Earn Your Master of Public Health in Epidemiology Online
Kent State University's STEM-designated Online MPH in Epidemiology program builds the advanced analytical and research skills that define epidemiological leadership. Through rigorous training from a nationally ranked institution, you'll master the data-driven expertise to address global health challenges, promote health equity, and lead in public, private and nonprofit sectors. You'll graduate prepared for high-impact roles in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and population health research.
Program Snapshot
- 100% online course delivery
- Three annual start dates: fall, spring and summer
- Focused seven- and 15-week courses
- Curriculum includes applied practice experience
- No GRE required
- Complete your degree in as few as 24 months
Benefits of a STEM-Designated Program
STEM-designated public health programs offer key advantages:
- Extended OPT for international students: Up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), giving additional time to gain U.S.-based work experience after graduation
- In-demand skills for domestic students: Training in data analysis, quantitative methods, and technical skills valued across public health fields
- Rigorous, analytical focus: The STEM designation highlights the program’s emphasis on evidence-based, data-driven approaches to public health challenges.
Recognized for Excellence
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) accredit our online MPH programs, ensuring adherence to the highest educational standards. This accreditation, combined with our #10 national ranking and Quality Matters certification, reflects our commitment to excellence in online public health education.
Our Military Friendly Gold Designation recognizes Kent State University's outstanding service to the extended military community and all our students.
Build the Career You Want
Take your career to a higher level with Kent State’s affordable, flexible undergraduate and graduate public health programs. Our 100% online programs allow you to keep up with your current responsibilities while you study. Find out how these programs can help you create the career and positive public health impact you want to have.
Download our guide to learn more about:
- Career Opportunities
- Customizing Your Degree
- The Student Experience
- Admission Requirements
- Tuition and Financial Aid
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Committed to Your Success
You’ll thrive at Kent State thanks to uniquely personalized instruction, tutoring and applied practice experience support. The close-knit learning environment, small class sizes, robust online student portal and dedicated faculty help you build the professional connections and competencies that define successful public health careers.
- Dedicated tutoring support for your biostatistics courses ensures your mastery of essential analytical skills
- Faculty mentors work closely with you to secure applied practice experiences aligned with your career goals
From Kent State MPH to Air Force Epidemiologist
Hear how Victoria uses her MPH expertise to support the well-being of Air Force service members.
Online MPH in Epidemiology Program Overview
The Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology prepares students to analyze the distribution and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in populations. Graduates are able to apply quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate disease outbreaks, determine causal relationships between environmental and biological factors and conduct studies to project health trends in populations. Students benefit from public health faculty research agendas in immigrant and refugee health, chronic disease, cancer and infectious disease epidemiology.
Career opportunities for graduates include research positions in universities, medical schools and pharmaceutical companies; disease prevention specialists in hospitals; and surveillance managers in state and local health departments.
Already Working in the Field?
Our online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research can serve as a direct pathway to the STEM-designated MPH in Epidemiology or the STEM-designated MS in Clinical Epidemiology, with certificate credits fully applicable toward your master's degree.
Exclusive Opportunity for Kent State University Undergraduates: The Combined Program
Launch your career sooner than you expected. In Kent State’s public health program, juniors and seniors with qualifying GPAs can apply up to 9 credit hours of coursework toward the public health bachelor’s and master’s degrees. By double-counting credits, you’ll start and complete your online MPH earlier than anticipated, save money on tuition and fees and be prepared to dive into your career ahead of your classmates and ahead of schedule. For more information, please contact an admissions outreach advisor at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
The Field is Growing—and Expertise Pays
16% Projected Job Growth for Epidemiologists, 2024-2034: Much Faster Than the National Average3
The growing demand for epidemiologists is driven by advancements in healthcare technology and the need to address emerging diseases.4 With an MPH in Epidemiology, you'll be equipped for specialized roles that recognize your skills with competitive compensation:
We Do More for You
Kent State’s public health programs are already competitively priced. In addition, you may be eligible for scholarship support.
