Embedded Files
Welcome to the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, we are delighted to have you join the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health. This Division includes the following academic majors: Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Community Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Health, and Public Health Nutrition.
From this point forward our Epidemiology and Community Health Student Services office will be your main contact for any questions you have regarding your program. We will be sending out periodic communication leading up to the start of school and orientation.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page!
Guide for completing new student requirements
Important dates and deadlines
EpiCH DEI Vision Statement
EpiCH DEI Vision Statement
We envision a division where:
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are recognized as core institutional values that drive decision-making, resource allocation, and the development of all policies and practices.
Diverse communities of students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty are recruited, retained, supported, and valued.
Collaborative internal and external partnerships inform the emerging needs of students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, faculty, and the communities in which we live and work.
EpiCH DEI Mission Statement
EpiCH DEI Mission Statement
Our division increases access to opportunities by:
Advocating for students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, faculty
Emphasizing the importance of diversity by promoting learning and development.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice is the shared responsibility of students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty, and must be supported and guided by every member of the division.
Want To Get Involved?
Want To Get Involved?
A message from the Disability Resource Center and the EPICH Divison Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team
A message from the Disability Resource Center and the EPICH Divison Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team
Welcome to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health!
The University of Minnesota, the School of Public Health, and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) value a diverse student body that reflects our broader community. In doing so, we acknowledge inclusion means that we need to act in the spirit of partnership to increase access for all and this means some students may require accommodations in order to ensure equitable access. Paramount in this process is reducing the stigma that may be associated with disability so that all students feel welcome and empowered to advocate for their needs. If at any point in your academic journey you experience disability or health-related barriers and feel you may need accommodations, we encourage you to contact the Disability Resource Center.
According to the 2019 Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America [US] published by the Institute on Disability/UCED at the University of New Hampshire, 13.1 percent, or 42,630,000 Americans had a disability condition in 2018. The truth of the matter is that most of us will have a disabling condition of some kind at some point in our lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon institutions of higher learning to provide access for those who make up more than 1/8th of our population. This is critical to ensure that we will have practitioners who can represent the unique experience, relate to, and identify with the challenges faced by our fellow citizens.
Disability is defined as a condition that substantially limits one or more major life functions. Life functions range from mobility to vision, to sleep, and to learning among many, many others. Most students with disabilities working with the DRC have non-apparent disabilities. Non-apparent disabilities can affect learning, mental health, chronic health, and myriad other conditions that affect one or more major life activities.
We recognize that disability may emerge at any point, the barriers a student experiences may change over time, and may increase during times of greater stress due to transition to new roles, global pandemic, loss or grief, as well as increasing academic rigor. Therefore, even if you may not feel it is necessary to meet with the DRC at this time, please keep the DRC in mind as your experience with your program evolves.
If you have a disability or identify as disabled, we encourage you to work with the DRC to arrange for accommodations to ensure equitable access sooner rather than later to ensure you have the best possible experience at the University.
If you have previously used accommodations or would like to discuss barriers that may affect your participation in your program, please contact Todd Helmer, senior access consultant for the School of Public Health, at helme062@umn.edu to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss any access concerns you have.
Disability Resource Center
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) works in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to eliminate or minimize barriers and facilitate inclusion on campus. The DRC collaborates with all members of the University community to improve access for people with disabilities in these ways:
Determining and implementing reasonable academic, workplace, and guest accommodations;
Providing education on access and inclusion;
Partnering with University offices to ensure meaningful physical and technological access
To contact the DRC call 612-626-1333 or email drc@umn.edu.
Registration
Registration
Registration for Fall 2025 opens June 2025. You can find your registration queue time and register for courses in your MyU Student Account “myu.umn.edu” in the Academics tab.
The 2025 Program guidebook will not be online until August but you can view the current year guidebook at http://www.sph.umn.edu/current/resources/. Please note that you are bound by the requirements for when you enter the program so what is listed in the 2024 Guidebook won’t necessarily match your requirements.
