Epidemiology minor

The minor in Epidemiology will augment and enhance many different undergraduate bachelor degree programs and expands learners' knowledge and comprehension of issues affecting humans locally and globally. In particular, students interested in pursuing medical school are often interested in population-level research. This minor will provide students with the basic coursework on epidemiologic methods and biostatistics.

Students in basic science program might find the infectious disease focus of this minor useful to their careers. The two infectious disease epidemiology courses teach students how to determine if an outbreak is present in a community, what to do with infectious disease outbreak information, and what are the important infectious diseases globally.

Social science or nursing majors may find the chronic disease epidemiology coursework useful to their careers studying the social determinants of health or providing care for individuals with chronic diseases.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the undergraduate minor in Epidemiology, students will be better prepared to:

• Apply the fundamental principles of biostatistics and epidemiology to domestic and international population issues.
• Develop quantitative awareness of the multiple-scale, and multiple interactions that characterize public health problems.
• Summarize major factors that contribute to human disease and compromised quality of life.
• Analyze and interpret fundamental statistical and epidemiological data.
• Summarize intervention and disease prevention strategies to sustain and improve quality of life.

Requirements

• Minimum credit hours: 15 credit hours
• No more than 6 credit hours can overlap between the general education requirements and a minor
• The minor must be in a different subject than the major. Each minor completed must contain a minimum of 12 hours distinct from the major and/or additional minors.

Review the complete minor requirements

Curriculum

Required courses (6 credits)

Infectious disease epidemiology courses (choose one, 3 credits)

Chronic disease epidemiology courses (choose one, 3 credits)

Elective courses (choose one, 3 credits)

Students may choose to take another epidemiology course to fulfill the elective course requirement. Consult with a Public Health academic advisor to determine an approved course alternative.