Master of Psychiatric
Epidemiology (MPE)
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.
PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY MASTER PROGRAM (MPE)
The MPE Program, offered by the Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group
in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University Medical School, was
established in 1989 by Dr. Lee Robins, and is the first and only program of
its kind in the world. This program offers fundamental epidemiological and
research skills, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies within a
medical school environment. The program is noted for its public health
focus, as it encompasses prevention, treatment and intervention research. It
also strongly emphasizes training in the responsible conduct of science.
Candidates develop practical research skills and learn basic epidemiological
methods that can be applied to many disciplines. They study the history and
development of the major national and international psychiatric epidemiology
studies, and they become familiar with 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, social work,
engineering, 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 epidemiology, with
an emphasis on behavioral risk factors. Graduate students in other
University programs are also encouraged to enroll in courses. Undergraduate
students are welcome, with the instructor’s approval.
DEGREE OF PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
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.
ACCREDITATION
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.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, contact the Registrar (314) 286-2267 or
murdockel@epi.wustl.edu
LOCATION
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.
DIRECTOR
The Director of the MPE Program is Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H. Professor of
Epidemiology in Psychiatry.
Mentorship available
through the MPE Faculty and the Psychiatry Department!
Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group 
