The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics applies, develops, and teaches the skills needed to understand the determinants of disease and improve health.

• 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

Transgender Adults Holding Gender-Affirming IDs Have Better Mental Health

Having gender-affirming documents, such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate, may improve mental health among transgender adults, according to findings published today in The Lancet Public Health from researchers at Dornsife, including lead author Ayden Scheim, PhD, assistant professor in the department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

Analyzing Black-White Disparities in Cardiovascular Health in the U.S.

Research led by Loni Philip Tabb, PhD, associate professor of Biostatistics at the Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH), found evidence of significant spatial heterogeneity in black-white differences in optimal cardiovascular health (CVH) that varied within and between five cities in the United States.

The research was co-authored by Leslie Ain McClure, PhD, MS, professor and chair of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at DSPH; Ana Diez Roux, MD, PhD, MPH, Dean and Distinguished University Professor of Epidemiology; Angel Ortiz, MS, DSPH alum; Steven Melly, MS, GIS Specialist at the Urban Health Collaborative at DSPH; and researchers from the department of Epidemiology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University and the department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University.

More research news