MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics degree is designed to provide an educational environment for students committed to studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in populations and clinical settings. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives to provide students with the skills to apply epidemiologic and biostatistical methodology to the design, conduct, and analysis of population and clinical studies.

The thesis track focuses on integrating epidemiologic concepts with quantitative methods for disease assessment and identifying strategies to reduce or prevent health problems. The non-thesis track focuses on application of biostatistical and computer methods to medical and biological data.

This is a full-time program consisting of daytime classes. All classes are held on the Chicago campus. Students are expected to obtain the degree in 18-24 months. Upon completing the degree program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue:

• higher education (PhD or MD programs)
• careers in research (positions in academia, government, pharmaceutical companies, private industry, or non-profit organizations)
• careers in Public Health (positions in local and state health departments).

The degree program is administered by Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine in conjunction with The Graduate School. The Faculty in the department are nationally and internationally recognized experts in chronic disease epidemiology and biostatistics with primary areas of research in cancer epidemiology, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, nutritional epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, applies biostatistical methods, bioinformatics, and clinical trials. Faculty members work closely with population-based, clinical, and basic science investigators providing research and training opportunities in multidisciplinary studies of health-related conditions.

Academic Calendar

The MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics program is a two year program. It operates on the Graduate School Calendar and on a four-quarter system with courses offered during the Fall (September-December), Winter (January-March), and Spring (late March - June). Some elective courses which are offered through the MPH program are held during the summer quarter. Students must begin the program during the Fall quarter.

Tuition

The 2008-2009 tuition is $12,252 per quarter. Annual increases in tuition charges are to be expected. A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available for advanced MS students. Financial aid in the form of loans is available. For information on financing education through jobs, grants, and loans, contact The Graduate School.