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.
Director:
Dr. Robert Moran, Graduate Director for Biostatistics
Directors:
Directors:
With $3.7 million from the National Institutes of Health, Self will collaborate with colleagues from multiple institutions on a project that, over time, will save many more millions in the cost of surveillance efforts to track vector-borne diseases.
When Prisma Health decided to expand their Midlands Healthy Start program, they turned to maternal and child health expert and epidemiology professor Jihong Liu, who has already led evaluations into the program's effectiveness.
Pieter Baker is approaching the intersection of drugs, germs and justice from every angle - looking at bacteria/viruses and injectable drugs to immigration policies and the criminal justice system.
Just one semester into her first faculty appointment, Nandita Perumal is already stepping up as a thought leader in gestational weight gain - particularly in a global context. The epidemiology assistant professor has published a key paper and joined a new taskforce.
The USC Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the website launches for five new research institutes, including the Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research led by epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan.
Ph.D. in Biostatistics student Nasim Saba Nishat is determined to address health disparities by using data to help clinicians find the optimal treatment dosages for patients to ensure safer and more effective health care.
The Arnold School is pleased to announce the 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards, which are designed to recognize alumni, faculty, staff and students who have made exceptional contributions to advancing DEI.