Learn more about the Epi/Bio specialization

MASTER OF
PUBLIC HEALTH
EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS SPECIALIZATION
The Epidemiology/Biostatistics specialization prepares public
health students with the investigative and analytical skills
to make original and substantive contributions to public health
practice and research, be knowledgeable and discerning
consumers of public health sciences, and effectively translate
public health evidence into policy and practice.
Progra m overview
C ur r ic ulum R eq uir e me n ts : 15 C r e dits
Students specializing in Epidemiology/Biostatistics
will receive training for careers focusing on collection
and analysis of a wide range of health-related data.
Students will develop specialized skills in data
collection, analysis, and presentation of health data
to scientific and non-scientific audiences. Students
will develop skills using multiple software tools to
analyze public health data, including Statistical Analysis
Software (SAS), SPSS, STATA and/or R.
Applied Linear Modeling
Epidemiology Methods
Two elective courses*
MPH practicum (epidemiology/
biostatistics-focused)
The specialization will equip students with the tools
and knowledge to be competitive for public health
careers in many sectors focusing on improving
population health, including government, academic
research and the private sector. In addition, the
increasing availability of digital data resulting from
technological innovations in medical and biological
informatics will provide a wealth of new opportunities
for students with skills acquired in this specialization.
*Select from a list of pre-approved courses related to epidemiology or biostatistics
Epidemiology/Biostatistics-focused electives include:
Social Epidemiology
Cancer Epidemiology
Translating Epidemiology to Public Health Policy
Global Burden of Disease: Methods and Applications
Mental and Behavioral Health Epidemiology
Local Public Health Practice: Communicable Disease
Control and Emergency Preparedness
In addition, students are also strongly encouraged
to choose an epidemiology/biostatistics-related Skill
Lab elective, such as data management or statistical
software training.
“I went into the MPH
program at the Brown
School knowing I wanted
to pursue a career in
epidemiology. I completed
a practicum at the St. Louis
County Department
of Health, where I had
the opportunity to
conduct epidemiological
surveillance for the entire
county and co-authored
a research paper that
is being reviewed for
publication. It was
great to do meaningful
work that opened the
door to exciting career
opportunities after
graduation.”
Michelle juodenas
MPH ’14
Infection Preventionist,
Oregon Health
& Science University
EPIDEMIOLOGY/ BIOSTATISTIC S Spec i a l i zATION
“One of the most exciting things about Epidemiology
and Biostatistics is the wide variety of career options
that are available to students. Our graduates can be
found utilizing their skills in a vast array of disciplines
including cancer, obesity, infectious disease, nutrition,
physical activity, mental health, genetics, global health,
health disparities, and environmental and occupational
health. The job market for MPH graduates in this
specialization should be excellent.”
—Kim Johnson, Chair,
Epidemiology/Biostatistics Specialization
Pra cti cu m
Career Paths
A minimum of three credits (360 hours) of
MPH practicum is required. Sample Epidemiology/
Biostatistics practicum sites include:
Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center
Barnes-Jewish Hospital & Washington University School of Medicine
Casa de Salud (community health center serving Spanish-speaking population)
Centene Corporation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
District of Columbia (D.C.),
Department of Health
National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
St. Louis County Department of Health
Washington University School of Medicine,
Division of Infectious Diseases
World Health Organization
Students earning an MPH with a specialization
in Epidemiology/Biostatistics specialization are
competitive for positions in health departments,
research institutes, corporations, HMO’s, and
federal contractors. Recent graduates have secured
positions such as:
Epidemiologist, St. Louis City
Department of Health
Health Data Analyst, Kaiser Permanente
Health Data Analyst, RTI International
Project Manager, Medical Affairs,
Centene Corporation
Research Assistant, Westat
NIH Cancer Research Training Award
Kim Johnson’s research
focuses on identifying genetic
and environmental factors
for cancer, with a particular
emphasis on understanding
the etiology of cancer
development in children and
individuals with inherited
cancer syndromes. Her work
is cross-disciplinary and uses
both traditional and novel
epidemiological and
genomic tools.
c o n tact us
Application
Information
For more information about
admission into the MPH
program contact:
B ro wn S cho o l
Office of Admissions
and Recruitment
877.321.2426 (toll free)
mph@wustl.edu
mph.wustl.edu
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