The Program in Epidemiology/Biostatistics (Epi/Biostat), coordinated by the Department of Preventive Medicine, offers a Master of Science degree designed to prepare students who are committed to studying the distribution of health and disease in populations and clinical settings to become effective investigators in population- and clinically-based research studies. The MS in Epi/Biostat s distinguished by its emphasis on both statistical and epidemiologic methodology. The Program will educate students to interpret, design, and carry out research that contributes to better health outcomes, and to identify strategies that may reduce and prevent health problems. The MS in Epi/Biostat is a full-time program to be completed in 5 or 6 quarters. 

 

There are two tracks for students in the MS in Epi/Biostat program.  The Thesis track emphasizes epidemiology methodology and the design and analysis of epidemiologic studies and requires a thesis. Upon completion of the MS degree, Thesis-track students will be well-prepared to advance in academic careers in Departments of Preventive Medicine, clinical departments with active epidemiology research programs, Schools of Public Health, industry, or government. 

 

The Consultative (non-thesis) track addresses the need to train biostatistical analysts who are invaluable in complex epidemiologic studies. Consultative students will acquire a thorough background in theoretical and applied biostatistics and data management, and finish their degree with a comprehensive exam, rather than a thesis. Upon completion of the MS degree, these students will be well-qualified for academic research departments in medical schools and schools of public health, or in the pharmaceutical industry.