Public Health was defined by C-E.A. Winslow as the science and the art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts with the goal of enabling every citizen to realize his/her birthright of health and longevity.
The disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics are essential to achieving the goals of public health, and combining these two disciplines in a single department creates synergies for both training and research. Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Biostatisticians develop and apply statistical theory, methods and techniques to public health research data and the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Given the strong overlap, epidemiologists and biostatisticians often collaborate to work toward the shared goal of generating and analyzing data to advance the public’s health.
Within the department, the degree programs are administered under two separate streams, the Division of Epidemiology and Division of Biostatistics.
Find out more about the department and what we offer in our welcome from the Chair.
We offer eight advanced degrees in epidemiology and biostatistics. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.
Director:
Dr. Robert Moran, Graduate Director for Biostatistics
Directors:
Directors:
Maxwell Akonde graduates this month with the Graduate International Student Achievement Award, Outstanding Epidemiology Doctoral Student Award, and Excellence in Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research and Practice Award.
Naomi Higgins has been fascinated by the microbiome ever since she took a microbial ecology course as an undergrad. Today, the MPH in Epidemiology student looks at its role in maternal and child health.
The Coalition for Excellence in MCH Epidemiology recognized Jihong Liu with the 2024 National Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring.
As the program coordinator for Maternal and Child Health training, Mosher helps implement the two major workforce development grants awarded Liu to bolster MCH training and curriculum opportunities at USC.
Danielle Krobath's goal is to prevent and eliminate nutrition-related chronic disease disparities among children and families, and the epidemiology assistant professor has adopted a very broad lens to guide her approach.
2024 has been a banner year for the USC Prevention Research Center, which received its highest funding award to date (nearly $5 million) plus additional funding for two special interest projects.
Enakshi Saha joined the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to continue her research on tailoring therapy to individual genetic backgrounds. She was attracted to Arnold school's reputation for high-impact research, particularly in the area of health disparities.