Michigan Public Health Launches Master of Science Degree in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling

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March 9, 2021

The University of Michigan School of Public Health is now offering a Master of Science (MS) degree in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling. In the program, students are trained to become highly skilled epidemiologists who can understand and analyze public health problems with mathematical and statistical models. 

Epidemiological models and simulation-based analyses are increasingly used to inform public health policy and practice. Notably, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, government agencies, policy-makers and others have used epidemiological models to help inform decision-making and slow the spread of the virus.

“A wide array of research topics, like modeling the impact of cancer prevention interventions or disease surveillance modeling, serve as prime examples of the need for more highly trained experts in this field,” says Rafael Meza, associate chair and associate professor of Epidemiology at Michigan Public Health.

The program is organized around four core areas: epidemiology, mathematical modeling, statistics, and computing/programming. Students will learn and work alongside faculty who are experts in their field and conducting research projects that span the globe. 

“Our department has incredible depth in mathematical modeling, spanning both infectious and chronic diseases,” says Joseph Eisenberg, chair and professor of Epidemiology at Michigan Public Health. “Within both disease systems, we examine social, behavioral, and biological processes to elucidate disease mechanisms that underpin the design of optimal control strategies.” 

The degree is offered by the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School through the Department of Epidemiology in the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Applications are now being accepted for a Fall 2021 start. 

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