Departments & Centers
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Careers
Graduates with training in epidemiology rank in the top tier of best-paid healthcare workers, according to 2013 job rankings in US News and World Report (http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/epidemiologist). The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted employment growth in this field at almost 36% between 2010-2020; exceeding the average for all occupations. Epidemiologists can be found in local, state, and federal government, businesses, especially insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and businesses that develop medical devices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, universities, and health foundations. A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology can lead to careers such as:
- Disease Surveillance Manager
- Health Data Analyst
- Epidemiologist
- Researcher
The graduate with a doctoral degree in epidemiology is prepared for a career as an independent researcher, academician, or practitioner of epidemiology. Graduates from the doctoral program may receive additional research training in postdoctoral positions at a university, research institute or federal research agency, then pursue careers as professors at universities or researchers or executive leaders in places such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, or in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
Biostatistics
Graduates with training in biostatistics are needed for development of statistical methodology and analysis and interpretation of data used in biomedical sciences and public health. Biostatisticians are employed throughout the full range of health-related systems, including, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, public health departments, hospitals, insurance and other health administrative entities, and universities. The biostatistician provides strategic and scientific leadership for the design and development of clinical programs and associated clinical trials for therapeutic areas or compounds. The biostatistician may define the data analysis methodologies, direct implementation of methodologies and interpretation of the resulting findings, and craft and communicate key messages to internal audiences and selected external audiences. The biostatistician may also interact with regulatory agencies on matters related to the data from clinical programs or trials. The job market in this area is expected to grow 14% from 2010 to 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Statisticians, see http://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm).