Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health 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.
Drexel Dornsife’s Epidemiology and Biostatistics Mission and Vision
In the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics we investigate critical health issues, create effective public health solutions, and collaborate across disciplines to shape evidence-based policies.
Our programs include bachelor's, master’s (MS and MPH) and doctoral degrees, preparing students for meaningful careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health data analytics.
Our department enthusiastically supports the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health's Action Plan to Enhance Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Anti-Racism.
Student Opportunities in 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 Biostatistics faculty and Epidemiology faculty conduct pioneering research and integrate students into their research in areas including:
- Aging
- Autism
- Biostatistical methods
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Environmental risk factors
- Infectious disease and prevention
- Social and neighborhood determinants of health
- Urban health
- Our public health graduates enjoy rewarding careers in national and local disease-prevention organizations, community-based organizations, industry, academia, government, and global public health.
"Dornsife was the Goldilocks school for me: An 18-month program, a 2-hour train ride from my family in northern VA, a small class size, renowned faculty whose research interests aligned with my own, and located in an exciting city."
-- Karlin Moore, MS in Biostatistics student and Dornsife ambassador
What is the Difference Between Epidemiology and Biostatistics?
Epidemiology and biostatistics are two of the core public health disciplines. The demand for biostatisticians and epidemiologists in the job market has been consistently strong. Students choosing epidemiology or biostatistics should consider that:
Epidemiology focuses on investigating the complex causes of major public health problems and developing effective strategies to prevent them. Epidemiologists seek to understand the distribution, determinants, and control of health-related events, conditions, and diseases in large populations.
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. Dornsife provides expertise to outside partners through our Biostatistics Scientific Collaboration Center.
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.
A Word From Our Department Chair
Kristen Lyall, ScD
Chair of the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department
"Through strong mentorship and an environment of teamwork, both students and faculty in our department have received recognition and awards for their work."
Read Kristen Lyall's Welcome Letter and Faculty Bio.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Degrees, Certificates and Courses
Undergraduate Programs in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Master's and Doctoral Programs in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Graduate Courses
View all Epidemiology graduate courses and Biostatistics graduate courses in the Drexel Catalog.
Featured Research News in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Lead author Agus Surachman, PhD, MS, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Dornsife and the Drexel FIRST program, conducted research that found grandchildren of college-educated grandparents showed slower biological aging.
More research news