About the Program
The Master of Science in Precision Health (MsPH) program at the University of Chicago is the first of its kind, applying emerging technologies and research methodologies in precision medicine in the context of a broader population health perspective to improve disease prevention and health promotion while also addressing health disparities. The MsPH’s bold translational agenda in education and research aims to transform clinical practice through the application of big data, computational science, genetics, biology, policy, ethics, societal factors and other determinants of health to better understand precision techniques for preventing disease, promoting wellness, and developing better treatment options that improve patient health and sustain wellness.
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What is Precision Health?
Precision health is a medical approach that considers an individual’s genes, behaviors, and environment to better predict, diagnose, treat, and manage disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, recognizes the unique attributes of every individual and allows health care practitioners to tailor the diagnosis and treatment of each patient. Precision health expands the concepts of personalized medicine beyond traditional health care setting, extending to the levels of populations and communities.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students in the MsPH program will develop proficiency across several related disciplines, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and management, data analytics, genomics, entrepreneurship, and environmental health sciences. Upon completion of the program, students will generally be able to:
- Understand the collection, aggregation, and utilization of both clinical and non-clinical data, including social determinants of health.
- Analyze complex multi-dimensional and multi-domain biomedical data, applying machine learning and artificial intelligence methods utilizing tools and techniques aimed at better understanding precision health.
- Conduct clinical research and clinical trials using designs and methods that incorporate numerous data sources for evaluation of precision health interventions in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases.
- Translate modern prevision health discoveries to population health impacts by integrating precision and population health sciences concepts and methods.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MS in Precision Health program will be competitive for a number of careers in different industries, depending on their chosen concentration and elective courses. Examples of careers for which students will be highly qualified include:
- Research laboratory manager or technician
- Healthcare data analyst
- Biotechnology start-ups
- Academic clinician scientist
- Pharmaceutical company scientist
- Healthcare administrator
- Healthcare research consultant
- City, state, and federal agencies
Graduates of the program may also continue their studies in doctoral programs or medical school.