ScM in Epidemiology
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Key Information
Campus location
Baltimore, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 59,184 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* additional fees may apply. Scholarships are available
Introduction
The Master of Science (ScM) degree program begins in late August/early September, with the first year devoted to coursework followed by research and thesis, usually requiring an additional year in residence. The ScM program requires that students complete at least 64 credits of coursework with a cumulative 2.75 GPA (B or higher average), successfully pass the written comprehensive exams, and produce a publishable quality manuscript of their own work. Students work closely with their advisers to develop their research questions and design their projects.
The MHS and ScM degrees are the same in regard to the required coursework, but they differ in the entrance and some thesis requirements.
The ScM is designed for students who have completed the prerequisite courses and have had at least one year of work experience in epidemiology or another scientific field. Successful applicants have published manuscripts and/or have conducted lab or field research. The ScM requires degree candidates to complete an original research project with depth and understanding of epidemiology and the topic area. ScM students submit their publishable quality thesis for approval to the University Graduate Board.
Both master's programs in epidemiology consist of coursework and a thesis.
The ScM thesis is a project requiring original data and scientific discovery. Many students pursuing this degree find themselves conducting a "mini doctoral dissertation" in terms of breadth and scope of their research.
The basic curriculum includes the three Epidemiologic Methods courses (340.751, 340.752, 340.753), a Biostatistics Sequence, Research Ethics and Perspectives, and overview/ survey courses, as well as electives deemed appropriate toward providing an academic framework and base for guided research.
The deadline for applications is March 1. Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis. The average review time from completed application to decision-in-hand is less than eight days, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before March 1. Applications for Fall 2021 started being reviewed in mid-November 2020.
Curriculum
Coursework
A minimum of 64 credits is required to complete either a Master’s degree. To broaden perspective and to enhance the student’s capabilities for work in public health or disease-related fields, at least 12 credits of coursework are required in courses from at least one department outside the student’s primary department. At least 6 of these credits must be taken in the JHSPH. Full-time students should register for a minimum of 16 credits and a maximum of 22 credits each term.
Core Coursework (required for ALL master's students)
To address breadth, the National accreditor for schools of public health (Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)) has twelve “Introductory Public Health Knowledge Learning Objectives” in which all students must complete didactic coursework, and the “Cells to Society” courses to help programs meet this requirement.
For Epidemiology degree programs, five of the twelve competencies are covered through required Epidemiology Core Coursework. All students need to complete the eight indicated Cells to Society Course by the end of Year One.
Special Studies and Research in Epidemiology, PH.340.840.xx, is offered during terms 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Who should enroll (as per the grid):
- All first year MHS and ScM students
- Any doctoral students conducting an independent study
- Any doctoral student who has not yet passed the Preliminary Oral Exam
- How credits are calculated for a variable credit course:
- Students must remember that the 1 – in class, 2 hours – outside of class still apply: e.g. Students should think about the time the faculty member will be involved in guiding them (see faculty contact hours below) as well as how much time the student uses to conduct outside readings and work.
- What constitutes the faculty contact hours:
- Individual one-on-one meetings
- Faculty revisions of writing projects (Faculty members spend a lot of time editing, proofreading, and otherwise providing written feedback to students.)
- Mentoring and networking preparation and discussion.
- Time spent in group settings with faculty mentor e.g. journal clubs or weekly “lab/group” meetings. Students should make every effort to attend the group meetings for their track and adviser.
- What activities count for independent study or special studies and research: This is the time to be creative. The following are some of the kinds of uses of the time:
- Directed readings and discussion leading up to preparing for the research proposal,
- Literature searches and meta-analyses
- Secondary data analysis,
- Self-guided focused study on a particular methodology or a disease of interest
- How should students register:
- Students must communicate intent to register with the faculty mentor in writing, prior to registering for credits and receive confirmation of the fact of the special studies, the content/activities to be conducted, and the number of credits.
- Students may take 1-3 credits while taking a full load of courses.
- Students may take up to 8 credits per term while taking a partial load of courses with the approval of the faculty mentor.
- Students must meet with the faculty mentor before or during add/drop to discuss objectives.
Career Opportunities
- Research Associate
- Epidemiologist
- Data Analyst
- Survey Researcher
- Statistician
- Health Economist
- Research Coordinator
Gallery
Admissions
Student Testimonials
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the school website for more information