Master of Public Health (In-Person)

Causal Methods for Epidemiological Research

Uncover the “why” behind health outcomes.

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Causal Methods for Epidemiological Research

Uncover the “why” behind health outcomes.

In a world overflowing with data, it is easy to spot patterns—but proving what actually causes a health outcome is much harder. Causal Methods for Epidemiological Research moves beyond simple links or associations. It focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms that impact population health.

At Brown, students are trained to move beyond describing patterns of disease to answering deeper questions about cause and effect. This concentration focuses on the rigorous methodology required to determine if an exposure—like a social policy, an environmental toxin or a medical treatment—actually causes a specific health outcome. By using directed acyclic graphs and counterfactual frameworks, students learn to eliminate bias and pinpoint what actually drives health outcomes.

This concentration emphasizes the modern epidemiologic methods used to draw causal conclusions from data, including observational studies and trial design.

Student Profile

When you see a new policy, program or other intervention, your first question is whether it actually works, for whom and under what conditions. You are skeptical of simple answers and headlines, and you care deeply about producing evidence that can stand up in real-world decision-making.

As a public health professional, you envision yourself answering the hardest questions in public health with data-driven research. You are interested in pushing the field forward by solving the next key causal question. Whether you work in government, academia, health care systems, research, policy or consulting, you want to be the person who brings clarity to complex questions and helps ensure that resources are invested in interventions that actually improve health. 

Skills You Will Master

  • Asking clear causal questions, such as whether a policy, program or exposure actually causes changes in health outcomes.
  • Distinguishing correlation from causation, and knowing when data can, and cannot, support causal conclusions.
  • Designing and evaluating observational studies that approximate experiments using data.
  • Using modern causal methods (e.g., directed acyclic graphs, inverse probability weighting, instrumental variables) to estimate effects.
  • Identifying and addressing bias, including confounding, selection bias and measurement error.

Three courses are required for the Causal Methods for Epidemiological Research concentration.

Complete the following courses:

  • PHP2200: Intermediate Methods in Epidemiologic Research (Spring Year 1)
  • PHP2180: Interpretation and Application of Epidemiology (Spring Year 2)

Complete one of the following courses:

  • PHP2030: Clinical Trials Methodology (Spring)
  • PHP2190: Epidemiologic Synthesis and Application (Spring)
  • PHP2250: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Epidemiologic Research (Fall)
  • PHP2490: Methods in Pharmacoepidemiology (Fall)

You have space for 3 + electives. You can use them to create a bespoke elective bundle that reflects your unique passions and interests. 

Concentration Lead

Who is this for?

This concentration is only available for students matriculating in Fall 2026 or later. For earlier cohorts, please visit the Classes of 2026 & 2027 page.

Degree requirements for the classes of 2026 and 2027

Apply or request information

Invest in your future with confidence.