Drexel University and the Dornsife School of Public Health have long-standing commitments to an experiential learning philosophy. Consistent with this, the MS Epidemiology program includes a culminating data analysis master’s project performed under the mentorship of a faculty mentor from the Epidemiology department and, in some cases, with a preceptor who works in a setting outside the department.

Through the data analysis project, students hone their skills in applying epidemiology research to real-world settings and consider how their project, and the discipline of epidemiology in general, connects to broader issues in public health.

Data Analysis Project Proposal and Requirements

Students develop their master’s project proposal under the guidance of their faculty mentor, and they finalize their project during the second year.

The project is designed to demonstrate a graduate’s solid understanding of epidemiologic principles and methods, and ability to apply that understanding. This includes reviewing the relevant literature to develop a sound research question and hypothesis, conducting data management and analysis, and preparing a research report.

This data analysis project allows students to demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Develop a testable research hypothesis with appropriate research aims based upon a literature review
2. Design and conduct an epidemiology study which is valid and efficient
3. Conduct appropriate statistical analyses of a complex epidemiologic dataset
4. Present research results in a written format consistent with professional standards
5. Describe and demonstrate principles of ethical conduct of human subjects research

At the end of the master’s project, each student submits a written report consistent with peer-review publication standards in epidemiology. The student also gives an oral presentation to department faculty and students.