Courses
Major Requirements
BST 62019 BIOSTATISTICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH (3 credits)
This course provides graduate students with an understanding of basic statistical methods as well as the skills to perform and interpret basic statistical procedures and interpret the results. Emphasis is on principles of statistical reasoning, presentation of graphical and numerical descriptive statistics, statistical inference (estimation and hypothesis testing) and careful interpretation of results. By the end of the course, students achieve competency in applying appropriate basic statistical methods to real-time data and presenting the results appropriate for public health professionals and educated lay audiences.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 63014 APPLIED REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC HEALTH DATA (3 credits)
(Slashed with BST 83014) Focuses on developing student proficiency in building and evaluating various regression models for public health studies. Topics covered include exploratory and descriptive methods, simple and multiple linear regression models, predictor selection, binary and multinomial logistic regression models, survival analysis, repeated measures and generalized linear models.
Prerequisite: BST 62019; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EHS 62018 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCEPTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH (3 credits)
(Slashed with EHS 72018) Provides a comprehensive overview of core topics in environmental health as related to public health.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 62017 FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGY (3 credits)
(Slashed with EPI 72017) Introduces principles, methods and application of epidemiology. Covers the history of epidemiology, concepts of disease causation and prevention, measures of disease frequency and excessive risk, epidemiologic study designs, causal inference, outbreak investigation and screening. Provides experience with calculation of rate standardization; measures of disease frequency, association and impact; and sensitivity and specificity of screening tests. Highlights applications of epidemiology to understanding of disease etiology, transmission, pathogenesis and prevention; evaluation and public policy development.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63014 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHRONIC DISEASES (3 credits)
(Slashed with EPI 83014) With a life course approach to chronic disease epidemiology, this course focuses on cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases and cancer. Health and disease are addressed from a multicausal perspective, which includes individual behaviors; psychosocial issues; and sociodemographic, biological and physiological factors. Time points for prevention and intervention are identified.
Prerequisite: EPI 62017; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63015 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (3 credits)
(Slashed with EPI 83015) Surveys the history, principles, methods and practice of infectious disease epidemiology by (1) defining and understanding infectious disease epidemiology surveys, (2) collecting and measuring surveillance data, (3) interpreting epidemiology data and (4) predicting evidence-based outcomes. Primarily a course in epidemiology, students learn some infectious disease microbiology as well.
Prerequisite: EPI 62017; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63016 PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH (3 credits)
(Slashed with EPI 83016) Course builds upon EPI 62017 to explore deeper the concepts and methods in epidemiologic research. Reviews the measures of disease frequency; association and impact; epidemiologic reasoning and causal inference; and methods and techniques for designing, implementing, analyzing and interpreting various epidemiologic study designs. Discusses advantages and limitations of various study designs. Explores threats to validity, precision and generalizability of epidemiologic studies.
Prerequisite: BST 62019 and EPI 62017; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
HPM 62016 PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (3 credits)
(Slashed with HPM 72016) Public health administration comprises efforts to improve the health of communities. Provides an overview for public health administration and practice, including organization, law, legislative relations, financing, workforce issues, leadership and surveillance.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
HPM 63020 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (3 credits)
(Slashed with HPM 73020) This course covers concepts and methods relevant to community health needs assessment, such as systems thinking; the use of quantitative and qualitative methods; primary and secondary data; and the role of community assessment in current national policy, including the Affordable Care Act, and on community health improvement. Students draw from multiple disciplines to assess health status and its determinants (social, behavioral and environmental), needs for health services and the capacity and resources of the local community. Students also learn to facilitate and evaluate the use of data for decision making by partnerships, organizations and policy makers.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SBS 64634 SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH BEHAVIORS (3 credits)
(Slashed with SBS 74634) Overviews the social determinants of health and dynamic interplay between individual behaviors and community structures (systems orientation), including public policy, social and built environments, commercial messages, access to services, cultural norms, psychosocial hazards and poverty as causal effects that either provide opportunity or constraints to health. Also examines systems approaches to preventing public health threats from issues including substance use (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs), physical inactivity, poor dietary practices, unsafe sexual behaviors, violence and injury and mental health.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Major Electives
Choose from the following (12 credits):
