About Population Health Science

Population Health Science is the practice of generating scientific evidence that will improve population health locally, regionally, or globally. Population health scientists analyze the diverse factors that influence the health of human populations and think critically about how to develop effective and sustainable solutions.

What is a Master’s in Population Health Sciences?

The Master of Science in Population Health Sciences is a graduate program for students who already have a terminal degree (e.g., MD, PhD, DVD, as well as others). The program provides students with the foundation to develop and maintain an independent research program in clinical and population health sciences.

Why Pursue an MS in Population Health Sciences at Drexel Dornsife?

Unique benefits of the MS in Population Health Sciences program include:

• Extremely flexibility for students to customize learning to fit their research needs.
• Rigorous training in research methods, with a focus on applying these methods to the student's area of expertise.
• Study at Philadelphia's first fully CEPH-accredited school of public health and a center of excellence in urban health and policy-relevant research and training.

Core competencies that students will acquire throughout the program include:

• Critically evaluate the design of research studies, data collection methods, analysis methods, and results of published research
• Formulate appropriate research questions that are informed by underlying conceptual models
• Identify and apply appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical and epidemiologic methodologies to answer research questions in population health
• Effectively communicate statistical methods and research results orally and in writing across the spectrum of population health professionals
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics of scientific research on human subjects

To learn more about the MS in Population Health Sciences program, request more information to speak with an academic advisor today.

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The Dornsife School of Public Health seeks students with a terminal degree who wish to train to develop and maintain an independent program in clinical and population health sciences.

Admissions Requirements for the MS in Population Health Science Program

To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following admissions criteria:

• A completed doctoral degree (e.g. MD, PhD, JD)
• Successful completion of undergraduate-level coursework in quantitative analytic methods (e.g. statistics, probability theory) or calculus with a B or better
• Evidence of desire to do research

Application Requirements for the MS in Population Health Science Program

To have your application reviewed, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Online application
• Official transcripts from every college-level institution you attended (academic records from institutions outside the U.S. must undergo a credentials evaluation)
• English proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS), if applicable
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose and Objectives (personal statement)

Applications for the MS in Population Health Science program do not require the GRE.

To learn more about Drexel Dornsife’s application and admission requirements, please visit the page below:

Admissions and Application Requirements

Master’s in Population Health Sciences Curriculum

The curriculum provide instruction in study design, data collection, statistical analysis, ethics and research integrity, protection of human subjects, and instruction in grant writing and preparation, with particular specialization in clinical research.

Introductory courses in population health research serve as the foundation of the program. Students develop a course of study that builds skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Survey Methodology
• Research Ethics

Degree Requirements

Core Courses

The MS in Populations Health Sciences program requires five quarters of structured coursework, consisting of required core courses, electives, and hands-on research opportunities in the Dornsife School of Public Health.

Core courses in the program include:

• BST 555 Introduction to Statistical Computing - 3 credits
• BST 561 Design & Analysis of Clinical Trials - 3 credits
• BST 571 Introduction to Biostatistics - 3 credits
• BST 560 Intermediate Biostatistics I - 3 credits
• EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology - 3 credits

The program allows for a substantive number of credits of electives.

Completion of the MS in Populations Health Sciences requires 45 quarter credit hours as prescribed by the program's curriculum; a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; completing a research project; and presenting the research both orally and in writing.

Master’s Research Project

Working with a faculty advisor, students complete either a Data Analysis Project or a Master of Science Epidemiology Project.

To learn more about the MS in Populations Health Sciences degree program curriculum and to see a sample plan of study, please follow the links below.

Review Degree Requirements and Courses

Sample Plan of Study

Career Options with a Master’s in Population Health Sciences

A Master's in Population Health Sciences is ideal for those who want to build a successful career in clinical research.

Students graduate with the training necessary to pursue unique career paths and advancement opportunities, including:

• University Professor
• Research Scientist
• Clinical Researcher
• Physician
• Epidemiologist

A Master's in Population Health Sciences provides a unique opportunity for a career focused on directing scientifically rigorous research that generates knowledge, which in turn can lead to improvement of the health and well-being of populations.

Master of Population Health Sciences Salary Range

While salary can range across industries, in May 2021 the median salary for medical scientists was $95,310, the median wage for physicians was $208,000, and the median wage for epidemiologists was $78,830 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Enhance your career and further your interests in research with a Master of Science in Population Health Sciences. Start your application today.

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