Master of Science in Epidemiology

A Master of Science in Epidemiology is a research-focused graduate degree that prepares students to apply advanced epidemiologic methods to population health research and clinical practice. Through core courses and hands-on training, students learn to analyze data, interpret results, and address public health challenges. Students complete a thesis with a faculty advisor, gaining skills for careers in research, academic settings, or doctoral study.

With a master’s in epidemiology, you can work in academia, non-profit organizations, education, healthcare, government, and other sectors. Notable roles from NYU alumni include Biostatistician at NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Infection Control Epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Clinical Research Project Manager at Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research.

An epidemiology master’s degree from NYU takes two years to complete full-time and four years to complete part-time.

Yes, you can work full-time while completing an MS in Epidemiology. At NYU GPH, we hold some classes at night and on the weekends to accommodate working professionals.

Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for the latest information on scholarships.

We welcome applications from candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent. Reviewers consider your overall GPA, coursework, grades and any changes or improvements in your academic performance. Undergraduate seniors should apply after their final Fall semester grades are posted.

We don’t require nor consider the GRE as part of your application.

Learn more about our MS in Epidemiology application deadlines and requirements, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Visit our How to Apply page for the most up-to-date information on the application process, academic qualifications, admissions requirements, and more.

The core courses lay the foundation for advanced study and research in epidemiology:

• GPH-GU 2106 Epidemiology
• GPH-GU 2450 Intermediate Epidemiology
• GPH-GU 2930 Epidemiology Design & Methods
• GPH-GU 2374 Evaluation of Epidemiological Studies*
• GPH-GU 2995 Biostatistics for Public Health
• GPH-GU 2332 Applied Regression Analyses
• GPH-GU 2152 Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling
• GPH-GU 5170 Introduction to Public Health

Students can tailor their learning experience by selecting electives that align with their interests and career goals. Elective options include, but are not limited to:

• GPH-GU 2325 Behavioral and Communication Strategies for Global Epidemics  
• GPH-GU 2363 Causal Inference: Design and Analysis
• GPH-GU 5380 Data-Driven Decision-Making in Global Public Health  
• GPH-GU 2440 Emerging Disease & Bioterrorism  
• GPH-GU 2342 Global Issues in Public Health Nutrition: Obesity and Diabetes  
• GPH-GU 2140 Global Issues in Social and Behavioral Health
• GPH-GU 5120 HIV/AIDS from a Global Perspective  
• GPH-GU 2480 Longitudinal Analysis of Public Health Data  
• GPH-GU 2344 Maternal and Child Nutrition in Public Health  
• GPH-GU 2275 Nutrition Epidemiology in Public Health  
• GPH-GU 3275 Practical Applications in Epidemiology **
• GPH-GU 2227 Psychiatric Epidemiology  
• GPH-GU 2345 Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response: A Global Perspective  
• GPH-GU 2198 Simulations in Biostatistics
• GPH-GU 2255 Substance Use and Public Health
• GPH-GU 2137 Topics in Dynamic Modeling

Visit our Courses Descriptions & Syllabi page for the most up-to-date descriptions of coursework.

** Prior to Fall 2025, this course was called Advanced Epidemiological Methods II: Practical Applications in Epidemiology

An MPH in Epidemiology is a professional degree emphasizing the application of epidemiology in public health practice, while an MS in Epidemiology is a research-intensive degree focused on advanced epidemiologic methods, analytic techniques, and population health research.

An MPH in Epidemiology includes broader core public health courses like policy and management, with opportunities for clinical practice and fieldwork, preparing graduates for roles in public health agencies or NGOs.

• Broader public health themes with an emphasis on professional practice in conjunction with study in quantitative methods
• Includes 180 hours of a practice experience in your preferred field and a two-semester MPH thesi
• Prepares you for research or practice settings, with fewer required courses in epidemiological study design skills compared to the MS degree

An MS in Epidemiology prepares students to conduct independent studies, often requiring a thesis and coursework in statistics, modeling, and survey research—ideal for careers in academic settings or doctoral programs.

• Teaches fundamental epidemiological concepts and critical evaluation of the application of epidemiological methods to answer public health questions
• Explores the application of principles of ethical conduct to epidemiologic studies
• Includes opportunities to specialize in general epidemiology, infectious disease epidemiology, non-communicable disease epidemiology, and modeling