WHAT IS EPIDEMIOLOGY?
MSc Epidemiology Course Highlights
Some of the major highlights of the MSc Epidemiology course have been tabulated below.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 55% |
| Admission Process | Entranced/ Merit based |
| Top Entrance Exams | GATE, CUCET etc. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 30,000 to 5,50,000 per year. |
| Average Salary | INR 2,00,000 to 9,00,000 |
| Top Career Prospects | Government hospitals, Health departments, Medical colleges and universities, Private clinics, Research labs, and Research Institutes. |
| Top Job Profiles | Epidemiologist, Associate clinical operations manager, Medical writer, Medical Consultant, Nutrition Specialist, Public health specialist, Research Administrator etc. |
MSc Epidemiology: What is it about?
Information and details about the MSc Epidemiology course are as follows.
- MSc in Epidemiology provides training in the methodology, design, conduct and understanding of the chronic and infectious disease epidemiological studies.
- Epidemiology is a medicine field that examines disease incidence, transmission, prevention, and treatment within a population.
- Epidemiology is a crucial discipline that helps in determining and boosting public health.
- This course provides instruction in the methods, nature, conduct and analysis of the chronic and infectious disease epidemiological studies.
- Epidemiological methods support clinical medical studies, public health practice and assessment of health services, analysis of the causes of the disease and assessment of disease prevention or control measures.
- This program includes the epidemiology of infectious as well as non-communicable diseases.
- In this course, students will be able to learn how to apply epidemiological approaches to determine the causes of the illness and measure the effects of treating and avoiding ill health interventions.
Why Study MSc Epidemiology?
MSc Epidemiology is one of the most sought after courses in India in terms of personal growth and career growth opportunities. The course has so many benefits attached to it. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing this course are given below:
- It is especially appropriate for students who wish to learn epidemiological and bio statistical skills and engage in research projects.
- This program gives students a concentrated knowledge of health and disease, enhances their job opportunities and encourages them to immerse themselves in an area of their discipline.
- This program equips students with the expertise and methodological skills to make important contributions to both scientific and public health studies in low- and high-income countries.
- This is ideal for professionals pursuing expertise in epidemiology for a career in science, academic departments or health care facilities.
- These are also ideal for those who need an understanding of epidemiology, including medical journalists or research officers.
- Epidemiologists can practice in many areas of medicine and public health upon graduation, from hospitals to local health clinics to private research laboratories.
- The course offers a handsome salary package ranging from INR 2,00,000 to 9,00,000.
What is the MSc Epidemiology Admission Process?
The most popular engineering entrance exams in the country are GATE and CUCET, which are required for admission into primarily public universities. Private institutes also conduct their own examinations or rely on the national/ state level entrance exams. The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.
Merit-based selection
- Submit the application to the colleges or universities you are interested in for admission.
- Perform well in the undergraduate examinations as the scores obtained in these form the basis of the entire admission process.
- In due course of time, colleges release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.
- If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.
Entrance based selection
The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.
- Registration: Candidates have to register themselves by providing their basic details like email-id, phone number, etc.
- Fill up details: Fill up the application form with all necessary details carefully.
- Uploading of documents: Scan and upload all required documents like mark sheets. Documents need to be uploaded in a specific format only, as specified by the institute’s application portal.
- Application fee: A minimal application fee is to be paid online during the submission of the application form. Payment can be done by all online payment modes.
- Download admit card: Admit cards are released once all applicants are judged for eligibility. The admit card must be downloaded and printed out to be used on the day of the examination.
- Examination: Prepare for the entrance exam as per the syllabus and past papers. Appear for the examination on the date announced.
- Results: Results are announced after a couple of weeks of the exam day. If a candidate is successful in qualifying the entrance examinations, they can move on to the next round.
- Group Discussion and Personal Interview: GD and PI rounds are conducted for students who have cleared the entrance examinations. The student can now take admission in the MSc Epidemiology course.
What is the MSc Epidemiology Eligibility Criteria?
The eligibility criteria for Msc Epidemiology aspirants is not complicated and is as follows. It must be noted that the eligibility criteria will differ from institute to institute.
- Candidates should hold a BSc / BSc Hons / MBBS / BDS / Graduate in Science stream from a recognized university/institution.
- Minimum aggregate of 55% marks or equivalent grade in Graduation.
- Candidates having an educational background in Epidemiology are preferred.
