Master´s in Epidemiology

College of Health Sciences
Degree
Master in Epidemiology
Academic School
Duration

18 months (3 semesters and 1 summer)

Subjects: 16

Total credits: 34

Teaching Mode
Hybrid
Schedule

  • Monday to Thursday from 18:00 to 20:00 (synchronous virtual class)
  • Saturdays (2 per month) face-to-face classes
    • 1st semester: 09:00 to 16:30
    • 2nd semester, summer, and 3rd semester: 09:00 to 13:00
Start of Classes
August, 2024
Approval

RPC-SO-04-No.066-2024, 24 de enero de 2024

RPC-SO-04-No.066-2024, January 24th, 2024
Total Cost

$9,200
Registration: $836
Tuition: $8,364

Application Dates
April 20th,
May 18th,
June 15th, 2024
Description

The Master's in Epidemiology at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a unique program that combines the academic rigor of research and field epidemiology with the principles of liberal arts. This multidisciplinary approach not only prepares students to tackle public health challenges with a deep theoretical and practical understanding but also equips them to address these issues from critical perspectives on inequity and social sensitivity, indispensable requirements in the contemporary world.

Students will not only be able to confront the current challenges of global health but also lead the way towards innovative solutions. With a curriculum designed to foster dynamic interaction between theory and practice, this program integrates quantitative analytical skills with real fieldwork and epidemiological surveillance at the community level. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a distinguished faculty, composed of outstanding professionals at the national and international levels in the field of epidemiology and public health.

The program is aimed at training leaders capable of innovating, researching, and applying their knowledge to improve population health using advanced epidemiological tools. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to make informed decisions and apply effective strategies in a wide range of population health settings, both in the public and private sectors, thus contributing to the creation of healthier and more resilient communities.

Applicant profile

Candidates for the Master's in Epidemiology must hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Obstetrics, Laboratory Sciences, Nutrition, Dietetics, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Public Management, Health Promotion, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. Considering that Epidemiology practice is interdisciplinary, it has been considered that in special cases, professionals from other fields related to the interdisciplinary scope of population health and proven practical experience working with communities and population groups will be accepted.At least one year of work experience in areas related to health and human well-being is required, as well as a predisposition to face challenges and adapt to new experiences in virtual, face-to-face, and field modalities.

We also value applicants who wish to delve into quantitative research methods and epidemiological surveillance, under critical and liberal arts approaches. This program, the first in Ecuador to offer such an approach, demands dedication, effort, and a proactive attitude towards learning and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

Occupational field

Graduates of the Master's in Epidemiology have a wide range of professional opportunities in various sectors, including public health, academic research, epidemiological surveillance in hospitals, insurance companies, and other private sector enterprises, as well as in non-governmental organizations.

Their advanced training in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data, with a critical and creative approach, prepares them to address health issues at both local and global levels. Here is a list of potential job opportunities for our graduates:

  • Public sector: disease surveillance and analysis of local, national, and regional data, outbreak investigation, and development of disease prevention and control programs; advising, creating, and implementing public health policies; overseeing surveillance systems to track disease trends and health indicators; management and evaluation of intervention programs, health promotion campaigns, and communication strategies to inform the public about health risks and prevention methods.
  • Research and academia: designing, conducting, and evaluating epidemiological research in academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other research organizations; applying statistical methods to population health research; teaching in epidemiology, public health, or related subjects at universities and contributing to academic research.
  • Private sector and consulting: consulting services to healthcare organizations, insurance companies, or the public sector on epidemiological data analysis, health trends, and strategic planning; development of clinical trials within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Healthcare: working in hospitals and other healthcare settings to monitor the most common diseases and control institution-acquired infections in order to improve patient outcomes.
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): development and evaluation of health programs run by NGOs; coordinating intervention or research projects in health for international health organizations including the World Health Organization or the Pan American Health Organization.

Advantages

  1. Interdisciplinary focus.
    The program combines field epidemiology and research techniques with liberal arts to train professionals who address population health problems with a critical, social justice-focused, and creative solutions-oriented approach.
     
