Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a science rooted in finding solutions to serious public health problems like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Data concerning determinants and distribution are critical to improving the health of entire populations. In other words, epidemiologists identify why some people get sick and others do not.
Students in the Department of Epidemiology acquire the skills to detect, prevent and control human disease and to promote the health and well-being of the public through innovative research, education and training. Our program equips students with strong analytic and quantitative skills to be successful in designing and conducting public health investigations, disease surveillance, innovative interventions and methodological research. Many of our graduates are working as epidemiologists for federal and state agencies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and international health orgranizations.
To contact the department for general information or advising, call 305-348-0118. For information about the MPH degree program, contact Dr. Vukosava Pekovic at 305-348-1823 or pekovic@fiu.edu. For information about the Ph.D. program, contact Dr. Miguel A. Cano at 305-348-8586 or mcanojr@fiu.edu.
Meet our faculty/staff
Master's Level Overview (MPH)
MPH, Concentration in Epidemiology
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in epidemiology provides rigorous theoretical and practical training for the prevention of acute and chronic diseases. After successful completion of this program, students will able to conduct applied epidemiological work related to disease monitoring, study and prevention. The MPH is a professional degree that entails a two-year, 45-credit program geared toward public health practice: core courses (15 credits), epidemiology concentration courses (15 credits), electives (9 credits), practicum (3 credits) and integrative seminar/integrative learning experience (3 credits).
Courses
PHC 6000 EPI I: Introduction to Public Health Epidemiology
PHC 6013 EPI II: Observational Study Designs
PHC 6003: Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Resources
MPH EPI Two-Year Program Advising Sheet
MPH EPI Accelerated One-Year Program Advising Sheet – Exceptional candidates may be recommended for a one-year MPH, concentration in epidemiology (accelerated track). The one-year accelerated program is well-suited for pre-med students and professionals looking to obtain a degree in less time.
MPH, Concentration in Infectious Disease
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in infectious disease is designed to prepare students to embark on challenging careers that address significant emerging and reemerging infectious disease problems relevant to the tropics and subtropics. Students will complete 45 credits: 15 credits for core public health courses, 15 credits for epidemiology concentration courses, 9 credits for infectious disease concentration, practicum and integrative seminar (3 credits each).
Courses
PHC 6510: Advanced Infectious and Tropical Disease Epidemiology
PHC 6009: AIDS Epidemiology and Control
PHC 6591: Reproductive Health Epidemiology
Resources
MPH EPI Infectious Disease Curriculum
Practicum
PHC 6945 (Practicum in Public Health) and PHC 6930C (Integrative Seminar in Public Health/culminating experience) are both required for all MPH students.
The practicum may be taken after completing a minimum of 30 hours, including all core courses. The practicum may be waived if the student has at least three years of relevant practice experience working in a public health setting. The waiver request is prepared and submitted by the student through their faculty advisor and department chair. If the practicum requirement is waived, the student will need to substitute three additional approved hours so that the total curriculum hour requirement of 45 is met. MPH students are expected to complete PHC 6930C Integrative Seminar in Public Health during their last semester in the program.
MD/MPH Combined Program
The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) and the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work (Stempel College) offer the combined Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health (MD/MPH) degree to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s healthcare landscape. Combining a public health degree that understands changing global health trends with a doctorate in medicine gives students the tools to perform at the highest levels of the medical field. With an emphasis on patient-centered care, the MD provides the knowledge to heal and assist individuals, while the MPH provides the expertise to handle widespread population health and diseases.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Earn your MPH between your third and fourth academic years of medical school.
- Expand your career opportunities with a public health approach to population health and disease
- Expand your professional network with peers and colleagues in public health
Courses:
Students enrolled in the MPH will be required to earn a total of 36 graduate credits in public health. Another 9 credits of public health electives from the MD program will be used toward fulfillment of the MPH degree, totaling the 45 required credits. A list and schedule of the MPH course offerings can be found below:
Fall Semester (August-December) (18 credits)
- Epidemiology I: Introduction to Public Health
- Biostatistics I
- Introduction to Public Health Policy and Management
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology OR Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Introduction to Environmental Health
Spring semester (Jan-April) (15 credits)
- Health Behavior and Public Health
- Epidemiology II: Observational Design
- Social Epidemiology
- Biostatistics II
- Public Health Practicum
Summer (May-July) (3 credits)
- Public Health Integrative Seminar
Admission Requirements:
To be eligible for admission to the MD/MPH program, prospective students must provide:
- Approvals from HWCOM
- Online graduate admissions application, including a non-refundable $30 application fee
- MCAT scores
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
Program Fees:
Students enrolled in the MD/MPH program will pay regular graduate tuition fees for all MPH credits. For more information, please visit the FIU OneStop page on Graduate Tuition and Fees: https://onestop.fiu.edu/finances/estimate-your-costs/graduate-tuition-fees/
Contacts:
Magnolia E. Hernández, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Student and Alumni Affairs
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work | AHC5-137
Florida International University | 11200 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33199
Phone: 305-348-5938 | Email: mehernan@fiu.edu
Barbra A. Roller, PhD
Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Florida International University | 11200 SW 8th Street- AHC2 368A Miami, FL 33199
Phone: 305-348-7289 | Email: rollerb@fiu.edu
Doctoral Level Overview (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in Public Heath program with a concentration in epidemiology trains established public health researchers with a higher level of professional skills necessary for conducting epidemiological research. The degree prepares students with the knowledge and skills for applying epidemiological research methods to public health problems. Graduates become scholars who are able to conduct research and pedagogic work related to epidemiology and public health. A total of 75 credits are required to complete this degree, which includes 15 dissertation credits. 21 credit hours can be transferred from a MPH degree.
Key research themes in the Department of Epidemiology include health disparities, Latino health, women’s health, LGBT health, tobacco control, HIV/AIDS and chronic disease risk factors. Visit our lab page, Stempel College’s dedicated research section or our faculty bio pages to learn more about ongoing research projects.
Courses
PHC 7705: Methods in Evidence-Based Public Health
PHC 7015: Advanced Research Methods – Experimental Design
PHC 7606: Tobacco Use: Causes, Consequences and Control
PHC 7162: Grant Writing in Public Health
PHC 7017: Advanced Epidemiology of Health Disparity
Resources
Ph.D. in Public Health, Concentration in Epidemiology Advising Sheet
Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology
The Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology (18 credit hours) provides graduate level instruction in epidemiology to practitioners with a bachelor’s degree. Certificate students will be provided with a scientific foundation for describing and studying factors related to disease risk. They will also learn data sources in epidemiology and practical applications of epidemiologic methods. For more information, visit admissions info via Stempel College.
Funding your education
At Stempel College, we understand that academic success can be affected by financial aid and funding opportunities. Our students have access to myriad funding options by degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) and by academic discipline (Public Health, Dietetics & Nutrition, Social Work). It’s important to understand the basics of applying for financial aid and the additional resources available to you as a Stempel College student. For more, please visit Funding Your Education in our website’s “Student Life” section.
Everything you need to know about applying for your preferred degree level or certificate in our various academic programs can be located by using the “Apply Now!” search tool below. For example, you can select your preferred degree level and unit/concentration in the drop-down fields. Alternatively, you can leave the search term field blank to conduct a search of the college’s entire academic repertoire.