- In the case of reserved SC / ST / OBC / PH category, the relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grade shall be granted in accordance with the UGC guidelines.
- Candidates have to appear for the national / university level entrance test and personal interview / GD round if required.
- Candidates can apply up to 45 year of age for MSc in Epidemiology.
Which are the popular MSc Epidemiology Entrance Exams?
There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into the MSc Epidemiology program.
Some of the top entrance exams conducted in order to shortlist students for admission into this course are given below.
GATE: GATE is a national level entrance exam conducted every year for admission into various postgraduate programs offered by the most prestigious institutes of India like IITs, NITs etc. Other than admission to MSc programs, GATE Scores are used by various PSUs for the recruitment of eligible candidates at various positions.
CUCET: CUCET is a national level examination which is regulated by ten central universities jointly. It is a combined entrance test organized for providing admission into various UG, PG & other courses offered by the central universities across India.
The dates of application and examination for the above-mentioned examinations are mentioned in the table below.
| Exam name | Registration date | Exam date |
|---|---|---|
| BHU UET | 1st week of May, 2022 to 1st week of June 2022 | June/ July 2022 |
| PUBDET | 4th week of March, 2022 to 2nd week of April, 2022 | 2nd week of August, 2022 |
| APU UG NET | To be Announced | To be announced |
| UPCET | Till September 20, 2022 | To be Announced |
| TS EAMCET | 4th week of March 2022 to 3rd week of May 2022 | 1st to 2nd week of July 2022 |
Note:
- Most of the entrance exams have been postponed due to COVID-19. The dates for the entrance exams will be released on the official website.
- Most universities/institutes are opting for video-conference mode for the personal interview.
How to Prepare for MSc Epidemiology entrance examinations?
To help candidates prepare better and efficiently for the entrance examinations, the following pointers can be referred to.
- Candidates are advised to focus on the preparation plan as each exam has a specific set of questions and time allocation.
- On the basis of the previous year’s paper, lay out a study plan which will allow you to cover the syllabus as well as revise it efficiently.
- The MSc Epidemiology entrance exam comprises MCQs divided in different sections.
- It will require in-depth knowledge of Health Sciences, analytical skills, and sharp memory to crack the exam.
- Practicing sample question papers and model tests certainly offers students an advantage because they are able to learn the exam’s style and layout well beforehand.
- Consulting a student who is pursuing an MSc in Epidemiology can give a clear picture and a lot of guidance for the test.
How to get admission in a good MSc Epidemiology college?
To secure admission into a top-ranked MSc Epidemiology college, a number of factors come into play. Some of the following tips will be helpful in that regard.
- To secure a seat in a good college for a MSc in Epidemiology, candidates must hold an exceptional academic record.
- Candidates must look out for advertisements for MSc Epidemiology Entrance Exams / Admissions.
- To gain a seat in a good college, candidates must appear for National Entrance Tests for MSc and achieve high ranking marks.
- Candidates are advised to put their time and effort for the preparation of the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
- Preparing for the entrance exam well in advance and solving mock tests before the test day.
- Candidates must be well versed with the subjects studied in the Bachelor’s degree and general knowledge for Personal Interview.
- Look for the qualifications, cut-offs, selection requirements, admission process, application process and other changes to help you plan better
What is the Syllabus of MSc Epidemiology?
The subjects taught for the MSc Epidemiology program are almost similar in most of the engineering colleges. The syllabus for the entire MSc Epidemiology course is as follows.
engineering colleges. The syllabus for the entire BE Civil Engineering course is as follows.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Basic principles of Epidemiology | Biostatistics in public Health |
| Epidemiologic Methods. Descriptive and analytical. | Biostatistics in Research |
| Different types of epidemiological studies | |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Infectious disease Epidemiology | Monitoring and evaluation of 4 services / programs |
| Chronic disease Epidemiology | Writing and reviewing scientific papers |
| Epidemiology of policy, public health programme. Health services etc | Study design: writing scientific papers |
| Roles of Genetic and Environmental Factors in Disease Causation | Dissertation |
Which are the Top MSc Epidemiology Colleges?
