Epidemiology and Biostatistics MPH

Overview

Epidemiology and Biostatistics provides knowledge about the distribution and determinants of disease and other health-related conditions in human populations and develops methodological and analytical skills for study design and biostatistical analysis of data. Graduates are qualified for health service or research positions in local health departments, hospitals, nursing homes, academic institutions, industries, and government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is open to individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree. The degree can be completed in 15 months using a rigorous, concentrated format that includes four classes each semester (including a summer semester). For information on this degree program, contact the School of Health Professions Graduate Coordinator. 

Campus: Hattiesburg

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the Academic Requirements and Procedures , applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree. Application for admission to the MPH program must be submitted to the Graduate School and through the School of Health Professions. 

Applications are due August 1 for fall semester and December 15 for spring semester.  The School of Health Professions Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates applications. Factors in the decision for admission include GPA, writing skills demonstrated in the essay, and reference letters from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. 

A complete application consists of a graduate application, a statement of purpose, transcripts, resume, and three letters of reference. International applicants also must submit a TOEFL/IBT score.

• Minimum GPA is 2.75 on the last 60 hours of coursework.
• Minimum TOEFL/IBT score is 79 for international applicants.
• Students considering the MPH/MA Dual Degree option must also apply to the ANTMA program.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Students must complete an approved internship (six credit hours/280 fieldwork hours), pass comprehensive exams, and have 3.0 GPA in all coursework to graduate.        

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other program requirements and expectations.   

Course Requirements (45 hours)

• DPH 611 - Practicum in Public Health 3-9 hrs. (6 hrs. required)
• DPH 620 - Chronic Disease Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 622 - Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 623 - Biostatistics 3 hrs.
• DPH 626 - Introduction to Health Systems 3 hrs.
• DPH 627 - Introduction to Health Policy and Administration 3 hrs.
• DPH 655 - Environmental Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 656 - Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 680 - Research Techniques 3 hrs.
• DPH 722 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 723 - Biostatistics II 3 hrs.
• DPH 785 - Data Management and Analysis in Public Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 786 - Statistical Analysis in Public Health Using R 3 hrs.
• DPH 793 - Advanced Biostatistics Methods for Public Health 3 hrs.

Masters in Public Health/Masters in Anthropology (75 hours)

Students interested in epidemiology, biostatistics, and anthropology can complete requirements for each degree simultaneously.

The combination of disciplines prepares graduates for a variety of career opportunities in public, voluntary, and private community health sectors. Training in social and behavioral studies, statistics, disease epidemiology, and data analysis from the School of Health Professions combined with training in anthropological linguistics, ethnology, and archaeology from the School of Social Science and Global Studies, afford an opportunity for the graduates to manage programs concerning health and disease as related to diverse populations with specific cultural backgrounds and associated needs.

• ANT 621 - Seminar in Cultural Anthropolgy 3 hrs.
• ANT 631 - Seminar in Archaeology 3 hrs.
• ANT 641 - Seminar in Biological Anthropology 3 hrs.
• ANT 651 - Seminar in Anthropological Linguistics 3 hrs.
• ANT 698 - Thesis 1-6 hrs. for a total of 6 hrs.
• DPH 611 - Practicum in Public Health 3-9 hrs. (6 hrs. required)
• DPH 620 - Chronic Disease Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 622 - Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 623 - Biostatistics 3 hrs.
• DPH 626 - Introduction to Health Systems 3 hrs.
• DPH 627 - Introduction to Health Policy and Administration 3 hrs.
• DPH 655 - Environmental Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 656 - Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 680 - Research Techniques 3 hrs.
• DPH 722 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology 3 hrs.
• DPH 723 - Biostatistics II 3 hrs.
• DPH 785 - Data Management and Analysis in Public Health 3 hrs.
• DPH 786 - Statistical Analysis in Public Health Using R 3 hrs.
• DPH 793 - Advanced Biostatistics Methods for Public Health 3 hrs.