Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology
The Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology (HME) concentration emphasizes integrating laboratory methods with the principles and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to human health. HME faculty and students are involved in research ranging from identifying correlates of protection for novel vaccines to analysis of genomics data, conducting serosurveillance to describe transmission dynamics of emerging pathogens, understanding how the microbiome mediates health outcomes, elucidating the mechanisms by which environmental exposures harm health, identifying markers and risk factors for antimicrobial resistance, and preventing hospital acquired infections. Students obtaining an MPH in HME are poised to start careers in infection prevention, public health practice and as laboratory or project managers.
Curriculum and Program Requirements
The Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology concentration is a 60- credit hour sequence of courses that are typically finished after four terms (two years).
View COMPETENCIES AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Epidemiology Core Requirements
| Courses | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Biostats 522 Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Studies | 3 | Winter 1 |
| EPID 600 Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 | Fall1 |
| EPID 602 Data Analysis for Epid Study Design | 3 | Winter 1 |
| EPID 639 R for Epidemiologic Research | 2 | Fall 1 |
| EPID 667 Professionalism Practice and Communication 1 | 1 | Fall 1 |
| EPID 668 Professionalism Practice and Communication 2 | 1 | Winter 1 |
| EPID 669 Professionalism Practice and Communication 3 | 1 | Fall 2 |
| EPID 670 Integrated Problem Solving in Epidemiology 1 | 3 | Fall 2 |
| EPID 671 Integrated Problem Solving in Epidemiology 2 | 3 | Winter 2 |
| Summer Internship (1 credit for every 84 hours worked) | 2-6 | Summer |
| Elective graduate level courses taken to achieve 60 credits |
HME Core Requirements
| Courses | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|
| EPID 504 Polymicrobial Communities Laboratory | 3 | Fall 1 |
| EPID 582 Molecular Epidemiology | 3 | Winter 2 |
| EPID 680 Hospital Epidemiology I | 3 | Winter 1 |
|
Choose one of the following (Infectious): |
3 | Fall, Winter |
|
Choose one of the following (Pathogenesis and Genetics/Genomics): |
3-4 | Fall, Winter |
In addition to coursework relevant to their chosen concentration, all students in the epidemiology masters program must complete the School of Public Health’s Core Curriculum. Please see concentration pages, linked above, for additional information on concentration-specific prerequisites and curriculum.
| Courses | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|
| PUBHLTH 500 Investigating Public Health Issues | 6 | Fall 1 |
| PUBHLTH 501 Developing Public Health Solutions | 6 | Winter 2 |
Laboratory Experience, Certificate Programs, and Internship Opportunities
Laboratory Experience
A unique feature of the HME track is that our students enroll in at least 3 credits per semester of hands-on coursework in a laboratory setting, and receive specialized training in molecular epidemiology and genomics data. Some students may also get involved in a research laboratory at some point during their MPH degree. These research experiences allow HME students to hone their laboratory skills and gain knowledge on the ongoing research in one of the many research laboratories at the University of Michigan. Students in the HME program have found positions in laboratories in the School of Public Health, the Medical School, the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, and the College of Engineering and many of the students worked as paid temporary hourly employees. The type of research depends upon what skills HME students bring with them. Sometimes the laboratory experience can be combined with field experience that integrates laboratory and epidemiologic methods.
Certificate Programs
Many HME students will choose to get a Certificate in Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control (CHIP). The CHIP certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of healthcare infection prevention and control including surveillance, clinical microbiology, and infectious disease epidemiology. This certificate is uniquely suited for students on the HME track as many required courses for the HME program overlap with CHIP requirements. HME students are also able to pursue any of the other certificate programs offered by the school of public health.
Internship Opportunities
HME students have successfully competed for paid summer internships in infection prevention and control, and at the Centers of Disease Control and state and local health departments, and internationally. The CHIP internship is a popular summer internship option for HME students. The CHIP internship allows students to pursue paid internships at local hospitals, in which they can gain experience in surveillance, policy development, health education, and data analysis.
Funding Sources
HME MPH students may receive financial support from one or more of the following sources:
- Grants/scholarships from the School of Public Health.
- Research assistantships from faculty research grants (for the mentored research experiences in the laboratory students are often hired as temporary hourly employees).
- HME students have successfully competed for paid summer internships in infection prevention and control, and at the Centers of Disease Control and state and local health departments, and internationally.
Contact Us
For more information about the admissions process, email our Epidemiology Admissions team at [email protected] or schedule an appointment to talk with an Epidemiology Admissions Coordinator.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about our application requirements and deadlines and start your application today. If you’re not ready to apply yet, but would like to receive more information about Michigan Public Health and the program(s) you’re interested in, join our prospective student interest list.
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Essential "I Do's": Epidemiology Alums Marry in Hospital During Pandemic
Jen Andonian, MPH ‘15 and Matt Shearer, MPH ‘14
