Epidemiology
Protecting communities through the study of diseases and health determinants.
HIV/AIDS. Ebola. COVID-19. The world of infectious diseases has leapt onto the international stage in recent decades, highlighting the importance of epidemiological research. Students in the Department of Epidemiology study how diseases and social/medical factors affect populations and communities with the goal of keeping people healthy.
Graduate Programs
Our selection of MPH, MS, and PHD programs offer a variety of options to students.
The Department of Epidemiology not only provides students with options to pursue different degrees, but to also get unparalleled, hands-on experiences right here in the nation's capital. With first-rate research opportunities and faculty in the classroom, this is the place to launch your career.
Meet Our Department Chair
Manya Magnus, PhD, MPH
Department Chair
Effective January 2, 2024, Manya Magnus began serving as the Chair for the Department of Epidemiology. She had been serving as Interim Chair, but was promoted to Chair after an extensive national search. Dr. Magnus is an Associate Professor in and Associate Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Co-Director of both the school’s MPH Program in Epidemiology and the Clinical and Population Sciences Core of the NIH-funded DC Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR). In her spotlight, Dr. Magnus talks about how she accidentally fell into epidemiology, her affinity for people watching and how she believes she will witness the cure for HIV/AIDS in her lifetime.
Student Opportunities
Epidemiology
in the US
National Opportunities
Each semester, faculty, staff and students from Epidemiology practice what they teach and learn in the classroom with the goal of better health for all.
Epidemiology
in DC
In Our Own Community
We offer unique opportunities to testify before Congress or work with federal agencies on the most pressing public health problems facing the world.
Epidemiology
at GW
Here on Campus
GW is home to a wide range of public health research and practice activities both within our department and across the university.
Explore Epidemiology
Research
Departmental faculty members have an extensive portfolio of sponsored research projects in many different areas of expertise.
Practice Experience
Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.
Careers and Alumni
Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.
New In Epidemiology
Epidemiology Student Helps DC Health Respond to MPox Outbreak
Location, location, location. The popular mantra when it comes to real estate, epidemiology student Areesh Fatmee ’23 found it also applied when considering MPH programs. “I chose The George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health because DC is the best place to study diseases—all the work happening on them is happening right here,” explains Fatmee, a native of Pakistan who came to GW on a Fulbright Scholarship.
Department News
The Public Health Scholars Program Announces New Incoming Cohort
December 12, 2024
The Public Health Scholars Program (PHSP) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) is delighted to announce a new incoming cohort of PHSP Scholars.
Esteemed HIV Prevention Expert Promoted to Chair of Epidemiology at the George Washington University
Manya Magnus, PhD, MPH, has been named Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Milken Institute School of Public Health
January 1, 2024
Manya Magnus, PhD, MPH, has been named Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Milken Institute School of Public Health
Epidemiology Student Helps DC Health Respond to MPox Outbreak
April 13, 2023
Location, location, location. The popular mantra when it comes to real estate, epidemiology student Areesh Fatmee ’23 found it also applied when considering MPH programs.