After years of working as a medical doctor in an under-resourced setting in Northern Uganda, Jacob Otile felt more and more drawn to the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. Through his clinical practice and involvement in clinical trials and maternal and child health research, he saw the dire threats to his community’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Many, he felt, could have been avoided with the right interventions, innovation, and research. That experience motivated him to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology.
While several universities offer strong public health programmes, Otile chose Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington’s MPH programme for its reputable Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the opportunity to learn from faculty actively involved in diverse research areas. “I was also offered an MPH fellowship, and the programme’s solid national ranking made it easy for me to decide to join the institution,” he says.
Indiana University’s commitment to health education runs deep. Health and wellness became an academic focus here as early as the 19th century, eventually leading to the establishment of the School of Public Health-Bloomington. Today, it is one of the largest public health schools in the US, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The school is known for its top-ranked programmes, hands-on approach to learning, and a focus on research that is robust, reproducible, and relevant.
Whether students want to lead public health initiatives or shape policy through research, the School of Public Health-Bloomington offers the training and resources to make a real impact.
Otile is leading the Hoosier Global project, leveraging positive youth development and insights from Hoosier Sport research programmes implementation in rural Indiana to tackle health disparities like health care accessibility and cardiovascular risks in Apac, rural Northern Uganda. Source: Indiana University
For students like Otile, the MPH in Epidemiology offers a clear path to gaining the skills to analyse health issues and develop effective interventions. The programme combines rigorous coursework with extensive field experience, training students to collect and analyse data, evaluate programmes, and influence policy decisions. Topics include early childhood nutrition, diabetes prevention, surgical health disparities, mental health access, and much more.
Classes are immersive and collaborative. “In the classroom, we encourage active participation through case studies, data analysis, and policy discussions that challenge students to think critically and apply epidemiological concepts to real-world problems,” says Assistant Professor André Wilke.
That application Wilke speaks of often pairs students with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects. The department’s research portfolio is wide-ranging — from studying the social and economic influences on HIV risk in South Africa to exploring how walking pace might predict dementia risk in older adults. “Ongoing research projects provide students with opportunities to work alongside faculty, gaining hands-on experience in study design, data analysis, and public health interventions,” Assistant Professor Wilke says. “These experiences prepare them for careers in epidemiology and public health by equipping them with the analytical and applied skills needed to address complex health challenges.”
Professor Wilke’s own research — focused on mosquito control and preventing the spread of diseases like dengue and Zika — offers students a direct look at the complexities of public health in action. He brings this expertise into the classroom, guiding students through the research process while also addressing the real-world challenges of implementing interventions.
“For example, insecticide spraying for mosquito control and arbovirus outbreak response is not always supported by the community and can be a divisive issue,” he says. “Public outreach is an integral part of securing community support.”
Interaction with guest speakers from public health agencies further enriches the student experience. In these sessions, they discuss everything from current policy debates to emerging global health threats.
Professor Wilke integrates his research findings into lectures and case studies, providing students with insight into both the technical aspects of research and the challenges encountered during implementation. Source: Indiana University
From research to guest lectures, practical experience is a cornerstone of the MPH programme. Each student completes an applied internship as well, a firsthand exposure to the demands and rewards of work in this field and the best kind of preparation for roles across government health departments, hospitals, research institutes, academia, and the private sector.
“We have amazing staff here at IU who help pair students with agencies across Indiana and even the country,” says Assistant Professor Ricky Camplain. “These partnerships allow students to work directly with communities, addressing public health problems in ways that are culturally appropriate and grounded in real needs.”
Assistant Professor Ricky Camplain. Source: Indiana University
This community-based approach mirrors Professor Camplain’s own research, which focuses on disease prevention and health promotion among incarcerated populations. Her work relies on methods that are guided and co-created with community members, an approach she also brings into the classroom. By emphasising cultural sensitivity and trust-building, she prepares students to engage in ethical, long-term research that truly serves the needs of the communities they work with.
For Otile, his internship has been with the Hoosier Sport research team in the Department of Kinesiology — a team he’s been part of since the beginning of his MPH journey. “The experience I gained has allowed me to implement the learnt skills from my programme in numerous ways and prepared me for the job market and, most importantly, my career path in clinical practice and clinical research,” he says.
Support for students extends well beyond the classroom and internship placements. The Office of Career Services helps students navigate the professional landscape with tailored guidance.
“The career services at SPH-B have been of great help in reviewing my curriculum vitae, resume, LinkedIn and Handshake profile, making sure they align with my skills,” he says. “They are also mobilising site visits to organisations, allowing me and colleagues to interact with other professionals, and organising career fairs where lots of employers come in and set up tables for students to interact with them.”
Interested? Learn more about Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.
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