Online Master’s in Biostatistics and Epidemiology

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:

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.

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Required Courses

Concentration Total: 20 Units

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PM 511a Data Analysis (SAS) 4 units
PM 511b Data Analysis (STATA) 4 units
PM 527 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease 4 units
PM 537 Chronic Disease Epidemiology 4 units

And choose one of these courses:

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PM 529 Environmental Health: An Epidemiological Approach 4 units
PM 536 Program Evaluation & Research 4 units

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The online master’s in epidemiology and biostatistics takes around two years for full-time students to complete or four to five years for part-time students. The MPH biostatistics and epidemiology program includes 20 units of core MPH coursework, 20 units of epidemiology and biostatistics courses and two units of practicum experience for a total of 42 units.

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/

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