{"id":1945,"date":"2020-01-23T22:25:22","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T22:25:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/publichealth\/?page_id=1945"},"modified":"2025-08-15T10:32:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T14:32:55","slug":"epi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/publichealth\/degree-programs\/mph\/epi\/","title":{"rendered":"MPH Concentration: Epidemiology (STEM Designated)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Campus-based and Online <\/p>\n

Epidemiology is the core science of public health. It is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related outcomes in specified populations, with application to the control of health problems. Epidemiologists use a variety of tools, from epidemiologic study designs and frameworks to statistics and geographic information systems, to describe patterns of disease and other health outcomes, investigate outbreaks, and determine disease etiology among diverse populations.<\/p>\n

The strengths of this program include faculty with a breadth of experience and training (including industry, academia, and practice), with research interests ranging from maternal and child health to environmental health; the flexibility to take electives across campus to gain focused experience in a related area (e.g., geography, biology, food science, statistics); and opportunities for involvement with the Knox County Health Department through the UT-Knox County Academic Health Department<\/a>.
\"\"<\/a>Consider a career in epidemiology<\/strong> if you view yourself as having a strong understanding of statistical concepts and biological or medical processes, and strong communication skills and good attention to detail; and enjoy critical thinking and investigating problems. Students come to epidemiology careers from a variety of undergraduate programs and experiences, including pre-medical training and other clinical programs, psychology, biology, statistics, and many others. The epidemiologist is trained to design and conduct population health studies, perform data analyses with statistical software, and apply research findings to improve the health of diverse populations. Having an MPH in epidemiology will prepare students for a variety of public health careers, including in a federal, state, or local health agency; a research associate in industry, research or health system settings; among many others.<\/p>\n


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\"Students<\/a>An epidemiology student develops the following competencies:<\/h2>\n