Welcome to Fall 2021, new Department of Epidemiology Students!

Pictured above: our new fall 2021 PhD, MPH, and MS students, along with spring and summer 2021 matriculated students. 

 

The Department of Epidemiology of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is leading research and prevention activities that impact public health by training students to evaluate and respond to important public health issues in aging and chronic disease prevention, reproductive health, environmental health, and infectious diseases.

The program provides a strong foundation in epidemiology, which is a core discipline in public health. Our epidemiology graduate programs incorporate into the teaching program activities that provide a practical and clinically relevant educational experience that is based on a foundation of research excellence.. Students take a series of core courses in epidemiology and public health, and may choose to focus on one of several Areas of Emphasis. Faculty in each of these areas direct major research programs and training grants that provide excellent opportunities for student research and field training.

Find a research program for your interests

Pitt Public Health faculty members conduct small and large observational studies and clinical trials of problems that have major impact on the health of populations, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, premature birth, and injury. Faculty members may also lead field centers or coordinating centers for multicenter national and international observational studies and clinical trials.

Major areas of emphasis include...

  • Aging
  • Applied public health
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular and diabetes
  • Clinical trials and methods
  • Environmental
  • Global health
  • Infectious disease
  • Injury prevention
  • Molecular and genetic
  • Obesity and nutritional
  • Population neuroscience
  • Prevention, lifestyle and physical activity
  • Psychiatric
  • Reproductive, perinatal and pediatric
  • Social epidemiology and health equity
  • Women’s health

 

Changes in the length of the premenopausal menstrual cycle may predict the risk of heart disease

FLORIDA NEWS TIMES - As women...
Changes in the length of the premenopausal menstrual cycle may predict the risk of heart disease

FLORIDA NEWS TIMES - As women approach menopause, the length of the menstrual cycle often increases. The timing of these changes may provide clues about the risk of people developing heart disease, according to a new study. "Cardiovascular disease is the number one murderer of women and the risk is... (10/18/2021)

Does 1918 Pandemic Offer Clues on Emerging from COVID-19?

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT - ...
Does 1918 Pandemic Offer Clues on Emerging from COVID-19?

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT - Dean Emeritus Donald Burke is an expert at using computer modeling and simulation to guide public health decision-making. He said it's important to consider the death rate and not simply the death total. "Even though the death totals are similar for COVID-19 and the 19... (10/18/2021)

Migraines and More Severe Hot Flashes Could Be Linked

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT - A ...
Migraines and More Severe Hot Flashes Could Be Linked

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT - A new study that examined migraine, menopause and heart disease "confirms that women with a history of migraine are at increased risk for severe hot flashes at midlife," said EPI's Rebecca Thurston, director of the Women's Biobehavioral Health Laboratory and past presiden... (09/30/2021)

Allegheny County breakthrough cases increasing, but vaccinated still avoid serious illness

PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE - The...
Allegheny County breakthrough cases increasing, but vaccinated still avoid serious illness

PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE - The jab also appears to have a slight reduction in effectiveness against the delta variant compared to prior dominant virus strains, said EPI and IDM's Lee Harrison. But it should still protect people from severe disease if they do become infected. "I think what it tells u... (09/30/2021)

Sexual Assault Linked to Later Brain Damage in Women, Study Finds

CNN - "It could be either chi...
Sexual Assault Linked to Later Brain Damage in Women, Study Finds

CNN - "It could be either childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual assault," said study author EPI’s Rebecca Thurston, director of the Women's Biobehavioral Health Laboratory. "Based upon population data, most women have their sexual assaults when they are in early adolescence and early adulthood," s... (09/27/2021)