Two young women in a study room at Ohio State's Thompson Library

Epidemiology — Master of Public Health

Gain analytical, scientific and leadership skills in epidemiology that put you at the forefront of preventing disease, driving better health for all and informing policy.

Ohio State’s Master of Public Health in epidemiology offers numerous opportunities to learn about disease prevention and how to find and apply solutions. You’ll gain the skills and learning required to adapt and meet the needs of the public health challenges we face today.

The university is home to seven colleges focused on health sciences and several other public health connections providing our students with ample ways to combine their interests, gain research experience and apply epidemiology in real-world situations.

Learn more about the Master of Public Health

Sign up for an upcoming information session to get answers to your questions about Ohio State’s Master of Public Health epidemiology specialization. Save your spot and learn how you can become a Public Health Buckeye.

Available dates

Sept. 16

Graduate program information session

What is epidemiology?

Epidemiology focuses on patterns of disease, disability and injury, and applies that information to the control of health problems.

Epidemiologists quantify the exposure-disease relationship in humans through data analysis and offer the possibility of altering that risk through intervention. Epidemiologic research provides the basis for significant public health decisions, such as those involving tobacco use or HIV/AIDS, well before individual disease mechanisms are understood.

The MPH curriculum

Specializing in epidemiology at Ohio State you’ll learn through a robust curriculum. The program combines in-class and experiential learning to give all our students a glimpse into their future as practicing epidemiologists.

Review a sample curriculum

Mentoring from faculty

Students in the Master of Public Health are matched with a faculty advisor who provides individualized guidance throughout the program.

Meet the Epidemiology faculty

Research opportunities

At Ohio State, research opportunities for students are ample. Students and faculty are engaged in diverse research agendas such as cancer epidemiology, infectious disease control and reproductive health to improve population health and health equity.

See our research expertise

Public Health Buckeyes in epidemiology

MPH, Epidemiology

Bhargavi Sriram chases passion for women’s health

Combined BSPH-MPH program

Tinu Ijewemen combines interests in history, environmental justice and technology

Anna Walker outside Cunz Hall with Thompson Library behind them.

MPH, Epidemiology

Bioengineering shapes Anna Walker's creative problem-solving mindset

Degree requirements

Minimum credit hours: 45
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA (recommended); strong undergraduate science and math education
Program start: Autumn semester

2025/2026 deadlines to apply

NOV

14
Priority deadline

MAY

15
Regular deadline

Get your application ready

We have a prepared list of requirements to apply for graduate study in the College of Public Health. Once you have the application requirements, apply for admission through SOPHAS, and a supplemental Ohio State application. For graduate assistantship consideration submit your application by the priority deadline.

Review application requirements