About the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology (GDCE) Program

The GDCE is an entirely online, course-based program offered by the department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) formerly the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics) covering core topics of clinical epidemiology. Established in the academic year 2015-2016, four online graduate courses are offered as one harmonized package for GDCE: Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods (771), Introduction to Biostatistics (774), Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials (772), and Systematic Review Methods (773). At GDCE program completion, a formal graduate diploma will be awarded to students.

The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology program builds on the strengths of the internationally respected Health Research Methods (HRM) Graduate Programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Like the HRM program, the courses are taught by faculty in the Department of HEI, a premier destination for graduate study and research in clinical epidemiology. The four online courses comprising the program are recognized as equivalent to the core HRM courses, and are ideal for applicants with an interest in HRM training without the commitment of an entire MSc degree completed on site. Graduates will gain foundational knowledge in the tenets of evidence based medicine and a skill set applicable in clinical, policy, management, and research settings.

The GDCE supports the principle of lifelong learning. The evolving knowledge requirements of the healthcare field, plus career advancement, draw people back to the classroom on an ongoing basis throughout life. However, many people are unable to pursue a full-time education due to competing work and family commitments, as well as geographic dispersion. The online nature of the GDCE overcomes these obstacles by offering maximum flexibility for working professionals, students, or post-graduate trainees already enrolled in another program, from anywhere in the world.

For questions and more information, please contact:

Gabi Watson

Program Manager, Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology
Email: gdce@mcmaster.ca

Robby Nieuwlaat, PhD

Director, Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology
Associate Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University
Email:  nieuwlr@mcmaster.ca