FAQ
How can I learn about the field of Epidemiology?
You could explore the Society of Epidemiologic Research (SER), which is one of the main organizations in the field. The society's scientific journal, the American Journal of Epidemiology, provides examples of the diversity of public health problems addressed using epidemiologic methods.
What are the field experience requirements?
All EPI MPH students must complete at least 90 hours of supervised field experience. The purpose of the field experience is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their epidemiological knowledge and skills in a practice-based setting.
The field experience must involve a project with defined objectives and evaluation criteria. It may include anything from study design to data collection and management, data analysis to grant preparation. It must, however, be independent from the MPH master s project.
What are the career prospects for epidemiologists?
Epidemiologists use applied statistical methods to investigate public health problems. They design, implement, and analyze studies. And they interpret study results and consider their policy implications.
They usually work in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams of other professionals, such as physicians, pathologists, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, statisticians, behaviorists, and laboratory scientists.
Recent graduates have found employment with local, state, and federal health agencies, HMOs, university research programs, and health insurers and other healthcare organizations with research programs.
For more information, check out Career Services.
How do I apply?
Information on the application process and downloadable forms are available here.
What financial aid is available for Epidemiology students?
Upon admission to the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, you should refer to the Job Tip Sheet, which will provide information about obtaining a graduate assistantship at the University. You can also visit the graduate assistant web site at http://www.umn.edu/ohr/gao/.
To increase your chances of obtaining a graduate assistantship, consider learning a statistical software package like SAS or SPSS. Students with these skills are highly sought after.
Limited funds are available for (current) student travel. Resources are also available through the J. B. Hawley Student Research Award for research projects, including Master's Projects.
International and domestic students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships anywhere within the University of Minnesota. These positions are competitive.
What kinds of research projects are being undertaken by the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health?
The division's faculty develop and implement innovative methods for a variety of research interests, including population-based surveillance of cardiovascular disease and cancer trends; cross-sectional and cohort studies of risk factors and behavior related to cancer, diabetes, AIDS, and other diseases; clinical and community trials on prevention of hypertension and coronary heart disease; community-based health promotion and program evaluation; and studies in cancer etiology.
For more information on current research projects, look here.
For more information
Major Chairperson for MPH:
James Pankow, PhD, MPH
Phone: (612) 626-8802 or (800) 774-8636
E-mail: panko001@umn.edu
Director of Graduate Studies for Ph.D.:
Pam Schreiner, Ph.D.
Phone: (612) 626-8802 or (800) 774-8636
E-mail: schre012@umn.edu
Major Coordinators:
Shelley Cooksey, Andrea Kish, Kathryn Schwartz
Phone: (612) 626-8802 or (800) 774-8636
E-mail: gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