BST 60010 USING R IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(Slashed with BST 70010) Students learn the role of the computing software R for data analyses. The course covers the basics of R including how to organize and clean data and how to display data visually. Students understand how to perform descriptive and inferential statistics using R.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 60011 USING SAS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(Slashed with BST 70011) Students learn the role of the computing software SAS for data analyses. The course covers the basics of SAS, including importing data, organizing and cleaning the data and using different procedures. Students understand how to perform descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 60012 USING EXCEL IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(Slashed with BST 70012) An introduction to using Excel in the field of public health. Students learn the skills to analyze and present data, including using formulas, pivot tables, graphs and the data analysis toolpak.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 62020 DATA MANAGEMENT AND LOGIC USING SAS® SOFTWARE
(Slashed with BST 82020) This course introduces graduate students to SAS® software, reading external data into SAS software, use of SAS data step, basic SAS functions, logical data steps for data management, and different SAS procedures for creating summary reports, graphical displays, and conducting basic statistical analysis using the SAS software. SAS Lab sessions are designed to mimic real time challenges working with different kinds of data and learn how to meet such challenges. By the end of the course, students will achieve competency in proper and efficient use of SAS software.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 63012 SURVIVAL ANALYSIS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(Slashed with BST 83012) Introduction in survival analysis for graduate students in public health. Covers survival functions, hazard rates, types of censoring and truncation. Methods of focus include life tables, Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, Cox regression models and parametric survival models. Inference for recurrent event and competing risks models are also covered.
Prerequisite: BST 62019 and BST 63014; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
BST 63013 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS IN PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
(Slashed with BST 83013) Introduces students to experimental research methods in public health settings. First introduces a number of quasi-experimental and experimental study designs, then identifies a number of statistical methods that can be used to draw correct causal inferences from the study.
Prerequisite: BST 62019 and BST 63014; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EHS 52100 CLIMATE CHANGE AND POPULATION HEALTH
(Slashed with PH 42100) This course reviews evidence on the rigorous scientific consensus confirming global warming and the mechanisms underlying climate change, with a focus on adverse population health impacts. Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including heatwaves, tropical cyclones and severe storms create hazardous conditions including flooding, drought, wildfires, increases in vector-borne diseases, food and nutrition shortages, human displacement and mental health issues. Populations at increased risk are identified along with a consideration of climate ethics, justice and public health approaches used to address the population health effects. Strategies for abatement through injury and disease prevention, climate risk communication and strategies for mitigation including green energy and energy conservation are examined.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EHS 53014 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(Slashed with PH 43013) The impact of the built environment on human health is an issue of global importance. The focus of this course is on preventing disease and injury while improving the health of populations by looking “upstream” at the built environment or those settings designed, created and maintained by human efforts. Population health effects of community design are explored through scientific literature, and include transportation, land use, parks and green space in the context of physical activity, food environments, air and water quality, injury prevention, social capital and health equity. Students examine and use population health tools to assess the built environment and develop strategies for creating sustainable healthy places through multidisciplinary collaboration, research and policy that promotes the health of the public.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 50017 PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY
(Cross-listed with PH 40017) Introduction to the field of pharmacoepidemiology, which uses epidemiology methods to understand medication use and distribution at the population level. Course examines risk-benefit and epidemiology approaches to examining medication use and therapeutic trials. Drug and device manufacturing to market are explored.
Prerequisite: BST 62019 and EPI 62017; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 50018 REGULATORY AFFAIRS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
(Slashed with PH 40018) Course provides the tools for students to develop an understanding of the researcher and organization responsibility in research and development of clinical trials products. Students understand regulations from the government and industry, privacy concerns, liability and ethical issues related to clinical trials research. Examples from the field are explored in detail.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 52010 UNDERSTANDING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
(Slashed with PH 42010) In this course, students examine the various aspects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They learn foundational information in epidemiology, virology and immunology, and examine the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2. They learn about responses to the epidemic, including policies aimed at slowing spread, and examine aspects of diagnostics and vaccine development relevant to controlling the spread of the virus.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63019 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH
(Slashed with EPI 83019) Principles of experimental designs as they apply to clinical research and clinical trials are presented at an intermediate level. Students understand randomized control trial designs and alternative designs. Study methodology, including randomization and blinding techniques, is covered. Topics include evidence-based medicine; risk prediction and risk scores; instruments and measurement; data issues; and recruitment, retention and adherence.
