Public Health was defined by C-E.A. Winslow as the science and the art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts with the goal of enabling every citizen to realize his/her birthright of health and longevity.
The disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics are essential to achieving the goals of public health, and combining these two disciplines in a single department creates synergies for both training and research. Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Biostatisticians develop and apply statistical theory, methods and techniques to public health research data and the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Given the strong overlap, epidemiologists and biostatisticians often collaborate to work toward the shared goal of generating and analyzing data to advance the public’s health.
Within the department, the degree programs are administered under two separate streams, the Division of Epidemiology and Division of Biostatistics.
Find out more about the department and what we offer in our welcome from the Chair.
We offer eight advanced degrees in epidemiology and biostatistics. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.
Liese will serve as the principal investigator on a project that will examine the impact of disparities in food security on glycemic control and health care utilization among youth and young adults with diabetes.
Faculty members from across the Arnold School received funding from the Office of the Vice President for Research with 2018 Advanced Support for Innovative Research Excellence (ASPIRE) grants.
The Arnold School celebrated master's and doctoral graduates at the 2018 Hooding Ceremony on May 10. Arnold School and department award winners, along with Delta Omega inductees, were also recognized.
Susan Steck has received the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award from the South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Columbia-Midlands Dietetic Association.
The Office of the Vice President for Research selected Steck as a recipient of their inaugural Distinguished Research Service Award.