Biostatistics and Epidemiology

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Leverage Research and Analysis to Improve Public Health

Biostatisticians and epidemiologists use statistical procedures, techniques, and methodologies to identify health trends and to determine what causes disease and injury. They also evaluate preventive measures and the efficacy of new treatments.

Graduate students enrolled in USC’s online master’s in biostatistics and epidemiology program analyze complex health data to investigate infectious diseases, evaluate biomedical research to identify risk factors and understand population health, and learn how to improve public health with statistical tools in an innovative online format.

If you want to build a career in this area, learn more about the biostatistics and epidemiology specialization now:

Transcript

The Biostatistics and Epidemiology track consists of biostatistics which is the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of health science data, and epidemiology which is the study of disease and disability, including how it occurs and why it spreads. This track focuses on health trends, causes of disease and injury, evaluates preventive measures, and the efficacy of treatments. This track is best suited for students that have a strong quantitative background, are very comfortable with advanced math concepts and technology, have an interest in data and analysis, want to find out what causes disease and how to prevent it, and are comfortable with spending much of their time working at a desk and on the computer. In this track, you will learn statistical procedures, software, and methodology as well as epidemiological concepts and tools. You will also learn how to use this new knowledge to identify health trends and well as track disease, find the origin of an outbreak, discover who might be at risk, evaluate treatments, and analyze how to prevent the disease from spreading. Potential job titles in this specialty might be program manager, database manager, program analyst, or analyst. Still, have questions? Your academic advisor can help you choose the track that is right for you.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online Master’s in Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Rigorous Coursework

Strengthen your data analysis skills while studying infectious disease prevention and biomedical research.

Field Experience

In addition to your coursework, complete a practicum in a research or public health agency to gain hands-on experience.

In-Demand Career Paths

Gain the knowledge and skills required for growing a public health career, for example, as an epidemiologist, clinical data scientist or research analyst.

Online MPH in Biostatistics and Epidemiology Salary and Career Paths

Graduates with an MPH in biostatistics and epidemiology pursue careers as epidemiologists, clinical data scientists, biostatisticians and infection preventionists. Epidemiology and biostatistics salaries depend on an individual’s job title, location, and industry. Epidemiologists had a median annual salary of $78,830 in while biostatisticians had a median annual salary of $96,280, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Job titles for MPH grads with a specialty in Biostatistics and Epidemiology can include:

Clinical Data Science Researcher
Entry Level Epidemiologist
Infection Control Professional
Infection Preventionist
Pharmaceutical Epidemiologist
Project Manager
Research Analyst
Statistical Analyst

Where can you work as a biostatistician or epidemiologist?

Hospital systems
Federal, state and local government health agencies
Health research facilities or medical laboratories
Pharmaceutical companies
Universities / academic medical centers
Insurance companies
Nonprofits

Biostatistics and Epidemiology Degree Job Outlook

Professionals with a master’s in biostatistics and epidemiology benefit from a very positive job outlook. According to the BLS, the employment of epidemiologists is expected to grow 26% between 2021 and 2031. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for epidemiologists, particularly in state and local governments. Additionally, the job market for biostatisticians is predicted to increase by 31% between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is attributed to the continued growth of the pharmaceutical field and the emphasis on statistical analysis in decision-making for health-related organizations and health policy rulings.

Why Choose USC for Your Online Master’s in Biostatistics and Epidemiology?

USC is a leading university for biostatistics and epidemiological training, with more than 50 faculty members specializing in the two fields. You’ll work closely with world-class faculty while gaining high-level research and analytical skills and experience.

USC’s online master’s in biostatistics and epidemiology uses an innovative online learning platform that encourages engagement with classmates and faculty. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through a practicum in your local area. Faculty advisers and student services staff work closely with MPH students to identify practicum sites that align with their career goals.

Master of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology Online Curriculum

The biostatistics and epidemiology concentration requires 20 units in addition to the general MPH requirements. Graduate students complete coursework in data analysis, epidemiology of infectious disease, and chronic disease epidemiology. They can choose between classes on environmental health and classes on program evaluation and research to customize their degree.

Biostatistics and Epidemiology - Required Courses

Concentration Total: 20 Units

PM 511a

Data Analysis (SAS)

4 Units

Part 1: Major parametric and nonparametric statistical tools used in biomedical research, computer packages including SAS; exploratory data analysis, detection of outliers, robust methods, fitting data with linear and nonlinear regression models, computer packages including BMPD. Laboratory

PM 511b

Data Analysis (STATA)

4 Units

Part 2: Major parametric and nonparametric statistical tools used in biomedical research, computer packages including SAS; exploratory data analysis, detection of outliers, robust methods, fitting data with linear and nonlinear regression models, computer packages including BMDP. Laboratory

PM 527

Epidemiology of Infectious Disease

4 Units

PM 537

Chronic Disease Epidemiology

4 Units

Biostatistics and Epidemiology - And choose one of these courses

PM 529

Environmental Health: An Epidemiological Approach

4 Units

PM 536

Program Evaluation & Research

4 Units

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the online master’s in biostatistics and epidemiology program?

What is the typical master’s in biostatistics and epidemiology salary?

What can you do with an MPH in biostatistics and epidemiology?

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm

https://pphs.usc.edu/education_programs/mph-biostatistics-epidemiology/