Biostatistics and Epidemiology | Online Masters in Public Health

Overview

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 evaluate preventive measures and efficacy of new treatments. If you want to build a career in this area, learn more about this specialization now:

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Biostatistics and Epidemiology Courses

Required Courses

Concentration Total: 20 Units

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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
Survey of natural history of infectious disease, methods of disease control and outbreak investigation

PM 537	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4 units
Overview of causative factors and demographic distribution of major chronic diseases in the western world. Epidemiologic concepts, methods and research design as applied to chronic disease prevention will be emphasized

And choose one of these courses:

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PM 529	Environmental Health: An Epidemiological Approach	4 units
An overview of environmental health, identifying issues in assessing effects of exposure on health and potential interventions for reducing adverse health risks

PM 536	Program Evaluation & Research	4 units
Overview of concepts, tools, data collection, analysis methods and designs used to evaluate health promotion programs. Examples from substance abuse prevention, family planning and reproductive health programs

Biostatistics and Epidemiology Careers

The job outlook for those holding a master’s degree in public health with a specialization in biostatistics and epidemiology is very positive. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of epidemiologists is expected to grow in state and local governments over the next 10 years. Additionally, the job market for biostatisticians is predicted to increase by 34% from 2014 to 2024. 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.

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

Sources: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-6
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm