Master of Science in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling
2-year degree program | 48 credit hours
The Master of Science (MS) program in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling trains students to become highly skilled epidemiologists who apply mathematical and statistical models to understand and analyze public health problems. Students are rigorously trained on how to manage and analyze big data relevant to a wide range of data science applications. They will learn to develop and apply dynamic models to important problems in the epidemiology of both infectious and non-communicable disease to optimize intervention strategies. Using their newly acquired skills, students will leverage the wealth of big data including remote sensing imagery, the microbiome, medical and surveillance records, genomics and metagenomics.
Epidemiological models and simulation-based analyses are increasingly used to inform public health policy and practice. The curriculum aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to become epidemiologists who are proficient in mathematical modeling, computational science, and the statistical tools that connect these models to real-world data and problems. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for careers in research, academia, data management, industry, and health informatics.
The degree is awarded by the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School through the Department of Epidemiology in the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Program Curriculum
The program is organized around four core areas: epidemiology, mathematical modeling, statistics, and computing/programming. Training consists of three elements:
- Core courses that introduce and further explain key concepts in epidemiology, mathematical modeling, statistics, and computing/programming (32-34 credits)
- A series of electives covering topics in computational epidemiology, systems modeling, public health decision-making, and applied statistics (9 credits)
- Capstone project(s) to be completed by students during the final two semesters of the MS degree program (4 credits)
Courses will serve as a way for students to gain knowledge across the four disciplines and apply their acquired skills to coursework. By graduation, students will have competence in key computing languages (e.g. R, Python, or C++).
Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling Requirements
| FALL 1 |
|
Epidemiology Core (3 credits) |
| Biostatistics Core BIOSTAT 521 Applied Biostatistics (lower-level sequence) (3 credits) OR BIOSTAT 601 Probability and Inference I (upper-level sequence) (4 credits) |
| Systems Modeling Core EPID 633 Introduction to Modeling in Public Health (3 credits) |
| Computing Core EPID 639 R for Epidemiologic Research (2 credits) OR BIOSTAT 607 Basic Computing for Data Analytics (1 credit) |
| WINTER 1 |
| Epidemiology Core EPID 602 Epidemiologic Data Analysis (3 credits) |
| Biostatistics Core BIOSTAT 522 Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Studies (lower-level sequence) (3 credits) |
| Systems Modeling Core - Two of the following required over the course of the program (6 credits): EPID 634 Foundations of Infectious Disease Modeling (3 credits) EPID 636 Cancer Risk and Epidemiology Modeling (3 credits) EPID 637 Systems Modeling of Behavior, Social Processes, and Chronic Disease (3 credits) EPID 638 Computer Modeling of Complex Systems (3 credits) |
| Epidemiology Core - One of the following is required over the course of the program (3 credits): EPID 675 Data Analysis for Environmental Epidemiology (3 credits) EPID 684 Theory and Applications of Spatial Epidemiology (3 credits) EPID 815 Modern Statistical Methods in Epidemiologic Studies (3 credits) |
|
FALL 2 |
|
Biostatistics Core (4 credits) |
|
Systems Modeling Core - Two of the following required over the course of the program (6 credits): |
| Programming Core BIOSTAT 625 Computing with Big Data (3 credits) OR BIOSTAT 615 AI-Assisted Statistical Programming (3 credits) OR alternative |
| EPID 698 MS Capstone in Epidemiology (2 credits) |
| WINTER 2 |
| Systems Modeling Core (6 credits)- Two of the following required over the course of the program: EPID 634 Foundations of Infectious Disease Modeling (3 credits) EPID 636 Cancer Risk and Epidemiology Modeling (3 credits) EPID 637 Systems Modeling of Behavior, Social Processes, and Chronic Disease (3 credits) EPID 638 Computer Modeling of Complex Systems (3 credits) |
| Epidemiology Core (3 credits) - One of the following is required over the course of the program: EPID 675 Data Analysis for Environmental Epidemiology (3 credits) EPID 684 Theory and Applications of Spatial Epidemiology (3 credits) EPID 815 Modern Statistical Methods (3 credits) |
| Biostatistics Core (3 credits) BIOSTAT 651 Theory and Application of Generalized Linear Models (upper-level sequence) (3 credits) |
| EPID 698 MS Capstone in Epidemiology (2 credits) |
Elective Options are listed below (9 credits)
Epidemiology Elective Options- 1 required:
| Courses | Credits | Term |
| EPID 601 Principles and Methods of Epidemiology | 3 | Fall |
| EPID 605 Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 3 | Fall |
| EPID 514 Social Epidemiology (3 credits) | 3 | Fall |
| EPID 621 Cancer Epidemiology (3 credits) | 3 | Winter |
Modeling Electives:
