The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics applies, develops, and teaches the skills needed to understand the determinants of disease and improve health. We teach students the descriptive and analytic approaches (epidemiology) needed to investigate the complex causes of major public health problems and to develop effective strategies to prevent them. The biostatistics program centers on the development and application of theory and methods in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data used in public health and other biomedical sciences.

Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Drexel Dornsife

Throughout the department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, students are presented with unique opportunities:

• Our students are trained to become expert researchers and public health workers capable of investigating complex urban and community health challenges. Through practicum experiences students learn to apply descriptive and analytic methods and theory to real-world problems.
• The department’s faculty conduct pioneering research in many areas, including aging; autism; biostatistical methods; cancer; cardiovascular disease; environmental risk factors; infectious disease and prevention; social and neighborhood determinants of health.
• Our graduates enjoy rewarding careers in national and local disease-prevention organizations, community-based organizations, industry, academia, government, and global public health.

What is the Difference Between Epidemiology and Biostatistics?

Epidemiology and biostatistics and are two of the core public health disciplines:

Epidemiology focuses on investigating the complex causes of major public health problems and developing effective strategies to prevent them. Epidemiologists support the prevention of diseases in large populations, focusing on autism, HIV/AIDS infection and prevention, cancer prevention, issues in urban health, and much more.

Biostatistics focuses on the mathematical and statistical analysis regarding public health issues. Biostatisticians play essential roles in designing studies and analyzing research data. Biostatistics is an integral tool in improving population health and reducing illness.

To learn more about our public health epidemiology and biostatistics degrees, request more information to speak with a member of our admissions team today or visit the links below for a full list of available opportunities.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Degrees, Certificates, Courses

Master's and Doctoral Programs in Epidemiology And Biostatistics

• Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics
• Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology
• Master of Science (MS) in Population Health Science
• Master of Public Health (MPH) - Major in Epidemiology (on campus)
• Master of Public Health (MPH) - Major in Epidemiology (online)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biostatistics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Graduate Courses

View all Epidemiology graduate courses and Biostatistics graduate courses in the Drexel Catalog.

Graduate Certificates in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

• Certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Undergraduate Minors

• Undergraduate Minor in Epidemiology

Featured Research in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Stress from Work and Social Interactions Put Women at Higher Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Drexel Study Suggests

Psychosocial stress – typically resulting from difficulty coping with challenging environments – may work synergistically to put women at significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, according to a study by Dornsife researchers, recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The senior author on the research was Yvonne Michael, ScD, SM, associate professor in the department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Lead author Conglong Wang, PhD, is a Dornsife graduate who conducted the research while at Drexel. Co-authors on the study include Félice Lê‐Scherban, PhD, MPH; Jennifer Taylor, PhD, MPH, CPPS; Lucy Robinson, PhD, from Dornsife School of Public Health, and David Gefen, PhD, of Drexel’s LeBow College of Business.

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