AREAs OF CONCENTRATION

Epidemiology/Biostatistics

"I think that the passion and the resources available to the students and the faculty at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health really set it apart from any other school of public health in the nation."

Degree Options:

2-Year M.P.H.
M.C.P./M.P.H. 
M.S.W./M.P.H.
M.B.A./M.P.H.
M.P.P./M.P.H.
M.J./M.P.H.

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 outcomes.

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Epidemiology/Biostatistics: 2-year M.P.H.

Curriculum & Requirements

The M.P.H. program in Epidemiology/Biostatistics is a 2-year course of study consisting of 48 units. While generally devoting a substantial portion of course hours to topics in epidemiology and biostatistics, students have ample opportunity and are strongly encouraged to take additional courses in areas of interest to them and/or courses needed for their research.

A comprehensive exam is required as well as a master's paper and presentation.

Sample Curriculum (PDF)

Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:

Admissions Ratio: 39/141 (27%)
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.66
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants:
Verbal: 650 (93%); Quantitative: 760 (84%)

What we look for in competitive applicants:

Applicants should have completed undergraduate course work in the biological, social, or math sciences.

  • Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Health, biological, natural, social, and cognitive sciences
  • Common work experience for admitted applicants: Volunteer work in public health, research assistant, lab technician

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates are qualified for positions in federal, state, and local health departments as well as a variety of positions in academic research and in the private medical and health care fields. Some go on to pursue doctoral studies in epidemiology or biostatistics.