Program Concentrations

In one of two concentrations, students learn multiple approaches to global infectious disease problems including life science research, mathematical modeling of outbreaks, epidemiology of pandemics, and diplomacy to advance health outcomes.

Modeling and Informatics

Colorized_scanning_electron_micrograph_of_a_cell_teal_infected_with_SARS-CoV-2_virus — Colorized scanning electron micrograph of a cell (teal) infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (orange) by NIAID, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

The Modeling and Informatics concentration builds knowledge and skills in epidemiology, disease modeling, and applied data analytics. Coursework will build on foundational science to emphasize the quantitative science behind infectious disease threats and using data science tools and methods to address them. Students will assess how study design impacts the choice of statistical tests, how to interpret results of tests and models, and how to use data (including ’big data’) from public health or clinical settings.

Upon degree completion, students will be able to: understand mechanisms and interactions of disease transmission, methods for disease prevention and control, describe and analyze human population disease patterns, and identify determinants and public health impact of infectious disease threats and responses.

Graduates will be smart producers and consumers of infectious disease data and prepared to collaborate effectively with policy makers. The concentration supports career paths that require, or benefit from, individuals who are data and evidence-literate for effective disease preparedness, response, and control – in private and pubic domains.

Science and Policy

U.S. Capitol building at sunrise — Photo by the U.S. House of Representatives

The Science Policy concentration emphasizes knowledge and skill development to understand, identify, develop, implement, and evaluate policies and policy instruments for infectious disease challenges. Coursework will build on foundational science to develop skills for policy analysis through methods and topics including domestic and international decision-making bodies, political theory, critical tools for analyses, case studies of policy-level interventions, and related areas of diplomacy, economics, health governance and financing.

Upon degree completion, students will be able to understand mechanisms and interactions involved in disease transmission and methods for disease prevention and control, utilize key methodologies for policy analysis, develop policy options, and assess evidence to support policy decisions. They will also recognize and address ethical issues in global infectious disease, including research conduct, population interventions, and policy decisions.

This concentration will support career pursuits that require, or would benefit from, individuals who are policy-literate in infectious disease preparedness, response, and control, and who can analyze and develop effective policy approaches.