Questions? Students are encouraged to contact Epidemiology and Community Health Student Services to discuss decisions regarding registration at epichstu@umn.edu or 612-626-8802. Students may find it helpful to discuss which of the first-year fall schedules would be the most appropriate.
Recommended schedules
Recommended schedules
Community Health Promotion Fall Course Sample Schedule
Community Health Promotion Fall Course Sample Schedule
Option 1 (All recommended courses must be taken on the A-F grading basis)
PubH 6050- Community Health Theory and Practice I (3cr) In-person
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3cr) In-person/Online Or
PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I (3cr) In-person
PubH 6450- Biostatistics I (4cr) In-person/Online
Semester Total- 10 Credits
Optional second-half courses:
PubH 6741- Ethics in Public Health: Professional Practice and Policy (1cr) Online Or
PubH 6751- Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2cr) In-person/Online
Recommended for:
Students who have an interest in Epidemiology or Biostatistics minors are encouraged to use this schedule, as PubH 6320 or 6341 and 6450 are prerequisites for the more advanced courses required for the respective minors (see below for additional details about the Epidemiology course requirement).
Implications of schedule:
Pairing the epidemiology and biostatistics courses in the same semester creates a more intensive schedule, which is the reason for beginning with the smaller credit load. If students feel comfortable with adding to their workload for the second half of the semester, they have the option to add a second-half semester course. Students choosing to maintain a 10-credit course load for the semester will need to make up the credits in a future semester. (Recommended: Register for an SPH core course during Summer term with the Applied Practice credits)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Minor Requirements: https://www.sph.umn.edu/academics/degrees-programs/minors/
Option 2 (All recommended courses must be taken on the A-F grading basis)
PubH 6050- Community Health Theory and Practice I (3cr) In-person
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3cr) In-person/Online Or
PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I (3cr) In-person
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PubH 6414- Biostatistics Literacy (3 cr)
Or
PubH 6450- Biostatistics I (4cr) In-person/Online
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PubH 6102- Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health (2cr) In-person/Online 1st-Half of semester
PubH 6751- Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2cr) In-person/Online 2nd-Half of semester
Optional Additional Course
Health Behavior and Policy Interventions course of choice
Or
One Additional SPH Core Course
Semester Total- 11-14 Credits
Recommended for:
Students who would prefer to separate epidemiology and biostatistics into different semesters. We have had feedback from previous CHP students that this may create a less intensive first semester -- especially for students who are less comfortable with statistics and methods coursework. Students less comfortable with Biostatistics are encouraged to take PubH 6414-Biostatistics Literacy Fall semester and follow with PubH 6450- Biostatistics I the following Spring semester.
Please note that this decision may affect how and whether you can complete some minors. This schedule option may be a good choice for students who need to adjust to graduate-level courses. Note that students can increase or decrease credits in both the 1st and 2nd half of the semester to meet their needs.
Implications of schedule:
Students taking fewer than 12 credits will need to make up credits in another semester if they want to complete this 48-credit degree within two years. A popular option is taking a Public Health Institute course or School of Public Health core course during the summer term concurrently with the Applied Practice Experience.
Questions about what Epidemiology and Biostatistics course to take?
Questions about what Epidemiology and Biostatistics course to take?
A. Epidemiology
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology and PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I both meet the core course requirements. We encourage PubH 6320 for those students who are looking for an introductory course, and do not have intentions of continuing with more advanced epidemiology courses in the future. Students who have an interest in pursuing Epidemiology further, including completing the Epidemiology minor, are encouraged to take PubH 6341, Epi Methods I instead as this course will better prepare students for the advanced courses in the epidemiology track. However, students who elect to take PubH 6320 may take PubH 6342: Epidemiologic Methods II (and also pursue the epidemiology minor) with a grade of A- or higher in PubH 6320. Please note that PubH 6341 Epidemiology I is only offered in the Fall. You are encouraged to review the syllabi for each course and adjust your schedules according to your interests (See D: Additional Resources below).
