Epidemiology

The results of epidemiologic investigations have attracted much public attention. Epidemiologic studies were the basis of the 1964 Surgeon General’s report linking smoking and disease, determined the distribution and methods of the transmission of AIDS, and established the relationship between high levels of cholesterol and heart disease. Epidemiologists from Boston University have taken part in this research. For example, they determined that drinking a glass of red wine each day is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.

In recent years, the field has expanded tremendously in size, scope, and influence and is now being used to investigate a wide range of important public health topics. During this period, important changes have also occurred in the theory and methods of epidemiologic research, including the development of new views on disease causation and new study designs. These changes, along with the availability of sophisticated computer hardware and software, are enabling epidemiologists to explore new public health questions.

Academic Programs

The Department of Epidemiology offers the Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology, the Master of Science (MS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology.