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Epidemiology in Practice

Become a practice-ready epidemiologist equipped with the skills to design, strengthen, and utilize public health surveillance systems, lead outbreak investigations and response, analyze real-world data, and inform policy in complex and resource-limited settings.

Program Overview

The Master’s in Epidemiology in Practice is an applied graduate program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to address real-world public health challenges.

Jointly delivered by RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) and the International Academy of Public Health (IAPH),the program prepares you to investigate outbreaks, analyze surveillance data, manage public health emergencies, and design evidence-based interventions.

Combining academic rigor with practical application, the program’s curriculum integrates online learning, real-world case studies, practical assignments, and applied research to prepare graduates for leadership roles across public health systems.

The program is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), UAE, ensuring high academic and quality standards.

Graduates are prepared for roles and careers in ministries of health and other relevant ministries, public health institutions, international organizations, humanitarian agencies, and research settings.

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Why Choose this Program?

  1. Earn an accredited master's degree jointly delivered by RAKMHSU and IAPH.
  2. Study while you work through a flexible, fully online learning model.
  3. Develop practical epidemiology skills through real-world case studies, simulations, and applied assignments.
  4. Learn from experienced regional and international faculty with extensive public health expertise.
  5. Strengthen your expertise in surveillance, outbreak investigation, emergency preparedness, and One Health.
  6. Complete an applied research thesis that addresses a real public health challenge.
  7. Prepare for leadership roles across national and international public health systems.

Thesis

A key component of the program, the thesis allows participants to apply their learning to a real-world public health issue.

Participants will:

  1. Develop a research proposal 
  2. Conduct data collection and analysis 
  3. Produce a structured thesis report 
  4. Present and defend their findings 

Duration

3-4 semesters

Program Structure

  1. Duration: 3 semesters
  2. Total Credits: 36 credit hours
  3. Delivery Mode: Self-paced online learning with a supervised masters thesis

The program combines interactive self-paced learning modules, case studies, practical assignments, and a supervised masters thesis to ensure the application of knowledge to real-world public health challenges.

Semester Breakdown

Semester 1

  1. Basics of Epidemiology
  2. Public Health Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation
  3. Public Health Emergency Management
  4. Communicable Diseases

Semester 2

  1. Basics of Biostatistics
  2. Public Health Support Skills
  3. 2 Elective Courses (Choose 2):
    1. Risk Communication and Community Engagement
    2. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
    3. Vector-Borne Diseases
    4. Environmental Health in Emergencies
    5. Principles of One Health
    6. Human Conflicts and Humanitarian Work

Semester 3

  1. Research Methods and Writing
  2. Thesis

Thesis 

A key component of the program, the thesis, allows participants to apply their learning to a real-world public health issue.

Participants will:

  1. Develop a research proposal
  2. Conduct data collection and analysis
  3. Produce a structured thesis report
  4. Present and defend their findings

Learning Outcomes

By the End of the Program, You Will be Able to:

  1. Apply epidemiological methods to investigate public health issues, assess disease burden.
  2. Analyze and interpret public health surveillance data to inform decision-making.
  3. Design and implement effective outbreak investigations and response strategies.
  4. Utilize statistical methods to analyze and interpret public health data effectively.
  5. Assess public health risks during emergencies and disasters, and plan, implement, and evaluate emergency preparedness and response interventions.
  6. Develop and implement strategies for the prevention, control, and surveillance of communicable diseases.
  7. Design and execute risk communication strategies during public health crises.
  8. Engage communities in health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
  9. Integrate One Health approaches into disease prevention and response efforts.
  10. Demonstrate leadership and management skills in public health practice.
  11. Develop, advocate for, and implement evidence-based public health policies and programs.
  12. Uphold ethical principles and cultural competence in public health research and practice.
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Who Should Apply

Whether you are advancing your career, transitioning into public health leadership, or strengthening your technical expertise, this program is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their applied epidemiology skills and contribute to public health decision-making and response systems.

Ideal applicants include:

  1. Public health professionals working in surveillance, epidemiology, or health programs
  2. Professionals working in One Health sectors, including human, animal, and environmental health
  3. Staff from ministries of health and other relevant ministries (e.g., agriculture, environment, planning)
  4. Physicians and medical doctors involved in clinical care, public health, or outbreak response
  5. Nurses and allied health professionals engaged in patient care, community health, or surveillance activities
  6. Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) graduates seeking academic advancement
  7. Professionals working in NGOs, international organizations, and humanitarian settings
  8. Researchers and analysts involved in public health data and policy

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, laboratory sciences, environmental health, or a related field.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient to engage with course materials and complete academic requirements

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are equipped with the competencies to take on technical, analytical, and leadership roles across national and international public health systems.

Graduates can work as:

  1. Field Epidemiologists
  2. Surveillance Officers and Surveillance System Managers
  3. Public Health Analysts and Data Specialists
  4. Outbreak Investigation and Response Officers
  5. Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialists
  6. Research and Policy Advisors
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
  8. Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officers
  9. One Health Coordinators working across human, animal, and environmental health sectors
  10. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialists
  11. Program Managers in public health initiatives
  12. Health Information and Surveillance System Officers

Training Programs

Semester 1: Applied Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance

4 Courses

Semester 2: Epidemiologic Analysis and Decision-Making

8 Courses

Semester 3: Research and Thesis

2 Courses