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Arnold School of Public Health

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics faculty members posing

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

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.

Degrees Offered

We offer eight advanced degrees in epidemiology and biostatistics. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.

 

Epidemiology and Biostatistics News

Xuanxuan Yu

I Am Public Health: Xuanxuan Yu

This spring, Xuanxuan Yu will complete his third degree in biostatistics, but there was a time as an undergraduate when he didn’t have a clear understanding of the field. In his bachelor’s program at Nanjing Medical School Yu fell in love with the subject.

Danielle Krobath

Why government can’t make America ‘healthier’ by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits

Danielle Krobath, an assistant professor of epidemiology, writes for The Conversation with Tufts University Assistant Professor of Community Health Benjamin Chrisinger about their research into safety net programs, including SNAP benefits.

ASPH logo

Prisma Health Research Seed Grants provide pathways to improve health in the state

Five projects supported by Prisma Health Research Seed Grants will be led by Arnold School researchers in 2025. Marta Bornstein (HPEB), Devin Bowes  (ENHS)), Brian Chen (HSPM), Melissa Nolan (Epidemiology), and Elizabeth Regan (EXSC) each received up to $20,000.

Eric Mishio Bawa

Epidemiology student receives doctoral research award from American Public Health Association

Eric Mishio Bawa recently received the Laurence G Branch Doctoral Student Research Award from the American Public Health Association for his research into the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Amandeep Kaur

Doctoral graduate uses epidemiology to tackle the multifaceted challenges of HIV

Amandeep Kaur is committed to curbing the high rates of preventable health conditions in affected populations. Using her education and training from the Arnold School’s Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, she’s taking a unique approach. 

Maxwell Akonde

Doctoral graduate continues cancer epidemiology training at National Cancer Institute

Maxwell Akonde graduates this month with the Graduate International Student Achievement Award, Outstanding Epidemiology Doctoral Student Award, and Excellence in Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research and Practice Award.

Naomi Higgins

I Am Public Health: Naomi Higgins

Naomi Higgins has been fascinated by the microbiome ever since she took a microbial ecology course as an undergrad. Today, the MPH in Epidemiology student looks at its role in maternal and child health.  

More Arnold School News


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