Below, you will find detailed information about the Master of Science in Epidemiology program, including curriculum structure, experiential learning opportunities, the academic calendar, and course descriptions. Use the links below to navigate quickly:
- The academic year is divided into four terms.
- Throughout the academic year, students will take core and elective courses, with core coursework emphasizing topics in theoretical and applied epidemiology, bioinformatics, and statistical modeling. Toward the second half of the year, students will wrap up remaining electives and complete capstone coursework.
- Students need to complete a minimum of 15 units to graduate; core courses are required, and students can choose from several elective options to complete their degree.
- The optional capstone course will take place in summer, with a preparatory course in Winter.
- Students take classes full-time, with approximately 55 hours per week combined coursework and class-time.
To see the days and times that courses are offered by term for the MS in Epidemiology - On-Campus program, view the full 2024-2025 academic calendar. You can also view the 2025-2026 calendar here.
- Core competency in bioinformatics and biostatistics, and epidemiology.
- Competency in foundational biostatistics for complex statistical modeling of public health data.
- The ability to adapt and interpret epidemiological study designs for primary and post-hoc outcomes.
- The ability to identify and validate molecular markers for use in clinical research.
- Working knowledge of clinical, global, molecular, and environmental exposure epidemiology.
The Epidemiology curriculum also includes an optional 3-unit capstone that challenges students to refine their knowledge and skills while working on a real-world applied data project. Beyond showcasing technical knowledge, the capstone experience also provides training in critical skills needed for professional success, such as scientific writing, presentation skills, and the ability to translate data science findings to non-data science stakeholders.
Core Coursework
The core coursework of the master’s degree in Epidemiology covers units that build a firm foundation in this essential field.
- HSE 130 Foundations of Epidemiology I: Theory and Methods
- HSE 131 Foundations of Epidemiology II: Theory and Methods
- HSE 132 Molecular Biologic Markers in Human Health Studies
- HSE 133 Clinical Epidemiology
- HSE 136 Applied Epidemiological Methods
- HSE 270 QBS Journal Club: Epidemiology (0.5 unit Fall)
- HSE 103 Foundations of Data Science
- HSE 101 Foundations of Programming for Data Scientists (1.5 units total taken over multiple terms)
- HSE 185.5 QBS Masters Capstone Preparation Course (0.5 unit course taken in winter term)
- HSE 185 QBS Masters Capstone Experience (3 units)
- QBS 700 Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research does not count toward the units of coursework required for the MS degree.
- Students who matriculate Fall 2021 and beyond may not take more than 4 units of coursework per quarter unless approved by QBS administration and leadership.
Elective Coursework
Through the Epidemiology elective course options, students can dive deeper into advanced concepts such as applied epidemiology, biostatistics, machine learning, molecular biology, and healthcare systems.
- HSE 108 Applied Machine Learning
- HSE 110 Integrative Biomedical Sciences Seminar (0.5 unit)
- HSE 110.5 Integrative Biomedical Sciences Seminar Project (0.5 unit)
- HSE 122 Foundations of Biostatistics III: Modeling Complex Data
- HSE 123 Biostatistics Consulting Lab (0.5 unit)
- HSE 124 Advanced Biomedical Data Analysis
- HSE 125 Biomedical Informatics
- HSE 126 Analysis of Densely Collected Longitudinal Data
- HSE 139 Advanced Health Services Research
- HSE 140 Decision & Cost-Effective Analysis
- HSE 147 Genomics: From Data to Analysis
- HSE 177 Methods of Statistical Learning for Big Data
- HSE 180 Data Visualization (0.5 unit)
- HSE 181 Data Wrangling
- HSE 192 Health Informatics
- HSE 194 Biostatistics Journal Club
- HSE 195 Independent Study
- HSE 270 QBS Journal Club: Biostatistics (0.5 unit Winter)
- HSE 270 QBS Journal Club: Bioinformatics (0.5 unit Spring)
- HSE 271 Advanced Epidemiology Journal Club (0.5 unit; not offered every year)
- PH 111/HSE 127 Medical Care Epidemiology: Principles, Applications and Insights
- PH 115/HSE 144 Value and Resource Allocation
- PH 117/HSE 142 Introduction to Quality Improvement in Health Systems (0.5 unit)
- PH 122/HSE 129 Survey Methods
- PH 125/HSE 135 Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Public Health & Healthcare Studies (0.5 unit)
- PH 126/HSE 128 Statistical Measurement and Analysis for Healthcare Quality Improvement
- PH 131/HSE 138 Patient Centered Health Communication (0.5 unit)
- PH 151/HSE 145 Environmental Health Sciences and Policy (0.5 unit)
- PH 154/HSE 141 Determinants in Health Inequities (0.5 unit)
- No more than 3 journal clubs or 1.5 units of journal club courses may count towards elective credit.
- No more than 1 independent study may count towards elective credit.
- No more than 1 independent journal club may count towards elective credit.
- Seek administrative approval for non-listed electives. Email Monica Espinoza for additional information.
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