  2. Hybrid learning modality.
    The synchronous virtual schedule during the week (18:00-20:00), combined with occasional face-to-face sessions, offers flexibility and accessibility, accommodating the diverse needs and schedules of professional students.
     
  3. High-quality faculty.
    More than 75% of classes are taught by faculty and researchers with PhDs, and 100% have a master's degree in their area of specialization. All have experience in various fields and global recognition, ensuring that students learn from leading experts in the field.
     
  4. Practical application opportunities.
    Students participate in community surveillance projects and epidemiological research during the program, applying their learning to real-world problems and thereby contributing to population health.
     
  5. Small cohort size.
    Throughout the program, students receive personalized attention, sensitive to different learning styles and needs, and life situations, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
     
  6. Employment opportunities.
    The multidisciplinary approach and practical application opportunities prepare graduates for employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally.

Requirements

Basic:

To register for the admission exam, the applicant must send the following documentation in digital format to the email of Santiago Tapia stapia@usfq.edu.ec 
If any requirement is missing, the applicant will not be able to participate in the process:

  • Confirmation of payment made through the system (screenshot) and completed application request, with the applicant's signature and photograph (check process in Graduate Admissions).
  • Bachelor's degree, issued by an accredited university in the country and registered with SENESCYT in the fields of: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Obstetrics, Laboratory Sciences, Nutrition, Dietetics, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Public Management, Health Promotion, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. In special cases, professionals from other fields who demonstrate aptitude, professional experience, and fundamental knowledge in the program's field of study will be accepted.
  • SENESCYT title registration printed. If it is a bachelor's or master's degree obtained abroad, the applicant must register it with SENESCYT beforehand.
  • Knowledge of the English language, equivalent to at least level A2 of the Common European Framework (determined by the USFQ English placement exam or by TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge certificate. Certificates must not be older than two years from the date of application).
  • Official transcript.
  • Degree certificate with GPA (except Alumni USFQ and foreign universities).
  • Copy of identity card or passport.
  • Pass the USFQ graduate admission exam. For this, refer to the admissions process at: http://www.usfq.edu.ec/admisiones/admisiones_posgrado
Specific:

Once the application stage is completed, send the following specific requirements digitally to complete the selection stage, to the email of Diana Román dromane@usfq.edu.ec

  • Motivational letter.
  • Updated resume/CV.
  • Three professional recommendation letters.
  • Personal interview with the graduate program professors.

Financing and Scholarships

Alumni USFQ receive a 10% discount.

Credit or debit card payments through our Online Payment Button.

  • We accept all national and international cards.
  • You can defer payments with cards issued by: Diners Club, Banco Guayaquil, Banco Pichincha, Banco Bolivariano, Banco Produbanco, and Banco del Austro.
  • You can defer semester or academic period payments for up to 6 months interest-free.
  • This program has 4 (four) academic periods, therefore, the total program cost can be paid in 4 (four) equal installments, and each can be deferred for up to 6 months interest-free. Payment dates will coincide with the start of each academic period (check dates on the program's Academic Calendar).
  • For yearly payments, you can defer for up to 12 months interest-free.

Transfer or deposit payments to the following details:

  • Account Holder: Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ.
  • Taxpayer ID: 1791836154001
    • Pichincha Bank: Current Account No. 3407330004
    • Bolivariano Bank: Current Account No. 5075003350
  • For proper registration, upload the receipt on the Online Payment Button.

In-person payments at the Treasury windows: available Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 18:00

For information on direct financing plans with USFQ email: plandefinanciamiento@usfq.edu.ec

For information on other payment methods email: tesorería@usfq.edu.ec

Scholarships

According to the Graduate Program Scholarship Guidelines, for each cohort, the equivalent of two 15% scholarships will be awarded. Students who may apply for the scholarship after completing the first semester and demonstrating academic excellence are those who achieve a GPA equal to or greater than 3.8/4.00.

 

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