| Courses | Credits | Term |
| EPID 636 Cancer Risk and Epidemiology Modeling | 3 | Fall |
| EPID 637 Systems Modeling of Behavior, Social Processes and Chronic Disease | 3 | Winter |
| EPID 638 Computer Modeling of Complex Systems | 3 | Winter |
| CMPLXSYS 535 Theory of Social and Technological Networks | 3 | Winter |
| CMPLXSYS 541 Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics | 3 |
Statistics Elective Options
| Courses | Credit | Term |
| BIOSTAT 625 Computing with Big Data | 3 | Fall |
| BIOSTAT 675 Survival Time Analysis | 3 | Fall |
| STATS 531 Analysis of Time Series | 3 | Winter |
| STATS 620 Applied Probability and Stochastic Modeling | 3 | Winter |
Health Management and Policy Elective Options - 1 required
| Course | Credit | Term |
| HMP 610 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health | 3 | Fall |
| HMP 654 Operations Research and Control Systems in Health Care | 2-3 | Fall |
| HMP 669 Data Management and Visualization in Healthcare | 3 | Winter |
Program Prerequisites
Epidemiology is a discipline strongly rooted in the life sciences and quantitative analysis. Applicants should have a strong interest in quantitative science and health. Most applicants have an undergraduate degree from social, life, or applied quantitative sciences, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or public health. While this program has no specific required courses, ideally students would have taken courses in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and/or programming.
Application Requirements
As part of the application process, prospective students must provide:
- Statement of Purpose (1-3 pages)
- Personal Statement (500-word limit)
- Quantitative Experiences Statement (500-word limit)
- Programming and Computing Experiences Statement
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Test Scores: The TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose native language is not English, unless they meet one of the exemption criteria.
Financial Support
The Epidemiology Department offers a limited number of Epidemiology Departmental Scholarships to support MS in CESM student tuition. All MS in CESM students are considered for these scholarships, and no additional application is required. In addition, the School of Public Health offers financial aid and funding opportunities to support a limited number of students through a mixture of training grants, research grants, and graduate student research assistantships. Students pursuing a Master of Science degree may also be eligible to receive financial support from the Rackham Graduate School. Learn more about funding opportunities from Rackham.
Ready to Apply?
MS applicants apply to our program through the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School.
The priority deadline for applications to the MS in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling program is December 1st. We still accept applications after December 1, but priority for funding decisions is given to those submitted by December 1. Final Deadline for International Applicants: January 15.
We encourage applicants to submit prior to the priority deadline to ensure they are considered for scholarships. Those who submit afterward are not guaranteed consideration. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Faculty and Research
Students in the MS in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling program will have the opportunity to learn and work alongside faculty with varied interests, specializations, backgrounds, and active research projects in different areas. From using models to optimize cancer intervention designs, to surveillance modeling and pandemic response, University of Michigan School of Public Health faculty lead centers and partnerships that span the globe.
Associated Research Centers
- University of Michigan and Georgetown University CAsToR Tobacco Modeling Center
- Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering (MICDE)
- University of Michigan Center for the Study of Complex Systems (CSCS)
- National Cancer Institute Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET)
Research, News, and More
- Reducing Lung Cancer Mortality Through Modeling and Simulations
- Teaching Infectious Disease History in 2020
- How Coronavirus Is Impacting the Most Vulnerable
- Opening Up US Will Trigger More COVID-19 Cases, but Disease Models Suggest How to Avoid a Second Peak
- Coronavirus: How We Got Here
- Strict Public Health Measures During Holidays Likely Saved Lives in Michigan
- Smoking, Tobacco Use Among Teens Continues to Drop Even as E-Cig Use Grows
- Disease Detectives: How to Track an Epidemic
Get to Know More About CESM MS
Our Faculty
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Michigan Researchers Get $5.3M to Expand COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring
New Research from Chuanwu Xi and Kevin Bakker
Expanded Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility Would Save Lives
New research from Rafael Meza
Strict Public Health Measures During Holidays Likely Saved Lives in Michigan
New research from Marisa Eisenberg
Our Students/Alumni
Questions and More Information
For information on applying to this program, connect with us through our prospective student inquiry form or contact us at [email protected] or book an epidemiology admissions appointment.