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MPH in Epidemiology

Study the distribution and dynamics of disease and health in populations, investigate causative factors and determinants of disease in populations, and advance the body of knowledge that will make it possible to control and/or prevent disease and to optimize health.

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Shape the Future of Public Health

Embark on a journey of discovery with the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at OU Hudson College of Public Health, the only accredited school of public health in Oklahoma. Study the distribution and dynamics of disease and health in populations, investigate causative factors and determinants of disease in populations, and advance the body of knowledge that will make it possible to control and prevent disease and to optimize health.

Hudson College offers a CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology, which may be completed by full- or part-time students and is offered in Oklahoma City.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to make a difference in various settings, from health departments to academic health sciences centers. Your journey to improving population health begins here.

Curriculum

This 46-credit hour program is your passport to a career where you’ll be at the forefront of public health, studying the distribution and dynamics of disease, and using this knowledge to optimize health in populations. Courses like Epidemiology of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases will equip you with the skills to investigate and control disease, while Intermediate Epidemiological Methods in Public Health will enable you to advance the body of knowledge in the field.

Course Requirements

Core Courses 16 credit hours
Required BSE Courses 13 credit hours
Elective BSE Courses 12 credit hours
Integrated Public Health Practice 3 credit hours
Public Health Practicum Courses 2 credit hours
TOTAL HOURS 46 CREDIT HOURS

 

Core Courses
BSE 5163 Biostatistics Methods I
BSE 5113 Principles of Epidemiology
HPS 5213 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
OEH 5013 Environmental Health
HAP 5453 U.S. Health Care System
HPS 5211 Qualitative Methods in Public Health

 

Required Courses
BSE 5001 Problems in Biostatistics and Epidemiology
BSE 5013 Applications of Microcomputers to Data Analysis
BSE 5193 Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods
BSE 5303 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
BSE 5363 Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases
CPH 7003 Integrated Public Health Practice
CPH 7941 Practicum Preparation Seminar - 1 credit hour
CPH 7950 Public Health Practicum - 1 credit hour (240 contact hours)

 

Elective Courses
Applied Biostatistics courses numbered above 5163 6 credit hours
Other Electives - BSE courses only 6 credit hours

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Computer literacy
  • Basic knowledge of the biomedical sciences
  • Certified in Public Health Examination
  • Interprofessional Education Requirement
  • Culminating Experience

STEM Designation

The MPH in Epidemiology program is considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Admissions Requirements

For the general application requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree or entry-level first professional degree from an accredited institution.
  • Must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Grade point average of 3.0 or above using the upper-division coursework of the bachelor's degree.
  • College Algebra or a higher-level math course.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact hcoph@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences. 

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page. 

How to Apply

Experiential Learning

Apply what you learn in real-world settings. Epidemiology MPH students work with original data from ongoing public health efforts, including chronic disease monitoring, wastewater surveillance, and outbreak tracking. You'll collaborate with faculty and community partners to analyze real-world datasets—such as infant feeding surveys and cancer registry records—gaining practical experience in surveillance, data interpretation, and public health reporting.

Career Preparation

A degree in Epidemiology prepares you to lead public health efforts that make a difference. Our graduates work as epidemiologists, surveillance specialists, public health analysts, and program evaluators. Employers include the Oklahoma State Department of Health, tribal health systems, academic medical centers, and national public health organizations. Whether investigating disease outbreaks, designing studies, or analyzing program data to inform public health action, you’ll be positioned to promote population health across diverse settings.

Make an Impact: Real-World Projects

Our students gain hands-on experience at health departments, hospitals and nonprofit organizations across Oklahoma and the U.S. Practicum and research projects range from analyzing disease surveillance data for the Oklahoma State Department of Health to contributing to the nationally recognized Strong Heart Study. Students graduate with the confidence and skills to translate classroom learning into real-world health impact.

Centers of Excellence

Access robust research infrastructure through our Centers of Excellence, where MPH epidemiology students gain skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and applied research:

Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology

The Biostatistics and Epidemiology (BSE) Department at Hudson College of Public Health is a data-driven, comprehensive, and innovative department that offers a rigorous and hands-on learning experience. Our department is known for its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, providing students with a unique blend of biostatistics and epidemiology education.

We are committed to making our students the best they can be, ensuring quality research, interpreting study findings, employing novel methodology, and advancing science through study design and analysis. We aim to grow the next generation of public health professionals and ensure excellence in data management coordination of analysis. Our department is a place where students can make a difference, impact health, and contribute to something meaningful. We invite you to join us in our mission to improve public health through rigorous, innovative, and collaborative education and research.

About the Department

Biostatistics & Epidemiology Faculty

Explore the Hudson College Further

Academic Resources

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students are empowered with a diverse range of accredited degree programs, hands-on learning experiences, and state-of-the-art research opportunities, all guided by our multidisciplinary faculty.

Research

The Hudson College of Public Health is enriched by its research partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, providing students with a robust, real-world learning experience that complements their academic journey.

Field Work

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students apply their curriculum through immersive field experiences and practicums, fostering a hands-on, real-world understanding of public health challenges and solutions.