The table below shows the best MSc Epidemiology colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.
| Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Medical College, Vellore | Entrance-Based | INR 38,405 |
| Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai | HBNI EE | INR 60,000 |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Satara | Entrance-Based | INR 35,000 |
| KLE University, Belgaum | Entrance-Based | INR 71,000 |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur | CUCET | INR 20,228 |
| Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun | Merit-Based | INR 1,26,500 |
| Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai | Entrance-Based | INR 6,000 |
| Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, Dehradun | Entrance-Based | INR 1,23,000 |
| Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun | Entrance-Based | INR 1,26,500 |
MSc Epidemiology College Comparison
The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top MSc Epidemiology colleges in India.
| Parameter | CMC, Chennai | Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Satara | KLE University, Belgaum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | CMC, Vellore was established in 1918 with the purpose to train dedicated persons to run, manage and provide health care in the spirit of Christ through the mission hospitals. | Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences is a deemed medical institute which offers a large number of programs at the UG, PG and Research level. | KLE University, Belgaum was established in 2006 at Belgaum, Karnataka. It is one of the premier academic institutions offering education in the field of medicine. |
| Location | Chennai | Satara | Belgaum |
| NIRF Medical Ranking 2021 | 3 | 37 | 70 |
| Average Fees | INR 38,405 | INR 37,000 | INR 71,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 5,97,000 | INR 5,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 |
| Top Recruitment Sectors | Government hospitals, Health departments, Medical colleges and universities, Private clinics, Research labs and Research Institutes etc. | Government hospitals, Health departments, Medical colleges and universities etc. | Government hospitals, Private clinics, Research labs and Research Institutes etc. |
MSc Epidemiology vs MSc Audiology
MSc Epidemiology and MSc in Audiology are almost similar courses except for a few differences. Some of the key similarities and differences between these two have been tabulated below. Also check out the top MSc Colleges in India.
| Parameters | MSc Epidemiology | MSc Audiology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | MSc in Epidemiology course helps assess strategies for disease prevention or control, and research trends in public health. | This course aims to educate students in the strategies needed to interact with patients who have hearing loss and other associated sensory disorders. |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based | Merit/ Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 30,000 – 2,50,000 | INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2,00,000 – 9,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Top job profiles | Epidemiologist, Associate clinical operations manager, Medical writer, Medical Consultant, Public health specialist, Research Administrator etc. | Audiologist, Counsellor, Language Specialist, Linguist, Rehabilitation Sign Language Interpreter, Program Director, Speech Pathologist etc. |
| Top Colleges | Christian Medical College, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, NIMS University, KLE University, Swami Rama Himalayan University etc. | All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Post Graduate, University Of Mumbai, Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute Of Speech And Hearing etc. |
What are Job Prospects and Career Options after MSc Epidemiology?
- MSc Epidemiology degree holders can get jobs in various sectors such as Government hospitals, Health departments, Medical colleges and universities, Private clinics, Research labs, and Research Institutes.
- This course introduces epidemiological principles to students so that they can participate in epidemiological professional practices.
Some of the most common job profiles that a MSc Epidemiology student can opt for along with job description and salary package are mentioned in the table below.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiologist | Epidemiologists try to establish trends by analysing data so they can understand how illnesses originate and how they can be avoided and treated. | INR 7,65,000 |
| Clinical Researcher | Clinical Researchers are engaged in clinical research to study the efficacy of medical therapies, including how effective a particular medication, tool, or procedure is in the prevention or treatment of diseases. | INR 5,40,000 |
| Data Analyst | A Data Analyst basically looks at data, often in large quantities, to draw conclusions or other useful facts. A data analyst can work in public health, reviewing large amounts of past medical information to find ways to avoid problems of public health. | INR 4,10,000 |
| Associate Clinical Operations Manager | Medical Operations Managers have significant roles in preparing, coordinating and reviewing all patient procedures within their facilities. Directors of clinical operations operate with the goal of improving their medical team’s economic and productive efficiency while providing high quality patient services. | INR 7,76,000 |
| Nutrition Specialist | A Nutrition Specialist tends to help clients or the public reach health-related goals by the customisation of meal plans. CNSs also deal with diagnosed people with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol and other chronic conditions. | INR 3,00,000 |
Source: College Websites
What are the Future Scope of MSc Epidemiology?
The MSc Epidemiology degree holders can prefer to do jobs on completion of this program or can go for higher studies. The most popular choices of education on completion of a MSc Epidemiology degree are as follows.
PhD: If one wishes to continue in the same field of education, the first program of choice is a PhD in related disciplines. It is a three to five year duration course and the eligibility criteria include having a MSc degree in Geology or other related disciplines.
DSc – Students can also opt for a Doctor of Science degree in a relevant field on completion of this course.
