Become an Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists identify public health hazards, evaluate health interventions and monitor health systems data to protect public health. Every day epidemiologists across the world analyze data, conduct studies and share recommendations based on science to prevent illnesses and improve healthcare outcomes.

As a student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology program, you’ll gain a solid grasp of the fundamental principles of epidemiology and health statistics. You’ll learn about study design, data collection and analysis, and assessment of bias. 

The program can be completed 100% online, or in a blended on-campus and online format. International students must complete this program through a mix of on-campus and online courses.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology program have found exciting and meaningful careers in the public sector, private corporations, non-profit organizations, and academia.

Iffat Farah.

UMass Lowell's Master of Public Health recent graduates have worked at:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Rhode Island Department of Public Health
  • New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
  • World Congress
  • Evidera, Marsh & McLennan Agency
  • Abt Associates
  • Partners in Health
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Boston Medical Center
  • Lowell Community Health Center
  • North Suffolk Mental Health Associates
  • Home Health Foundation
  • The Community Health Center, Inc.

Job titles include:

  • Chronic Disease Epidemiologist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Healthcare Data Business Analyst
  • Surveillance Program Coordinator
  • Project Manager for Community Research
  • Superfund Human Health Risk Analyst
  • Public Health Inspector

Curriculum

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology program is a 42-credit, post-BS program that has been developed to provide a comprehensive public health education to all graduates.

Core Courses

All MPH students will take five core public health courses plus a two-semester, six-credit MPH practicum (21 credits total):

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology & Biostatistics
  • Public Health Policy
  • Leadership & Management in Public Health
  • Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health
  • MPH Practicum
  • Integrated Practical Learning

The Epidemiology advanced curriculum includes courses that provide skills in biostatistics, biostatistical programming, quantitative models, advanced regression, and applied epidemiology methods. For more information, view the MPH in Epidemiology degree pathway.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Master of Public Health page in the Academic Catalog.

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $600
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Resume: All programs require a resume except for the following: Doctor of Physical Therapy and all Master of Public Health programs
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
    • Public Health (Doctor of Science)
    • Physical   Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed.  To add supporting documents, please log in to your application and select "Program Materials."

International Applicants

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+

For information about applying to the MPH program:
Courtney Bibbo
Associate Director, GPS Recruitment
Phone: 978-934-6937
Email: Courtney_Bibbo@uml.edu

For information about program costs, financial aid and registering for classes:
The Solution Center
Phone: 978-934-2000
Email: TheSolutionCenter@uml.edu
The Solution Center website

For information about visas and immigration:
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Phone: 978-934-2383
Email: ISSO@uml.edu
ISSO website

For general questions about Graduate Studies at UMass Lowell:
Graduate Student Services
Phone: 978-934-2474
Email: Graduate_StudentSuccess@uml.edu
Graduate Student Services website

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Spotlight: Students and Recent Graduates

Chandni Shahdev in front of Coburn Hall in UMass Lowell south campus
Chandni Shahdev '20
Public Health – Epidemiology

Her master’s degree in public health and research experiences helped Chandni Shahdev get a job with the CDC Foundation, working with employers to prevent and contain outbreaks of COVID-19.

UMass Lowell stood out. I was really impressed by the research the faculty were doing.
Read More About Chandni Shahdev 
Sundus Siddique and Laura Punnett stand in front of a research display at the APHA Conference.
Sundus Siddique '20
MPH in Epidemiology, Doctor of Science in Public Health Candidate

Sundus Siddique, a physician and public health researcher, has published studies and presented at conferences about healthy workplaces.

Read More About Sundus Siddique 
Portrait of Tara Lynch in glasses looking away from the camera
Tara Lynch '15, '19
Psychology, Public Health

Tara Lynch's experience during her undergraduate psychology program practicum working with a community agency to improve outcomes for rape survivors led her to pursue a Master of Public Health.

Designing studies, analyzing risk factors and human behaviors – that's what I'm doing right now, and it's what I love.
Read More About Tara Lynch 
Cosette Scott.
Cosette Scott '24
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology

Cosette Scott’s internship working with a lead epidemiologist in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is making an impact on public health policy.

I’m excited to apply what I learned in the classroom to this research.
Read More About Cosette Scott 
Shannon Gray headshot
Shannon Gray '18, '19
Public Health

Shannon Gray started earning her master's degree in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology as an undergraduate. Her internship with the Uxbridge Board of Health broadened her exposure to the role public health professionals play and strengthened her skills.

The curriculum, professors and internships for the MPH program are excellent.
Read More About Shannon Gray 

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UMass Lowell's Master of Public Health and BS programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Visit the CEPH website for more information.