Epidemiology/Biostatistics Specialization | Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
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Epidemiology/ Biostatistics Specialization

The Epidemiology and Biostatistics specialization exposed students to a wide range of quantitative data analysis methods and skills. They are equipped to understand and participate in the design, analysis, and interpretation of public health studies, and in effectively translating public health evidence into policy and practice.

This specialization offers training for careers focusing on collection and analysis of a wide range of health-related data. Students develop skills using multiple software tools to analyze public health data, including SAS, SPSS, Stata and/or R. In addition, the increasing availability of digital data resulting from innovations in medical and biological informatics will provide a wealth of new opportunities for students graduating with this specialization.

Students will be competitive for public health careers in many sectors focused on improving population health. Graduates seek positions in health departments, research institutes, corporations, HMOs and as federal contactors.

Specialization Requirements: 15 Credits

  • Applied Linear Modeling
  • Epidemiology Methods
  • Advanced Data Analysis
  • One elective course*
  • MPH practicum (epidemiology/biostatistics-focused)

*Select from a list of pre-approved courses related to epidemiology or biostatistics

Epidemiology/Biostatistics-focused electives include

  • Translation of Epidemiology to Policy
  • Global Burden of Disease: Methods and Applications
  • Epidemiology of Mental and Substance Use Disorders
  • Survival Analysis
  • Structural Equation Modeling
  • Health & Place: Spatial Thinking & Applied Methods


In addition, students are strongly encouraged to choose an epidemiology/biostatistics-related Skill Lab on a topic such as data management or statistical software training.

Practicum

The MPH program requires 360 hours of practicum. Sample Epidemiology/Biostatistics practicum sites include:

  • Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center Barnes-Jewish Hospital & Washington University School of Medicine
  • Centene Corporation
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Department of Health, District of Columbia
  • National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
  • St. Louis County Department of Health Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases



Kim Johnson

Specialization Chair

Assistant Professor Deborah Salvo Dominguez explores the spatial and place-based factors that influence physical activity and other health-related behaviors, with the goal of reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. She is also very interested in leading capacity building efforts for the fields of physical activity and spatial epidemiology in Latin America and other low- and middle-income settings.

Michelle Simkins

Featured Graduate

“I went into the MPH program at the Brown School knowing I wanted to pursue a career in epidemiology. I completed a practicum at the St. Louis County Department of Health, where I had the opportunity to conduct epidemiological surveillance for the entire county and co-authored a research paper for publication. It was great to do meaningful work that opened the door to exciting career opportunities after graduation.”



—Michelle Simkins, MPH ’14, Epidemiologist/Analyst, BJC HealthCare