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 .
Expand all Biostatistics Epidemiology
Epidemiology and Biostatistics News
Doctoral graduate advances maternal and child health field as epidemiologist
Amanda Elmore graduates with her Ph.D. in Epidemiology this month and researches how
social determinants of health, adverse childhood experiences and trauma influence
health outcomes in each stage of the mother-infant dyad.
August graduate to continue maternal and child health research with postdoctoral fellowship
Sabrina Karim's August graduation is more than a celebration of the physician notching
a 4.0 in two programs, but another step towards overcoming the personal challenges
she has faced and pursuing her passion for improving maternal and child health.
Biostatistician applies big data to cancer survival, HIV treatment, COVID management
UofSC features biostatistics professor Jiajia Zhang, who won a 2022 Breakthrough Leadership
in Research Award for her contributions to advancing cancer, HIV and COVID treatment/outcomes
by harnessing the power of big data.
I Am Public Health: Nyrobi Tyson
Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology graduate Nyrobi Tyson is pursuing
a career combining her experiences as a doula and public health researcher to close
the racial maternal morbidity and mortality gap.
James R. Hébert publishes Diet, Inflammation, and Health book with Elsevier
Chronicling the evolution of inflammatory and immune response systems across history
up to the present day's most recent scientific findings, this book discusses the causes
and mechanisms that link a pro-inflammatory diet to a wide variety of human health
problems.
Staff Spotlight: Emily Writer
In her role as program coordinator for the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
Emily Writer supports the graduate directors with admissions and degree progression
and is a key contributor to the success of its six graduate degree programs.
Melissa Nolan awarded $585K grant from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
to continue, expand South Carolina tick surveillance program
Two years after Nolan and her team partnered with the SC Department of Health and
Environmental Control and Clemson University to launch the state's first tick surveillance
program, the assistant professor has been awarded $585K to expand their efforts.
The Arnold School joins the UofSC faculty senate in condemning racism and injustice in all its forms and actions. Racism and social injustice are strong negative determinants
of good health -- both physically and mentally -- and are antithetical to everything
we stand for in academic public health. Learn more from our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion .
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics held a Town Hall for all current
and incoming students on August 14, 2021. This Town Hall was to address any concerns
regarding COVID-19 and the new academic year. If you have any questions after viewing
this recording, please feel free to contact Emily Tedesco, Program Coordinator, at
tedescel@mailbox.sc.edu .
Click here to view the recording !
New department chair, Anthony Alberg, discusses opportunities for potential students
and faculty members
Read more about Dr. Alberg