MPE/MSCI Joint Graduation May, 2010 From left to right: Dr. Catherine Striley (Associate Director), Dr. Supachoke Singhakant, Dr. Lisa Merlo, Dr. Prasanthi Nattala and Dr. Linda Cottler (Director)
	Click here to view graduation photos!

The overall objective of the Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology (MPE) Program is to prepare post-doctoral fellows and pre-doctoral students for an active research career in psychiatric epidemiology.

The MPE Program is a graduate program offered by the Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine. It was established in 1989 by Lee Robins, PhD, and is the first and only program of its kind in the world. This program teaches advanced basic epidemiological and advanced research skills, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The program, in a medical school environment, is noted for its community health focus, as it encompasses epidemiology, prevention and health services. It also strongly emphasizes training in the responsible conduct of research.

Candidates develop practical research skills and learn basic epidemiological methods through apprenticeship and didactic approaches. History and development of the major national and international psychiatric epidemiology studies are covered as well as diagnostic instruments commonly used in the field. Students learn how to organize and manage population surveys, including design, data collection and data analysis. Instructors in the program are experienced research investigators, with productive research teams.

Students come from varied backgrounds such as public health, economics, social work, education, psychiatry, engineering, infectious disease, policy, medicine, nursing, mathematics, psychology and anthropology. The overall objective of the MPE Program is to prepare pre-doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows for a productive research career in public health, with an emphasis on behavioral risk and protective factors. Graduate students in other University programs are also encouraged to enroll in courses. Undergraduate students are welcome, with the instructor’s approval.

A Master in Psychiatric Epidemiology degree is offered to candidates enrolled in the program. The degree may be earned after successful completion of 30 credits made up of 14 core courses (26 credit hours) that are required in the MPE Program and 4 credits of elective courses. Elective credits may include additional hours of Independent Study (beyond the required 6 hours). Required courses are: M08-500 Introduction to General Epidemiology, M08-502 Instruments of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Assessment, M08-544 Applied Statistics for Behavioral Scientists or M08-505A (cross-listed as M21-505) Biostatistics for Research Workers, M08-507 Epidemiology Seminar I, M08-508 Landmarks in Psychiatric Epidemiology, M08-532 Psychiatry Grand Rounds I, M08-533 Psychiatry Research Seminar I (all offered in the Fall), and M08-507A Epidemiology Seminar II, M08-507B Epidemiology Seminar III, M08-532A Psychiatry Grand Rounds II, M08-533A Psychiatry Research Seminar II, M08-538 Research Methods, M08-676 Psychiatric Disorders of the Nervous System (all offered in the Spring), and M08-506 Independent Study (offered Fall and Spring). In addition, a program-approved manuscript is required for graduation.

The Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology, in the Department of Psychiatry of Washington University School of Medicine is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of Higher Learning Commission, and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri, and the American Council on Education.

For further information, contact the Registrar (314) 286-2267 or murdockel@epi.wustl.edu

The MPE Program Administration is located at 40 N. Kingshighway, Parc Frontenac Building, Suite 4. Courses are held in this building and in various locations of the medical school.

The Director of the MPE Program is Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H. Professor of Epidemiology in Psychiatry.