Which Master's Epidemiology Degree is Right for Me?
Interested in epidemiology but not sure which master's degree fits your goals? At the University of South Carolina, the MPH in Epidemiology and M.S. in Epidemiology share rigorous training in epidemiologic methods, data analysis and research, but they are built for different career paths. Whether you want to put epidemiology into practice or push epidemiologic research forward, USC offers a path built around the way you want to make an impact.
Compare the MPH vs M.S. Degree Program
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MPH in Epidemiology |
M.S. in Epidemiology |
|---|---|---|
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Best for |
Students who want to apply epidemiology in public health practice across public health agencies, health care, government, nonprofits or other practice settings |
Students who want deeper research training, work in research or may pursue a Ph.D. |
|
Total credits |
43 credit hours |
43 credit hours |
|
Typical completion |
1.5–2 years full time |
1.5–2 years full time |
|
Public health core |
16 credits across quantitative and qualitative methods, policy, leadership and program planning |
3-credit Perspectives in Public Health course |
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Epidemiology + biostatistics focus |
Intermediate epidemiology, biostatistics, SAS, surveillance and secondary data analysis |
Epidemiology, biostatistics, SAS, database skills, discrete data analysis and additional epidemiology courses |
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Hands-on requirement |
Applied practicum and integrated learning experience |
6-credit research thesis |
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Emphasis |
Applied research and translating evidence into public health practice |
Stronger emphasis on conducting research and developing independent research skills |
|
Delivery |
Campus or 100% asynchronous online |
Campus-based |
Both programs require 43 credit hours, and Arnold School master's programs are typically completed in one-and-a-half to two years when pursued full time.
Choose the MPH if you want to put epidemiology into practice.
The MPH in Epidemiology combines epidemiology training with a broader professional public health foundation.
Along with epidemiologic methods and biostatistics, you'll study public health systems, policy, leadership, qualitative methods and program planning. You'll also complete an applied epidemiology practicum and an integrated learning experience.
MPH course highlights
EPID 741 Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods
EPID 730 Public Health Surveillance Systems
EPID 788 Practical Methods for Secondary Data Analysis
BIOS 757 Intermediate Biostatistics
PUBH 730 Public Health Systems, Policy and Leadership
PUBH 735 Practical Applications of Public Health Planning
EPID 798 Epidemiology Applied Practicum
We designed the MPH to prepare students to apply epidemiologic methods in practice settings and land positions in government health departments, private industry, clinical settings and universities.
Bonus: USC's MPH in Epidemiology is available on campus or 100% asynchronously online.
Choose the M.S. if research is where you want to go deeper.
The M.S. in Epidemiology puts more of the curriculum toward research methods, quantitative analysis and specialized epidemiology coursework.
Instead of an applied practicum, M.S. students complete a six-credit research thesis. The curriculum also includes additional biostatistics and data coursework, including Discrete Data Analysis, plus two additional epidemiology courses.
We recommend the M.S. for students whose long-term goal is a Ph.D. in Epidemiology. Graduates are also prepared for research-related positions in health departments, private industry, clinical settings and universities.