Epidemiology, ScM - Johns Hopkins U

The Epidemiology ScM program at Johns Hopkins University is a two-year, research-intensive program designed for individuals with strong science and mathematics skills. Emphasizing translational research and advanced quantitative methods, the program offers specialization tracks in various areas of epidemiology. Graduates pursue careers in academic research, PhD programs, or public health practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (ScM) in Epidemiology is a two-year, intensive research degree program designed for individuals with strong science and mathematics skills and at least one year of full-time research and/or full-time work experience. The program focuses on applying epidemiological and biostatistical methods to current public health issues.

Objectives:

Advanced Quantitative Methods: Students learn to analyze public health information using advanced quantitative methods.
Translational Approach: The program emphasizes a translational approach to communicate research findings effectively.
Specialization: Students choose and specialize in one of the research tracks offered.
Research Focus: The program culminates in a publishable-quality manuscript based on original research.

Program Description:

Credit Units: Students complete at least 64 credit units in epidemiology, biostatistics, and elective courses.
Comprehensive Exam: Students must pass a written comprehensive exam covering core concepts and methods.
Thesis: Students are required to complete a thesis based on original research.
Poster Symposium: Students present their research during an annual poster symposium.
Career Paths: Graduates often pursue careers in academic research or PhD programs in various public health fields.

Outline:

Program Structure:

Two-Year Program: The ScM program spans two years of full-time registration.
Residency Requirement: Students must complete four consecutive terms of at least 16 credits each during the first year.
Track-Specific Activities: Each track offers journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, and other activities for students to engage with faculty, peers, and post-doctoral fellows.
Quarterly Meetings: The Master's Program Co-Directors host quarterly meetings for all Master's students to discuss academic policies, deadlines, and concerns.

Course Schedule:

Core Coursework: All Epidemiology ScM students must complete core courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.
Outside Track Requirement: Students must complete at least 12 credits of coursework from at least one department outside their primary department, with at least 6 credits taken within the BSPH.
Cells to Society Courses: Students are required to complete 8 out of 12 online sessions covering foundational public health principles.
Plan of Study Grid: The program provides a detailed plan of study grid outlining required courses for each term across both years.

Individual Modules:

Cancer Epidemiology: This track requires specific coursework in cancer biology, epidemiology, and clinical oncology.
Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology: This track requires coursework in cardiovascular disease epidemiology, clinical trials, and biological basis of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis: This track requires coursework in clinical trials, data management, and evidence synthesis methods.
Environmental Epidemiology: This track requires coursework in environmental and occupational epidemiology, risk assessment, and toxicology.
Epidemiology of Aging: This track requires coursework in epidemiology of aging, geriatric syndromes, and functional outcomes.
General Epidemiology and Methodology: This track requires coursework in genetic epidemiology, clinical trials, and research skills.
Genetic Epidemiology: This track requires coursework in principles of genetic epidemiology, human molecular biology, and genomic analysis.
Infectious Disease Epidemiology: This track requires coursework in infectious disease epidemiology, immunology, and the biology and pathogenesis of disease.

Assessment:

Departmental Comprehensive Examination: All students must pass a two-day written comprehensive exam covering core concepts and methods in epidemiology and biostatistics.
Track-Specific Exam: The second day of the exam focuses on track-specific concepts and methods.
Thesis Evaluation: The thesis is evaluated by the faculty thesis adviser(s) and a second reader based on understanding of the public health problem, integration of literature, study design, writing quality, and professionalism.
Master's Poster Session: All students must present a poster of their thesis work at the Master's Poster Symposium.

Teaching:

Faculty Mentorship: Students are assigned a group academic adviser for the first year and a thesis adviser for the second year.
Regular Meetings: Students are expected to meet regularly with their advisers to discuss academic progress, research, and career goals.
Track-Specific Activities: Each track offers opportunities for students to engage with faculty and peers through journal clubs, research meetings, and other activities.

Careers:

Academic Research: Graduates often pursue careers in academic research.
PhD Programs: Many graduates continue their education by pursuing PhD degrees in various public health fields.
Adviser/Advisee Manual: The program provides a manual outlining the rights and responsibilities of both advisers and advisees.
Program Competencies: The program outlines specific competencies for each track, demonstrating mastery through program completion.