Epidemiology Certificate

This online graduate certificate in Epidemiology provides training in key concepts and skills in epidemiology. This training is aimed at working professionals coming from a variety of backgrounds who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in epidemiology, such as public health administrators, physicians, nurses, clinical research professionals, health educators and policy analysts, among others. It is also an excellent starting point for those interested in public health. Participants will be introduced to key concepts and skills in epidemiology, how to investigate the epidemiology of a specific disease or other health-related phenomenon, how to critically evaluate population-based research studies designed to test health-related hypotheses, with advanced training in both infectious and chronic disease epidemiology. Courses are taken online through the Keck School of Medicine for a total of 12 units. The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or over the course of three years.

Applicants for the certificate must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program and provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if applicable), a resume and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required. 

This certificate program can serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the MPH. Note that students must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and must earn a grade of “B” or better in a course to be eligible to transfer that course toward the degree program. Completion of the certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to the MPH program. Also note that students enrolled in the Biostatistics and Epidemiology concentration of the MPH program are not eligible.

The certificate in Epidemiology is also open to students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. These students only need to submit the appropriate paperwork, which may be obtained from the student services adviser, and pay associated tuition costs for adding the certificate program.