Welcome to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health!
Undergraduate
Degree Programs
BSPH-EPI
Bachelor of Science in Public Health - Epidemiology
Epidemiology, the science of public and population health, is a field of disease detectives who conduct studies to better understand the health status of populations. Epidemiology studies describe the occurrence of disease in communities–who, what, when, where–and determine how and why disease occurs. The findings of these studies are then used to control and prevent disease and protect and improve the public’s health.
Epidemiologists study all health phenomena, such as infectious diseases, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, maternal and child health, substance abuse, and injuries. They also work with policy makers, clinicians, and other health professionals to eliminate health disparities and improve health equity locally, nationally, and globally.
Competencies
A BSPH in epidemiology prepares students to enter the public health field as an entry-level epidemiologist responsible for carrying out a range of investigative and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance, detection, and prevention of diseases and injuries. Entry-level epidemiologists often work under the direction of a Senior Epidemiologist, conducting routine epidemiologic functions comprising surveillance, data collection, data analysis using basic epidemiologic methods, and assistance with epidemiologic investigations. This degree also provides excellent preparation for completing a Master of Public Health program. After completing the BSPH in epidemiology, students will be able to:
- Assist in design of epidemiologic investigations and studies, including creating hypotheses and analysis plans
- Apply descriptive and analytic epidemiologic methods to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population
- Analyze data, summarize results, and draw conclusions from an epidemiologic investigation
- Collaborate with others inside and outside the agency to identify and address public health problems
- Identify public health surveillance data needs and support the evaluation of surveillance systems
- Use identified informatics tools in support of epidemiologic practice
- Develop an understanding of the social and behavioral determinants of health
- Apply understanding of complex biological, environmental, and behavioral disease risk factors to determine potential mechanisms of disease
- Assist in developing recommended evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings with appropriate cultural, social, and political frameworks
- Prepare written and oral reports and presentations that communicate necessary information to professionals and the general public
- Follow ethical, privacy, and confidentiality guidelines and principles when planning studies; conducting research; and collecting, disseminating, and using data
Students will also have opportunities to develop research skills, team work and leadership skills, and have international health experiences through additional coursework and practical opportunities.
Academic Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Public Health- Epidemiology majors must fulfill the IUPUI general education requirements corresponding the IUPUI's Statewide Transferrable General Education Core.
Epidemiology Major Courses
Take 18 courses for 54 credits
Public Health Core Courses
Take all four courses
- PBHL-E 322 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
- PBHL-H 220 Policy and Management for Population Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-S 315 Community Health (3 credits)
Epidemiology Core Courses
Take seven epidemiology core courses
- PBHL-E 210 Zombie Apocalypse and Other Doomsday Infections (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 330 Evidence-Based Writing for Public Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 323 Chasing Disease: Field Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 335 The Lurking Pandemic: Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 391 Public Health Surveillance (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 421 Epidemiology Counts (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 422 Epidemioly: Beyond Basics (3 credits)
- PBHL-S 305 Careers in Public Health (3 credits)
Take seven of the following application courses
- PBHL-E 303 Public Health Informatics (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 303 Environmental Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 303 Epidemiology of Reproductive and Perinatal Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 395 Sores and Drips: Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 333 Buzzed and Stoned: Epidemiology of Substance Abuse (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 375 Fundamentals of Injury Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 337 Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-A 441 Public Health Applications of Geographic Information Systems
- PBHL-S 425 Social Determinants of Health
- PBHL-H 325 Health Information Technology Management and Policy (3 credits)
- PBHL-H 330 Global Public Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-P 450 Approved Study Abroad Courses Offered by PBHL (3 credits)
- PBHL-S 340 Cultural Competency in the Promotion of Public Health (3 credits)
One of the following applied experiences:
- PBHL-E 491 Capstone in Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 490 Internship in Epidemiology (3 credits)
General Electives
A minimum 100 credit hours (46 credit hours General Education + 54 credit hours Epidemiology) of required courses are listed for this curriculum. In addition, students must take a sufficient number of elective courses to total a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Accelerated Degrees
The Fairbanks School of Public Health offers high-performing students the option to obtain an undergraduate and master’s degree in five years. Students will receive an immersive education that is in demand by employers.
Participation in this program allows students to begin graduate education their undergraduate senior year. Before starting any graduate classes, students are required to complete 96 credit hours including all general education requirements and general electives.
