Area of Specialization: Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Graphic: Hand pointing at a world map covered with red virus particles, symbolizing global pandemic.

The Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ID Epi) Area of Specialization is transdisciplinary, emphasizing the integration of infectious disease biology with rigorous epidemiologic methods. Students will learn how pathogens interact with human hosts and how these biological mechanisms shape patterns of transmission, contribute to risk, and inform infection control strategies.

This specialization equips students to analyze, prevent, and manage infectious disease threats by applying epidemiologic tools grounded in biomedical principles. Through this framework, students learn to translate foundational knowledge of infection into practical approaches for surveillance, risk assessment, and the development of effective prevention and control measures.

The ID Epi Specialization provides students with a practical, complementary skill set that enhances their primary program of study. Completion of this specialization prepares students for roles involving antibiotic stewardship, infection control, disease surveillance and detection, outbreak investigation, and infectious disease research.

Specialization Competencies: Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Students who complete the specialization in Infectious Disease Epidemiology will be able to:

  1. Assess risk factors for infectious diseases
  2. Differentiate between prophylactic, empiric, and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials
  3. Develop standardized surveillance definitions and surveillance plans
  4. Calculate incidence and/or prevalence of infections and specific infection rates/ratios
  5. Identify strategies related to transmission-based precautions 6. Critically appraise the relevant literature

Eligibility

Students may add this area of specialization to any MPH or MSPH degree program in the school.

Specialization Requirements

Students in this specialization will complete 12 ID Epi-focused credits of coursework, as part of their degree program. These four courses (3 credits each) include: 

  1. EPID 6090: Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
  2. EPID 6750: Outbreak Epidemiology
  3. TMID 6210: Disease Surveillance Methods
  4. TMID 7900: Antimicrobial Resistance

How to apply 

Students should work with their Academic Success Advisor to incorporate the specialization into their academic course plan. Students may also indicate their interest by completing this form. 

For more information:

Specialization Director/manager?: Kristen Banek, PhD, MPH

Email: kbanek@tulane.edu

Phone: 504.988.6454