Departments & Centers

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Careers

Epidemiology

The public’s interest in healthy lifestyles and focus on prevention is increasing the demand for public health professionals.  Individuals with training in epidemiology are critical members of the public health workforce and careers in epidemiology can be found in local, state, and federal government, nonprofit organizations, businesses and corporations, hospitals, county health departments, universities, and with health foundations and health-based grant projects. A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology can lead to careers such as:

  • Disease Surveillance Manager
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Public Health Epidemiologist
  • Public Health Researcher

A doctoral degree in epidemiology prepares for careers as highly qualified independent investigators, academicians, and practitioners of epidemiology, with a particular focus of our doctoral program being the preparation of those who specialize in the health disparities of rural communities. Most graduates pursue careers in higher education as professors and researchers while some complete postdoctoral fellowships or pursue research or executive careers in non-governmental agencies or governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health or the World Health Organization.

Biostatistics

To develop effective responses to public health issues, the field is dependent upon the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data.  Individuals with training in biostatistics are trained in the development and application of theory and methods in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data used in public health and other biomedical sciences. Biostatisticians are employed throughout the full range of health-related systems, including public health departments, hospitals, insurance and other health administrative entities, and universities.  A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in biostatistics can lead to careers such as:

  • Biostatistician
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Health Data Analyst

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