B. Biostatistics:
CHP students are required to take PubH 6450 Biostatistics I to meet the biostatistics requirement. CHP students will also need to take an additional evaluation-related methods course. 6414 Biostatistical Literacy is one of the options to meet this additional requirement. See the guidebook for other course options to meet this additional methods requirement.
Students less comfortable with Biostatistics are encouraged to take PubH 6414-Biostatistics Literacy during the Fall semester and PubH 6450- Biostatistics I the following Spring semester.
All students who are planning to take the more advanced epidemiology course, PubH 6341 Epidemiology I, are encouraged to consider taking PubH 6450 Biostatistics I in the fall as well since the courses pair nicely together, and doing so will also allow you to continue on with the biostatistics and epidemiology sequences if you decide to do so.
Notable Course Conflict:
Notable Course Conflict:
A Health Behavior and Policy Intervention option, PubH 6074- Mass Communications In Public Health (offered Fall semesters) conflicts with the year two required course, PubH 6035- Evaluation II. As incoming students, you have the option of swapping PubH 6741 and/or PubH 6751 to take PubH 6074 in Fall 2023 OR take PubH 6074 the Fall 2024 with the knowledge that the course time conflicts with PubH 6035 for a total of 15 minutes.
Part-time CHP students could also take the course in year 3 of their program to avoid course time conflicts.
Epidemiology Fall Course Sample Schedule
Epidemiology Fall Course Sample Schedule
Fall Semester Schedule
The recommended schedule for the Fall 2025 semester: (All recommended courses must be taken on the A-F grading basis unless indicated)
PubH 6355: Pathophysiology (4cr) In-person/Online (See guidebook for exemptions) (Grading Basis: A-F or S/N)
PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I (3cr) In-person
PubH 6450: Biostatistics I (4cr) In-person/Online
PubH 6420: Intro to SAS Programming In-person/Online (1st Half) (Grading Basis: A-F or S/N)
Maternal and Child Health Fall Course Sample Schedule
Maternal and Child Health Fall Course Sample Schedule
Fall Recommended Schedules: Standard & Advanced Standing
Option 1: In-person/Hybrid (All recommended courses must be taken on the A-F grading basis)
PubH 6630- Foundations of MCH Leadership (3cr) In-person
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3cr) In-person/Online Or
PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I (3cr) In-person
OR
PubH 6450- Biostatistics I (4cr) In-person/Online Or
Pubh 6414- Biostatistics Literacy (3r) In-person/Online
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PubH 6102- Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health (2cr) In-person/Online
PubH 6751- Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2cr) In-person/Online 2nd-Half of semester
Option 1: Online
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3cr) Online
OR
PubH 6450- Biostatistics I (4cr) Online Or
Pubh 6414- Biostatistics Literacy (3r) Online
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Optional Public Health Core Courses
PubH 6102- Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health (2cr) In-person/Online
PubH 6751- Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2cr) Online 2nd-Half of semester
Optional Additional Course of Interest
Semester Total- 10-13 Credits
Recommended for: Students who would prefer to separate Epidemiology and Biostatistics into different semesters. Based on feedback from previous Maternal and Child Health students, this option creates a less intensive first semester -- especially for students who are less comfortable with statistics and research method coursework. Please note that this decision may affect how and whether you can complete some minors. This schedule option is designed for students to adjust to graduate level coursework. Note that students can increase or decrease credits in both the 1st and 2nd half of the semester to meet their needs.
Implications of schedule:
Students taking fewer than 12 credits will need to make up credits in another semester if they want to complete this 48-credit degree within two years. A popular option is taking a Public Health Institute course or School of Public Health core course during the summer term concurrently with the Applied Practice Experience.
Option 2: In-person/Hybrid (All recommended courses must be taken on the A-F grading basis)
Recommended for:
Students who have an interest in Epidemiology or Biostatistics minors are encouraged to use this schedule as PubH 6320 or 6341 and 6450 are prerequisites for the more advanced courses required for the respective minors.
NOTE: Epidemiology minor cannot be completed online.
PubH 6630- Foundations of MCH Leadership (3cr) In-person
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3cr) In-person/Online Or
PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I (3cr) In-person
PubH 6450- Biostatistics I (4cr) In-person/Online Or
PubH 6414- Biostatistical Literacy (3cr) In-person/Online
Semester Total- 10-13 Credits
Optional second-half courses:
PubH 6741- Ethics in Public Health: Professional Practice and Policy (1cr) Online Or
PubH 6751- Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2cr) In-person/Online
Implications of schedule:
Pairing the epidemiology and biostatistics courses in the same semester creates a more intensive schedule, which is the reason for beginning with the smaller credit load. If students feel comfortable with adding to their workload for the second half of the semester, they have the option to add a half semester course. Students choosing to maintain a 10-credit course load for the semester will need to make up the credits in a future. (Recommended: Register for one of the required Public Health core courses during the Summer term while taking 1-2 Applied Practice credits)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Minor Requirements: https://www.sph.umn.edu/academics/degrees-programs/minors/
Public Health Nutrition Fall Course Sample Schedule
Public Health Nutrition Fall Course Sample Schedule
For the Traditional Track of the Public Health Nutrition MPH Degree Fall Schedule Recommendation is as follows:
PUBH 6901 Foundations of Public Health Leadership (2cr in Person)
PUBH 6907 Maternal, Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition (3cr In Person)
PUBH 6450 or 6414 + 1cr Biostatistics or Biostatistical Literacy (4 cr or 3 + 1cr)
Linked below is the suggested schedule for the Coordinated Program (CP) Track of the Public Health Nutrition MPH degree.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hocjOiFP3caLZiKVis5MJG6Y5CgEGYpTKKoYlFDk0d8/edit#gid=0
Wondering which Epidemiology or Biostatistics course is right for you?
Wondering which Epidemiology or Biostatistics course is right for you?
NOTE: Epidemiology Students must take BOTH PubH 6341 and PubH 6450 as part of their program-required courses.
PubH 6320- Fundamentals of Epidemiology and PubH 6341- Epidemiologic Methods I both meet the core course requirements. We encourage PubH 6320 for those students who are looking for an introductory course, and do not have intentions of continuing with more advanced epidemiology courses in the future. Students who have an interest in pursuing Epidemiology further, including completing the Epidemiology minor, are encouraged to take PubH 6341, Epi Methods I instead as this course will better prepare students for the advanced courses in the epidemiology track. However, students who elect to take PubH 6320 may take PubH 6342: Epidemiologic Methods II (and also pursue the epidemiology minor) with a grade of A- or higher in PubH 6320. Please note that PubH 6341 Epidemiology I is only offered in the Fall. You are encouraged to review the syllabi for each course and adjust your schedules according to your interests (See D: Additional Resources below).
Deciding between PubH 6450- Biostatistics or 6414- Biostatistics Literacy? Visit the "Guide to Introductory Biostatistics Courses"
The "Search for classes" tool allows students to search for course offerings by semester, subject, and more.
The "Schedule Builder" tool allows students to build their course plan for a semester, view a virtual calendar of courses, and send courses to their MyU Registration cart.
Students enrolled in PubH 6450 will need access to a computer that is compatible with SAS Software
Students enrolled in PubH 6450 will need access to a computer that is compatible with SAS Software
Support and SAS software can be obtained from the SPH IT support at no cost by sending an email to dotech@umn.edu to get access via the network.
Team Advising Model
Team Advising Model
The Division of Epidemiology and Community Health approaches Academic and Mentorship as a coordinated team. The "Team Advising" model will match students with Faculty members based on shared interests. The advising groups will range from 8-12 new and current students. Our goal is to provide a consistently high level of advising experiences for our students through the collaboration of School and University partners, services, and student groups. For more information about our advising roles and to access the "Content Area Survey" visit the Advising Roles and Resources page.
Report abuse