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We understand that when you’re trying to learn more about our M.S. in Clinical Epidemiology program as you research the top epidemiology programs around, you may have a lot of questions! With the help of our faculty and staff, we’ve assembled this blog post to help answer some of those questions.

1. What makes Kent’s Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology program different from other programs in the area?

The ºÚÁÏÍø MS in Clinical Epidemiology is geared toward students who want to learn the methods of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics to be able to perform health research. It is ideal for students who are recent graduates of a bachelor’s degree, returning students who have experience in clinical research, or clinicians who want advanced training in research methodology.

The degree is focused on teaching research methods. It is the only hybrid or 100% online MS in Clinical Epidemiology in the area.

2. What types of teaching backgrounds do the professors have?

All faculty who teach in the program have a terminal degree in their specialization (PhD, MD, PhD/RN, or PharmD) and have appointments at Kent State. The faculty who teach in the program have extensive experience developing and teaching online classes and years of experience as researchers and practicing clinicians.

The faculty who teach courses in the program, as well as oversee individual investigations, theses, or research-based practicums, have extensive experience in clinical research, epidemiology methods, biostatistics, nursing, rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease, and clinical trials. Adjunct faculty are largely responsible for guest lectures, seminars, and practical experiences in the degree. All have experience in practice, teaching, and mentoring.   

3. What sort of courses will I be taking?

The coursework is designed around the eight domains of core competencies delineated by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency and the competencies for Schools of Public Health. Students will learn advanced methods of observational and experimental study design. There are 8 required classes (25 credits) and 2 electives (5 to 6 credits).

Students take and clinical research methods, biostatistics, and ethics, and can choose from electives in chronic or infectious disease epidemiology, scientific writing, pharmacoepidemiology, regulatory affairs, and data management. Included in the curriculum are 6 credits hours of thesis or research-intensive practicum.

Students have the option to complete an individual investigation in clinical epidemiology that will be designed in conjunction with the advisor and an external adjunct. The purpose of the investigation will be to provide students with limited experience in a clinical setting additional exposure to the practical side of clinical research.

4. Will I be able to come to office hours?

Yes! Office hours are scheduled each week or are available by appointment. Students who do not live by campus are able to have phone conversations with faculty and advisors.

5. What careers can I go on to have with my degree?

The job titles for a graduate with a MS in Clinical Epidemiology are diverse and a job search requires entering multiple titles. These titles include: Epidemiologist, Research Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Data Specialist, Research Assistant, and Clinical Epidemiologist, etc.

6. What else should I know about Kent State and the Clinical Epidemiology program?

This is a growing field. The job outlook from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the title Epidemiologist with a master’s degree is a 6% increase from 2014 to 2024. Entry-level jobs in the field are generally at the bachelor’s level while director and manager jobs typically require or prefer an MS or PhD.

Degree requirement also depends on the type of organization. For example, data scientist jobs at insurance agencies and pharmaceutical companies usually require an MS. The job title Clinical Research Associate (CRA), which typically is an entry-level job, was ranked 9th in Best Jobs in America with ten-year projected job growth of 36%. Higher level jobs in these organizations require/prefer an MS. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected rise by 22% from 325,800 positions to 396,500 between 2012 and 2022 for CRA.

Bonus: Why Is Kent State One of the Best Epidemiology Graduate Programs in Ohio?

Our stimulating STEM-designated advanced degree program combined with the help of our educated faculty and staff helps us be one of the best epidemiology programs in the area!

Have Some Additional Questions?

Feel free to fill out our simple contact form on our homepage to get connected with a staff member who can help answer any questions! And if you want to be a part of one of the top epidemiology programs in Ohio, apply today!