Epidemiology Track
The Epidemiology Track offers a highly focused curriculum specifically for MPH applicants with career goals as a research epidemiologist, data analyst, or epidemiologic practitioner. This is a small and highly competitive track that is limited to full-time students. The track was created in partnership with the Graduate Group of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (GGEB), which manages the Epidemiology PhD program in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI).
Applying to the Epidemiology Track?
The Epidemiology Track in the Penn MPH program requires additional application materials and has a more intensive review process from the other three MPH tracks. Applications for the Epidemiology Track are not reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted by February 1, 2025. Upon that date, the Admission Committee will review verified applications and invite applicants to interviews that will be conducted March 15-31, 2025. Students with broader interests in public health epidemiology are encouraged to consider applying under the MPH Generalist track.
Preparing Students for a Career in Epidemiology
The curriculum is intended to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of highly valued epidemiologic research skills, including articulating achievable research objectives, appropriate analytic techniques, and correctly interpreting and communicating study results. Students will gain experience in designing randomized clinical trials, cohort and case-control studies, and quasi-experimental studies. Alongside an interdisciplinary public health education, this training will further expand career potential of graduates.
Epidemiology Track Curriculum Requirements
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required Courses | Course Units |
|---|---|
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 5010 Introduction to Biostatistics | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesEPID 7010 Introduction to Epidemiological Research | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 5040 Public Health Theories & Frameworks | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 5050 Public Health Policy & Administration | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 5060 Methods for Public Health Practice | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 5070 Public Health Law & Ethics | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 7080 Capstone Seminar I | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesPUBH 7090 Capstone Seminar II | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesEPID 6000 Data Science for Biomedical Informatics | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesEPID 7020 Advanced Topics in Epidemiological Research | Course Units1.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required Courses2 PUBH Electives | Course Units2.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required Courses2 EPID, BMIN, or BSTA Electives | Course Units2.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required Courses125 Hours Required Fieldwork Experience | Course Units0.0 |
| MPH Epidemiology Track Required CoursesTotal | Course Units14.0 |
Required Application Materials
1. Verified SOPHAS Application:
Complete the SOPHAS application for the Penn MPH Program Epidemiology Track. Unlike the Generalist, Global Health, and One Health tracks, which are evaluated with the same admission criteria, students applying to the Epidemiology Track are evaluated with additional criteria unique to this research-focused track. Students interested in epidemiology within public health more generally should apply under the Generalist Track. The Admission Committee will only review verified applications submitted by February 1, 2025.
2. English Language Proficiency:
For applicants whose first language is not English or do not have a degree conferred by an English language institution, please submit a TOEFL or IELTS. The Admission Committee will only review applicants with a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. Both TOEFL and IELTS scores can be submitted directly to SOPHAS. SOPHAS provides helpful instructions on how to submit your TOEFL scores here (use code 5688) and IELTS scores here.
3. Transcripts:
Submit official transcripts of previously-completed degrees to SOPHAS. WES transcript evaluations are required for degrees conferred by non-US institutions. From your undergraduate level transcript: (1) a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 is required to apply to the Epidemiology Track, and, (2) undergraduate-level coursework in statistics is required to apply to the Epidemiology Track and additional coursework and/or experience in public health or quantitative sciences is strongly recommended.
4. Resume:
Submit an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Personal Statement:
Submit a brief personal statement that (1) demonstrates an understanding of public health and explains the nature of your interest in the field, (2) addresses how Penn’s MPH program will prepare you for a successful career in public health, and (3) how your personal or lived experiences will help shape the Penn MPH community and influence your training goals. This statement should be about 1-2 pages, single-spaced.
6. Research Statement:
In addition to the personal statement, upload a Research Statement outlining your previous research experience, the state of any current or ongoing research work, and the future trajectory in which you intend to take your research work in epidemiology. This statement should be about 1-2 pages, single-spaced.
7. Three Letters of Recommendation:
Submit at least three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to some combination of your suitability for graduate study, interest in public health, and/or goals for an MPH. These references will receive a request from SOPHAS to submit their recommendation directly.
The Penn MPH Program does not require the submission of standardized test scores, such as the GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, DMAT or any equivalent test scores.
Colleges and universities are asked by many groups, including accrediting associations, to describe the ethnic/racial backgrounds of our students and employees. In order to fulfill these requests, the SOPHAS application will ask you to answer several questions regarding demographic information. The Penn MPH program does not control the configuration of this portion of the application; SOPHAS does. However, this information is confidential and completely voluntary, and will be concealed from the admissions committee that is evaluating your application. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.