MPH Elective Course Option: Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods

Overview

Courses in epidemiology and public health research methods are designed for students seeking to develop a deeper understanding of public health by using data to improve the ways we prevent and track disease. Students study data-driven research that measures health outcomes and diseases across various population categories.

Elective Courses

With MPH@GW, you will complete 9 to 11 elective credits. Interested in epidemiology and public health research methods? Consider choosing the following elective courses to match your interests:

  • Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (PUBH 6136, 3 credits)
  • Global Child Health (PUBH 6563, 2 Credits)
  • Evaluation of Food and Nutrition Programs and Policies (PUBH 6489, 1 Credit)
  • Global Vaccinology (PUBH 6455, 3 Credits)
  • Global Health Programs and Approaches to the Control of Infectious Diseases (PUBH 6486, 2 Credits)
  • Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Health Promotion Interventions (PUBH 6508, 3 credits)
  • Researching Violence Against Women and Girls (PUBH 6058, 2 credits)
  • Qualitative Methods in Health Promotion (PUBH 6530, 2 credits)
  • Marketing Research for Public Health (PUBH 6572, 3 credits)

What Can I Do With Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods?

Epidemiology and public health research professionals are constantly analyzing health information and collecting new data to develop public health awareness about the origin of diseases and the best possible ways to treat and prevent them.

Reviewing and evaluating dense scientific information is at the heart of epidemiology and public health research. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employ professionals who specialize in investigating complex data structures for patterns that may reveal new ways to resolve public health issues around the world.

Career Outlook

Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 20281. Professional work settings for epidemiologists include government agencies, hospitals, medical laboratories, state health agencies and veterinary clinics. Professionals with a background in epidemiology may be able to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

  • Social and community health research
  • Public health program evaluation
  • Infectious disease control
  • Health policy research and evaluation
  • Public health data dissemination
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, (Accessed July 23, 2020) Return to footnote reference