The purpose of the Tulane University, Master of Public Health in Epidemiology program is to prepare students to serve as epidemiologists in mid-level positions in research or public health practice settings. No previous training or experience in the field is required.

Students in the program acquire knowledge of epidemiologic principles and research skills along with the application of this knowledge to a chosen concentration area: chronic disease, infectious disease, environmental, reproductive, molecular/cancer, or genetic epidemiology.

This program is also well suited to individuals already employed in the health field (MD, DDS, RN, DVM, MBBS, or PharmD) or those training to be a physician. These students acquire or update their knowledge of epidemiology and learn research skills needed in their jobs. By the end of the program, students have a thorough knowledge of the sources of health data and their use in epidemiologic studies.

They can design and implement studies for the collection of data from sources, such as field surveys. Students also acquire skills in the processing, analysis, and reporting of data.

The program prepares graduates for positions in public and private agencies in which epidemiologic information is needed for health policy decisions, as well as for the management of research projects in academic and other institutions.