Why Study Biostatistics?
If you’re an undergraduate, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of data science, and you may have taken a stats class, but you may never have heard about biostatistics. Department chair Joe Hogan calls biostatistics ‘the original data science’: it combines statistics, mathematics and computing; it requires learning about an important area of application; and it provides countless opportunities to work on real-world problems that improve health and society.
What distinguishes biostatisticians is the focus on health-related applications of statistics, modeling, and data science. Biostatisticians are on the front lines of path-breaking research in cancer, HIV, global health, biology; we design complex studies, analyze the data that derive from these studies, and communicate the results in scientifically sound ways. Best of all, biostatisticians have numerous opportunities to work collaboratively with teams of experts. You can learn more about statistics and biostatistics from the American Statistical Association.
Career opportunities for biostatistics have never been better. Data related to health, biomedicine and epidemiology continue to grow – and they are increasingly complex. Biostatistics expertise is essential to using these data to reveal insights, find hidden patterns, and make accurate predictions that inform decisions and policies. Use your training to pursue a career in healthcare analytics, biotech, biomedical research and more. Our graduates have careers with companies large and small, and many have continued on to get a Ph.D.
If you are looking to use your math, statistics and computing skills to make a difference, check out our Master of Science program and apply today!