Epidemiology/Biostatistics
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Introduction
Degree Program
Admissions
Financial Support
Opportunities for Graduates
Further Information
Introduction
The resources of the Division of Epidemiology and the Division of Biostatistics in the School of Public Health combine to offer a curricular track directed toward acquiring proficiency in both biostatistics and epidemiology. Training emphasizes development of skills applicable to the study of the occurrence and distribution of disease, focusing on determining the impact and magnitude of disease frequency so that effective control measures can be designed. Areas of study include investigation of the natural history and clinical course of disease, as well as the study of statistical methods used to identify and evaluate risk factors associated with disease risk.
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M.P.H. Program
The requirements for this two-year program are intentionally flexible, so that students new to issues in epidemiology and biostatistics can explore a wide variety of possibilities. Students complete approximately 48 units and take about one-third of their course work in biostatistics and one-third in epidemiology, leaving about one-third for electives and breadth requirements. This pattern is not required but is typical for most students.
In addition to the schoolwide breadth requirements, the only other absolute requirement is the epi/biostat seminar (PH 292). The seminar serves as a focal point, introduces historical issues in epidemiology and public health and provides training in the critical review of literature in epidemiology and biostatistics.
Students also complete a public health practice component that allows application and integration of the analytic and methodological tools gained in the classroom in a public health setting. This activity takes place during the summer.
Each student in the program produces a "final" paper as part of the Epi/Biostat seminar. The preparation and presentation of this paper during the final semester of the program serves as the comprehensive examination.
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Admissions
The M.P.H. degree program in epidemiology/biostatistics welcomes applicants who have relatively little background but a strong desire for training in the health fields. Without experience in a specific health area, it can be difficult to gain entrance into an epidemiology doctoral program. This M.P.H. program provides an entry to graduate school for outstanding post-baccalaureate students who are not likely to successfully compete for admission to doctoral program with students possessing more extensive backgrounds (such as physicians or individuals employed at health agencies).
Evaluation of applicants is focused primarily on undergraduate performance (e.g., grade point average), GRE scores, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose. Each year approximately 100 applications are received; of these, about 35 percent are accepted into the program. Since this is a two-year program, roughly 50 students are involved in activities associated with this curriculum track at any time.
Applicants must also meet the School's admissions requirements to be admitted to the program.
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Financial Support
Sources of financial support include graduate fellowships, programs offered by the Office of Financial Aid, non-resident tuition scholarships, and Graduate Opportunity Program fellowships.
Opportunities for Graduates
Many of those who have earned an epi/biostat M.P.H. go on to Ph.D. programs on the Berkeley campus and at other leading universities; some pursue M.D. or other professional degrees. Others take positions in governmental agencies such as the California Department of Health Services or organizations such as Kaiser Division of Research.
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Further Information
For further program information contact Roberta Myers robertamyers@berkeley.edu, the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Program coordinator.