Prerequisite: EPI 63016; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63020 ADVANCED EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL RESEARCH METHODS
(Slashed with EPI 83020) This advanced course focuses on why particular methods, study designs or approaches are used in particular investigative scenarios in clinical research. Students develop an advanced understanding and application of epidemiology methods in clinical research.
Prerequisite: EPI 63019; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63021 ETHICAL ISSUES IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
(Slashed with EPI 83021) Introduces students to historical and contemporary ethical issues that arise during public health and clinical or biomedical research studies. Broadly covers human subjects research, the responsible conduct of research and the good clinical practice guidelines.
Prerequisite: EPI 62017; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
EPI 63034 LONGITUDINAL DATA ANALYSIS
(Slashed with EPI 73034) Statistical techniques for analyzing longitudinal, or repeated measures, data. Focuses primarily on application of the various statistical models covered, with direct application illustrated using standard statistical software. Topics covered include univariate and multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures, mixed-effects models (HLM or multilevel models), covariance pattern models, generalized estimating equations (GEE), mixed-effects logistic regression models and missing data in longitudinal studies.
Prerequisite: BST 62019 and BST 63014; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
GEOG 59070 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
(Slashed with GEOG 49070 and GEOG 79070) Introduction to theories and methods for geographic data processing, including data capture and input, data storage and management and data analysis and displays. Emphasis is on laboratory exercises using GIS software packages for real-world applications.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Combined Lecture and Lab
Contact Hours: 3 lecture, 2 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
GEOG 59071 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE I
Introduction to fundamental concepts and methods for geographic data analysis, including data capture and input, data storage and management, and data analysis and display. Emphasis is on applications of GIS software to real world issues.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
GEOG 59072 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND HEALTH
(Slashed with GEOG 49072 and GEOG 79072) Geographic theory and methods serve as the connection among disparate disciplines focused on how and why “health” varies between regions, cities and neighborhoods. Students examine how geospatial technologies, especially GIS, have become an important health analysis tool.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Any Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) with advisor approval
Culminating Requirement
EPI 60192 APPLIED PRACTICE EXPERIENCE IN EPIDEMIOLOGY (3 credits)1
(Repeatable for credit) Observational and participation in public health activities of a public health agency, hospital or other approved organization. Students complete a field experience with joint supervision from the university and approved organization or agency.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 3-18 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
PH 61199 INTEGRATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE (1 credits)
Students complete an integrative learning experience that demonstrates a synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. Students, in consultation with faculty, select foundational and concentration-specific competencies appropriate to the student’s educational and professional goals.
Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of Biostatistics (BST) or Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) or Epidemiology (EPI) or Health Policy and Management (HPM) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) courses; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Project or Capstone
Contact Hours: 1 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 46
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- Practicum placement at an approved public health agency under the guidance of a qualified preceptor (150 or 300 contact hours).
- Final portfolio/report and a presentation integrating theory and practice.
- Participation in at least one approved interprofessional education event (IPE); IPE requires students to participate at a specific time/date to be determined in consultation with the student's advisor.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Intent on a Career in Research?
The online MS in Clinical Epidemiology program teaches biostatistics, research methods and ethics, and clinical research design and management, preparing you for key roles in clinical trials and research management.
Questions and Answers
Have questions? We have answers.
Choosing the right online program comes with lots of questions, and our admissions outreach advisor is here to help you sort through them all. Connect with this friendly, knowledgeable advisor for personalized guidance. Taylor will make sure you have everything you need to feel confident about your next steps at Kent State.
Admissions and Application Deadlines
- From Fortune. ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Kent State University.
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from cwur.org/2025.phpcwur.org/2024.php
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Research-Epidemiologist-Salary
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Environmental-Epidemiologist-Salary
- Retrieved on August 28, 2025, from glassdoor.com/Salaries/infection-control-epidemiologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm