The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics prepares students who wish to investigate the causes and risk factors of diseases and injuries in populations. Epidemiologists conduct both experimental and observational studies within the community, including studying the characteristics of individuals and their physical and social environments. Their findings provide public health practitioners and policy makers with guidance to promote health and prevent and control diseases and injuries. The department offers full and part-time MS, MPH, DrPH and PhD degree programs in the areas of epidemiology and/or biostatistics. The graduate programs in epidemiology are designed to develop skills and capability in the practice and teaching of this discipline. Epidemiology students learn from and participate with faculty members, most of whom are employees of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) with University at Albany appointments, who are actively engaged in the practicing epidemiology and addressing the public health problems and priorities of New York State. The Ph.D. Program of study and research normally takes at least four academic years of full-time study and research beyond the baccalaureate. The general program requirements call for a minimum of two years of full- time graduate study (60 credits), or the equivalent, and at least one additional year devoted to the research and writing of an acceptable dissertation. Students must also adhere to the University's requirements as described earlier in this publication.