The track activities are enhanced by the close collaborative relationships which exist between the Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Departments and Centers at Tulane University Medical Center.

This track offers several specialty courses: Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Prevention and Health Promotion for Cardiovascular Health, Cancer Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology, Clinical Epidemiology, Experimental Clinical Research, Meta-analysis, Advanced Epidemiologic Methods, Chronic Disease Epidemiology Journal Club and Epidemiology Seminar.  Other courses, such as Stroke Epidemiology, Diabetes Epidemiology, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology, and Nutrition Epidemiology will be offered in the future.  A wide variety of hospital- and community-based research activities at sites in the United States and overseas are available to students in the track.

HIV/STI Epidemiology

The purpose of this track is to guide students who wish to pursue careers in infectious disease research or evaluation, particularly focusing on sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. The goal of the track is to help students learn the methodology and quantitative skills they will need for future employment and to provide them with practical experience to enhance what they have learned in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on how to access information relevant to infectious diseases.

This track offers six specialty courses: Epidemiology of HIV/STI's (EPID 721), Analytic Epidemiology (EPID 722), and Design and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Programs (EPID 613). The track facilitates interaction between students and the HIV Outpatient Program, Office of Public Health, City of New Orleans STD Clinic, several Family Planning Clinics, and many other public health facilities.

Environmental Epidemiology

This area concentrates on the epidemiology of diseases associated with industrial and other occupational exposures as well as with environmentally induced illness in general.   Studies are carried out in conjunction with industry and government and provide excellent opportunities for research. 

Reproductive Epidemiology

This area covers the broad themes of the determinants, consequences of reproductive and perinatal health and the strategies for prevention and control of reproductive and perinatal disorders. Studies are carried out in multidisciplinary approaches, with marked interactions between Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health, Women's Health, Pediatrics and International Health. Current research projects include etiology and prevention of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes such as pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight, fetal and neonatal growth and its potential influence on health later in life, international comparisons of perinatal and maternal mortality, and improving perinatal health care in developing countries especially in Latin America.  Coursework includes EPID 648, Reproductive Epidemiology.

Genetic Epidemiology

With the ongoing cataloguing of human DNA sequence variation by The International HapMap Project and the advent of high-throughput genotyping, it has become increasingly feasible to comprehensively examine the effects of genetic factors on human health.  Genetic epidemiology combines fundamental epidemiological principles with rapidly advancing technology and statistical methodology to untangle the complex web of genetic and environmental factors that interact to influence disease risk.  Coursework includes EPID 629, Genetic Epidemiology and EPID 781, Human Molecular Genetics.

Cancer Epidemiology

Cancer continues to be one of the major health risks world wide.  There is now extensive evidence of the environmental and genetic contributions to Cancer, as well as the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cancer.  Cancer epidemiology studies are now able to integrate all of these factors into more complex questions regarding risk factors and trends in cancer.  Coursework includes EPID 621, Cancer Epidemiology and EPID 781, Human Molecular Genetics.

Doctoral Programs

The Department of Epidemiology offers programs of study leading to either of two doctoral degrees:

1. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree
2. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree

The purpose of the DrPH program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct epidemiologic investigations for the solution of public health problems and the ability to apply results in public health practice. The program prepares graduates to work as epidemiologists in a public health setting. The purpose of the PhD program is to prepare students for a career in epidemiologic research and teaching, usually in an academic setting. The PhD graduate is expected to have knowledge across a wider range of epidemiologic theory and methods than the DrPH graduate who will be working primarily in an applied field.

For both degrees the student is required to pass a written comprehensive examination and to submit a dissertation. In the comprehensive examination the student must demonstrate general knowledge of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and particular knowledge of the epidemiology of one of the following areas: chronic disease; infectious disease, environmental and occupational health; or health behavior. For the dissertation the student must design and execute an original research study which has the potential of contributing new knowledge to the field.

The application deadline for either program (DrPH or PhD) is January 1st to begin in the fall semester.

At the completion of the doctoral program in Epidemiology students will be able to:

• Identify problems within the concentration area requiring research to contribute new knowledge to the field
• Design and implement studies independently to answer one or more of the research questions posed
• Present oral and written reports on such studies which satisfy the criteria for sound scientific reporting
• Advise public health and medical professionals requiring assistance on how to conduct epidemiologic studies in their field
• Teach epidemiologic principles and methods in an academic setting

Doctoral students in epidemiology must exhibit competencies in the following areas.  Competency can be exhibited in a number of ways: completion of coursework, participation in the seminar series, and applied work, including dissertation research.

The tables below list core competencies required by the Department of Epidemiology for the doctoral programs. 

PhD Program Competencies

Domain 1:       General Knowledge

Domain 2:       Hypothesis Generation

Domain 3:       Research Design

Domain 4:       Study Conduct

Domain 5:       Communication

DrPH Program Competencies

Domain 1:       General Knowledge

Domain 2:       Applied Research

Domain 3:       Study Conduct

Domain 4:       Communication

 *These are examples only. The competencies listed embrace the entire scope of the topic in the first column.

†  Students are required to give at least one departmental seminar prior to their prospectus and their dissertation defense.

††  Students are HIGHLY encouraged to work with their advisors and submit research to present at local, state, and national scientific and public health meetings.

The PhD program requires 60 credits of graduate coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree and the DrPH requires 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate, of which not more than 30 can be transfer credits if they meet the content requirements, and, depending on the student’s career focus, may require demonstrated proficiency in one foreign language.

Course requirements for the PhD:

EPID 603 Epidemiologic Methods I  

BIOS 603 Introductory Biostatistics

EPID 623 Computer Packages for Epidemiology

EPID 712 Epidemiologic Methods II

BIOS 604 Intermediate Biostatistics

EPID 713 Observational Epidemiology

EPID 730 Advanced Epidemiologic Methods

BIOS 706 Regression Analysis

BIOS 715 Categorical Data Analysis

BIOS 708 Design of Experiments  OR

BIOS 740 Clinical Trials    OR

BIOS 730 Survival Analysis

Two additional EPID methods courses.

One 3-credit content course.

Course requirements for the DrPH:

EPID 603 Epidemiologic Methods I  

BIOS 603 Introductory Biostatistics

EPID 623 Computer Packages for Epidemiology

EPID 712 Epidemiologic Methods II

BIOS 604 Intermediate Biostatistics

EPID 713 Observational Epidemiology

ENHS 603 Survey Environ. Health       

HSMG 603 Principles of Health Systems Management   

SPHL 601 Biological Basis of Health and Disease

SPHL 603 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Global Health 

EPID 626 Survey Methodology          

CHSC612/INHL 624   Monitoring and Evaluation                 

EPID 730 Seminar in Advanced Epidemiologic Methods

BIOS 706 Regression Analysis  OR

BIOS 715 Categaorical Data Analysis         

Two 3-credit content courses

Advanced Practicum

For a complete listing of courses in Epidemiology, please click here.

By the end of the program students will have thorough knowledge of the sources of health data and their use in epidemiologic studies. They will also be able to design and implement studies for collection of data from original sources such as field surveys. Students will also acquire skills in the processing, analysis and reporting of data. The program prepares graduates for positions in public and private agencies in which epidemiologic information is needed for health policy decisions, as well as for the management of research projects in academic and other institutions.