Bouvé College of Health Sciences

College of Science

Complex Network Analysis (Population Health Dynamics)

Master's: Boston, MA
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In the Master of Science in Complex Network Analysis (Population Health Dynamics) program, students will build a strong foundation in complex network analysis, supplemented by coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology, including network modeling of infectious diseases and population health informatics. These skills are especially valuable for practitioners in public health agencies or for those modeling emerging epidemics in industry (e.g., insurance companies, and NGOs).

Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
24 Months
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

Network science has revolutionized many fields but possibly none greater than public health, epidemiology, and population health dynamics. A common factor across the transmission of everything from sexually transmitted infections to seasonal influenza to COVID-19 is the network. Humans form social or contact networks that facilitate the spread of infection; these networks both facilitate the emergence of disease outbreaks and offer insights for interrupting the spread of deadly viruses. Analyzing the structure and dynamic processes of complex networks lets us see global population health dynamics in a whole new light, and today's experts increasingly rely on complex network analysis to make pivotal public health decisions. In the population health dynamics concentration, students build on a strong foundation in complex network analysis with coursework specifically designed to expose students to the kinds of questions public health experts face every day. Expert faculty who work directly with the nation's top public health agencies teach cutting-edge approaches for modeling and characterizing the spread of infectious diseases, exposing students to the panoply of ways that complex network analysis has changed the landscape of population health and, most importantly, how they can help in future outbreaks.

More Details

Unique Features

  • The program is led by the world’s preeminent network science organization and taught by faculty who pioneered the field. 
  • The program is immersed in the vibrant intellectual community of the Network Science Institute.
  • The program includes over 20 faculty, 40 postdocs, and 40 PhD students, totaling more than a hundred network science researchers.
  • Students are immersed in the vibrant intellectual community of the Network Science Institute featuring frequent lectures by some of the world’s most prominent scholars and practitioners of network science.
  • Industry connections to network science give students opportunities for real-world experience.
  • The program combines quantitative analysis and visualizations so students understand the techniques and are able to communicate them effectively.

Program Objectives

  • Design, implement, and interpret statistical descriptors of networks and biases related to measurement and data collection methods.
  • Analyze and comprehend network properties and their implications for optimizing and designing different kinds of networks to effectively address real-world challenges.
  • Understand key structural and dynamic network features to evaluate, predict, and glean valuable insights of complex information structures.
  • Communicate network science concepts, processes, and impacts of analytic findings to multiple types of audiences.
  • Demonstrate use of network science analytic approaches to diverse applications.

Career Outlook

We prioritized concentrations that prepare graduates for work in data science (technology), public health, and social analysis (markets, urban).

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$46.7K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Application form
  • Application fee
  • Resumé
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Students whose bachelor’s degrees are from a non-English speaking institution are required to demonstrate a TOEFL score of 79 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a Pearson PTE Academic score of 53 or higher, or a Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher on the 160-point scale.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Spring Term
International application deadline: November 1
Domestic application deadline: December 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Students in this program will engage in experiential learning in three ways. First, instructor-led experiential learning will be embedded into coursework and learning assessments as a design principle, guiding the creation of new courses. From the outset of the program, students will be exposed to the complex challenges of sourcing, cleaning, and analyzing network data and will practice gaining insights from real-world situations. Second, research rotation, capstone, or thesis courses provide student-led experiential learning opportunities. While the challenges tackled here will be unique to the student (i.e., their interests and emerging topics in the field), the research will be closely aligned with the authentic tasks faced by network scientists. Third, students are encouraged to participate in a range of cocurricular experiential learning opportunities such as hack-a-thons and cocurricular industry events. These events may occur in response to emergent current events and/or in conjunction with community/industry partners. In this way, these experiential learning opportunities will be driven by business and societal needs. Students who wish to engage in deeper experiential learning may also participate in a co-op.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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