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Epidemiology

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

School of Public Health and Health Services

Master's Degree, Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Graduate Certificate
Location(s): Foggy Bottom - Main Campus

Program Overview

Our graduate program prepares students to conduct epidemiological research, undertake evaluation studies and monitor population health status in academic, governmental, private sector and community health settings.

Opportunities exist for our students to collaborate with experts from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Health Statistics, Food and Drug Administration and many other federal research agencies.

With courses scheduled in the late afternoons and early evenings, our programs allow students to attain valuable career experience while they earn their degrees.

Masters Degrees

The M.P.H. in epidemiology is a 45-credit degree granted by the School of Public Health and Health Services. The curriculum prepares students to design and conduct epidemiologic studies, manage health data and make leadership decisions in public health and clinical epidemiology. M.P.H. applicants should submit their application and supporting documents through SOPHAS.

The M.S. in epidemiology is a collaborative program of the School of Public Health and Health Services and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, through its Department of Statistics. The Columbian College grants the degree. This 33-credit program is designed specifically for students interested in mastering in-depth research methods and training in the quantitative techniques necessary to conduct epidemiologic studies.

Doctoral Degree

The Ph.D. in epidemiology is a collaborative program between the School of Public Health and Health Services and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, through its Department of Statistics. The 72-credit degree is granted by the Columbian College.

Graduate Certificate

The 18-credit graduate certificate in epidemiology is based on the curriculum of the M.P.H. degree in epidemiology. It is intended to supplement epidemiological training for mid-level professionals.  Graduate Certificate applicants should submit their application and supporting documents through SOPHAS.

Admission Requirements

Admissions Deadlines:

Fall:

  • December 1 (Ph.D.)
  • April 1 (M.S.)
  • April 15 (Graduate certificate and M.P.H) (Applications must be complete by January 15 for priority scholarship consideration.)
  • January 15 (All international M.P.H. applicants.)

Spring:

  • October 1 (M.P.H., M.S., Graduate certificate)

Summer:

  • January 15 (Graduate certificate and M.P.H.)

Graduate certificate and M.P.H. applicants: Individuals interested in applying to this program should submit their application and supporting documents through SOPHAS, a general online application for schools of public health. A graduated fee is charged for this application, depending on the number of accredited schools to which you apply.

Standardized Test Scores:

Ph.D. and M.S. - GRE general test (institutional code 5246).Waived for applicants who hold a Ph.D.

M.P.H. and graduate certificate - GRE general test (institutional code 5268), LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT. Waived for applicants who hold a graduate degree (i.e., M.A., M.S., J.D.).

Recommendations required:

M.S. - One (1) recommendation
Graduate certificate and M.P.H. - Two (2) recommendations
Ph.D. - Three (3) recommendations

Prior Academic Records:

M.S. and Ph.D. -Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.

Graduate certificate and M.P.H. - Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts must be forwarded to SOPHAS in their original sealed envelopes directly from the institution. Official transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services.

Statement of Purpose:

M.S. and Ph.D. - In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching experience you have had.

Graduate certificate and M.P.H. - In an essay of approximately 1500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application. The Committee reviews your Statement of Purpose to determine your motivation for pursuing a career in public health and health services.

International Applicants:

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

Please note that the following minimum English language test scores are required for admission:

  • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

M.S. and Ph.D. applicants:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences – Graduate Admissions Office
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

Contact for questions:
askccas@gwu.edu
202.994.6210 (phone) ~ 202.994.6213 (fax)
8:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Graduate certificate and M.P.H. applicants:
Office of Admissions
The George Washington University SPHHS
2175 K Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20037

Contact for questions:
asksphhs@gwu.edu ~ 202.994.2160 (phone)
http://sphhs.gwumc.edu/admissions
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday