Online Master of Science in Epidemiology
Preparing the next generation of leaders in disease control and prevention
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Master of science in epidemiology, online
UofL’s 100% online master of science in epidemiology (MSEPI) is designed as a terminal degree that prepares students for an epidemiology career and/or for their PhD in public health sciences with a specialization in epidemiology.
Earning an online master's in epidemiology equips professionals with the knowledge needed to investigate patterns and causes of diseases in populations, preparing them for careers in public health research, policy and practice.
Through a combination of coursework in epidemiologic theory, study design and skill-based practical methods, research, biostatistics and software programming in SAS and R, students learn how to analyze epidemiologic data and interpret findings, which is crucial for understanding and controlling diseases.
This program is offered online by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health within the School of Public Health & Information Sciences at the University of Louisville which has been consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for its academic programs excellence and student support.
UofL's Online MS in Epidemiology
100% online, no GRE required for admission. Apply today and start building an impactful career!
Online master of science in epidemiology
100% online
The big picture
The online master of science in epidemiology at the University of Louisville is designed as a terminal degree to prepare students in Kentucky and across the nation for success as a career epidemiologist or further pursuing a PhD credential.
UofL’s epidemiology master’s program prepares students to investigate patterns of disease, identify risk factors and apply evidence-based approaches to protect population health. Designed for aspiring and early-career epidemiologists, public health professionals and those planning for doctoral study, this degree emphasizes applied research, analytical rigor and real-world relevance. Students develop the skills needed to design studies, analyze epidemiologic data and translate findings into meaningful public health action.
Online MS in epidemiology degree highlights
- Learn to design epidemiologic research and apply advanced methods for data collection, management and analysis.
- Evaluate and explain the evolving paradigms of epidemiological theory, study design and their impact on public health and medical sciences.
- Formulate epidemiological research questions and testable hypotheses using evidence-based approaches.
- Integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge from molecular to population levels to make appropriate causal inferences.
- Gain experience from leaders in the epidemiology field who also teach our 100% online courses.
"This program produces well-rounded epidemiologists with practical skills, poised for employment in academic settings as study coordinators and in a wide range of industries including insurance and pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit research institutes, clinical research and the public health workforce."
Kira Taylor, PhD, MS
MS EPI Program Director
Whether you are ready to apply or need more info, connect with us to start your journey today!
How to apply to UofL’s online MS in epidemiology degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MSEPI online degree program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall | August |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials required for acceptance may take more time.
Steps to apply for the online MS in epidemiology
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts showing all degrees awarded and all undergraduate and graduate work (all courses) completed from each accredited college/university previously attended
- Electronic (recommended):
gradadm@louisville.edu - Physical Mail:
University of Louisville, Graduate School,
2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105,
Louisville, KY 40292
- Electronic (recommended):
- Create a financial plan and check for scholarships
What are admissions requirements for the online MS in epidemiology?
- Formal application through the UofL Graduate School with transcripts and curriculum vitae
- A one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and interest in epidemiology
- A grade of B or higher in college algebra or a higher-level math course as shown on a college transcript (AP credit does not apply)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate GPA at least 3.0 on 4.0 scale**
- Official transcripts of all degrees
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
** Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 will be considered for provisional acceptance; however, they must maintain a 3.00 GPA (minimum) in their first year of study to continue in the program.
Prerequisites: previous coursework in mathematics and/or statistics and biological or health sciences is strongly recommended. Applicants who do not have sufficient prior coursework or experience in these areas may be required to take additional courses.
MSEPI online degree for international students
The master of science in epidemiology program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our online learning enrollment counselor through an information request.
How much it costs to earn an online MSEPI degree at UofL
Academic year tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
All online courses will be assessed an additional fee of $10/credit hour per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What you learn in the online master of science in epidemiology
Online courses
The online master of science in epidemiology is a 30-credit-hour (10 course) program, with each course delivered in a standard 15-week course format, 100% online.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Note: Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or higher for graduate courses to satisfy the degree requirements.
Take the next step with confidence. Connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance
What can I do with a master's in epidemiology?
Graduates of the master of science in epidemiology are prepared to apply advanced analytical, research and problem-solving skills across a wide range of public health and health-related settings. The program equips students to investigate disease patterns, evaluate public health interventions and translate complex data into actionable insights that inform policy, practice and population-level decision-making. With training grounded in real-world application, graduates are positioned to pursue impactful roles across sectors where epidemiologic expertise is in high demand.
The employment outlook for professionals with an advanced degree in epidemiology continues to expand rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (bls.gov). Additionally, the median annual salary for epidemiologists in 2024 was $83,930.
What careers can the MSEPI degree lead to?
A master's degree in epidemiology opens a variety of career paths in public health, health care, research, academia and more. Our successful graduates are well-suited to apply their credentials toward the following roles and careers:
- Epidemiologist
- Research epidemiologist
- Infectious disease epidemiologist
- Disease surveillance specialist
- Outbreak investigator
- Public health analyst
- Data scientist (with focus on epidemiology)
- Epidemiology program manager
- Epidemiology consultant
- Epidemiology research coordinator
- Health policy snalyst (with focus on epidemiological data)
- Global health epidemiologist
- Public health administrator
- ...and more!
Don't wait – apply today and take the next steps in your educational journey!
What your support network looks like
Success in a master's program requires more than strong coursework – it requires the right support. From application through graduation, our students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Kira Taylor | Program Director & Associate Professor | kira.taylor@louisville.edu | 502.852.6334 |
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Arial Young | Department Coordinator | arial.young@louisville.edu | 502.852.3003 |
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Mariah Martin | Admission Counselor | mariah.martin@louisville.edu | 502.852.1798 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
How do I know whether the online MS in epidemiology is for me?
This program is designed for aspiring epidemiologists, public health professionals and students preparing for doctoral study who want advanced training in epidemiologic methods, research design and data analysis. It is well suited for those seeking roles in public health practice, research, health care, industry or academia. With classes offered 100% online, this program allows working adults who have multiple work/life commitments to continue their education in a flexible way. If you recognize your own scenario or background in this list, you might be well suited to earn the master’s in epidemiology at UofL fully online.
Is this program a terminal degree or preparation for a PhD?
The MS in epidemiology is designed as a terminal degree while also providing strong preparation for students who plan to pursue a PhD in public health with a specialization in epidemiology.
Is a bachelor’s degree required for admission in the MSEPI program?
Yes. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with academic or professional backgrounds in public health, biology, health sciences or related fields.
Is the program fully online, and how are courses delivered?
Yes. The MS in epidemiology is offered 100% online. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on a flexible schedule while meeting assignment deadlines and engaging with faculty and peers.
What skills will I gain through the program?
Students develop advanced skills in epidemiologic study design, data collection and management, statistical analysis, critical evaluation of research and translation of findings into public health practice.
What software or technical skills are emphasized in the program?
Coursework includes applied training in epidemiologic data analysis and introduces students to statistical software commonly used in public health research, including SAS.
What support is available to online students?
Online students have access to academic advising, faculty support, library resources, technical assistance and student services designed to help them succeed throughout the program and beyond graduation.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
