From genetic predisposition to social determinants of health
The Department of Epidemiology encompasses every facet of life that can affect a population’s health.
The fields covered by our department offer a different angle from which to assess and tackle pressing health issues affecting communities and populations. Our epidemiology students learn to bring the full context into view in order to understand the patterns and relationships in chronic and infectious diseases and other health outcomes such as injuries, aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health in populations. Epidemiology students can immerse themselves in a variety of topics, including nutrition, physical activity, tobacco control, and genomic research, to help guide decisions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Welcome to the Department of Epidemiology. The faculty, students, staff, and alumni of Epidemiology have a shared mission to reduce the burden of disease in human populations. Our department accomplishes this goal through excellence in research, education, and service.
Although teaching and academic programs are the engines that drive our department, research is the fuel that keeps the intellectual engines running. Epidemiology is committed to excellence in research and affecting positive changes in the quality of health around the world. Some of our research enterprise is conducted in specialized research centers housed within the department. The Center for Infectious Disease (CID) is committed to conquering the emerging infectious diseases that result from close contact between humans and other species or poor sanitation and inappropriate food handling. The Human Genetics Center (HGC) utilizes the latest genomic and multi-omic technology to understand the pathobiology of many common chronic diseases that plague human populations. The Center for Health Equity (CHE) is building sustainable solutions that promote health across diverse communities. Many of our faculty are affiliated with or collaborate with research centers in other departments. Our faculty contribute tremendously to epidemiologic research through these centers.
As you consider your options, I encourage you to explore our website and learn more about how our graduate programs can help launch you on the path to a successful public health career. For more information, please feel free to contact us at SPHEpi@uth.tmc.edu.
Professor Alanna Morrison, PhD
Department Chair
Epidemiology
The foundation of public health.
Epidemiologists play a vital role in maintaining health and in disease prevention and control by studying the determinants and patterns of disease in populations. Through rigorous coursework, the Department of Epidemiology prepares our students to confront some of the most consequential health conditions affecting our local and global communities. Many faculty and graduates of our epidemiology programs are leading experts in chronic and infectious diseases, helping to extend life expectancy, advance health equity, improve quality of care, and pave the way for innovations in addressing future health events.
Epidemiology Research
We offer a supportive and thriving research culture, including many grant-funded projects and high-profile partnerships with other health and community organizations. Our department includes research centers within the department and collaborates with the Center for Infectious Diseases, the Human Genetics Center, and the Center for Health Equity on a wide range of topics.
Our research interests and efforts include a focus on the following areas, as well as many others:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes, and other Chronic Diseases
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Global Health
- Health Disparities
- Health Services and Outcomes Research
- Human Genetics
- Infectious Diseases & Immunology
- Injury and Occupational Health
- Mental Health
- Microbiology
- Nutrition & Obesity
- Pediatric, Perinatal & Reproductive Health
- Tobacco Control and Substance Use
Degree programs
The Department of Epidemiology offers the following degrees:
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate Certificates offered
The Department of Epidemiology offers the following graduate certificates:
Genomics and Bioinformatics Certificate: This certificate is intended for professionals in academic, clinical, and research settings who are now or soon to be faced with genomic and related data. The goal is to enable a generation of investigators and academicians capable of integrating state-of-the-art genomic and related high-dimensional data seamlessly into population and personalized health research.
Coordinator: JR F. Bright, Academic & Admissions advisor II
Contact: JR.F.Bright@uth.tmc.edu
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Certificate: This certificate is intended for students to gain skills and expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, covering fundamental concepts of infectious disease epidemiology, outbreak investigation, microbiology and immunology, and tropical infectious diseases. The goal is to prepare students for public health positions that require knowledge and expertise in infectious disease epidemiology.
Coordinators: Blake Hanson, PhD, and Eric Brown, PhD
Contact: Blake.Hanson@uth.tmc.edu, Eric.L.Brown@uth.tmc.edu
Contact us
Subscribe to our EPI e-newsletter!
| Epidemiology Admissions | |
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JR F. Bright Epidemiology Academic and Admissions Advisor II |
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Eric L. Brown, PhD Epidemiology Faculty Admissions Representative |
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
“For Women in Science 2021” contest, an important contest that seeks to recognize the work of female researchers.
The [Peruvian] National Program for Scientific Research and Advanced Studies (ProCiencia), executing unit of the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (Concytec), together with Lóreal and UNESCO, announced the winning scientists on January 24, 2022.
READ MOREOchoa selected as "For Women in Science 2021", Peruvian National Award
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NEW RESEARCH
Despite genetic makeup, following heart health guidelines can decrease risk of heart disease
Natalie Hasbani, MPH, research assistant and doctoral candidate at the Dallas campus has found that following "Life’s Simple 7 guidelines" developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) can significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease despite a genetic predisposition.
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Bing Yu, PhD, FAHA appointed as the new holder of the JLH Foundation Chair in Transplant Prevention.
Congratulations to EHGES and Human Genetics Center associate professor Bing Yu, PhD, FAHA on her appointment as the new holder of The JLH Foundation Chair in Transplant Prevention, at the School of Public Health.
READ MORESPH - Dept - EHGES - Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Bing Yu
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CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Support grows for the new UTHealth COVID-19 Center of Excellence
Bringing together expertise and access to the best clinical care, research trials, discovery science, and public health knowledge, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has established the UTHealth COVID-19 Center of Excellence.
