Overview

In the wake of recent man-made and natural disasters, the US is placing a high priority on building up the nation's public health workforce.  Since 2002, Federal funding has increased for public health preparedness, including scholarship and loan repayment programs, workforce development grants, and funding for bioterrorism preparedness.  What does this mean for you?  It means that with a degree in public health, you’ll be in high demand – and on a career path filled with advancement opportunities.

Biostatistics is the science that applies statistical theory and mathematical principals to research in medicine, biology, environmental science, public health and related fields. Public health biostaticians use mathematical and scientific methods to determine the cause of disease and injuries, and to identify health trends within communities.

For instance, if you go into this career your research may include estimating the number of deaths from gun violence or determining trends in drunk driving injuries. It may also include (among other tasks):

• analyzing the effectiveness of new drugs
• analyzing risk factors for different illnesses
• planning health care interventions
• explaining biological phenomena

If you like collecting and studying information, forecasting scenarios, and drawing conclusions, this may be the perfect health career for you. 

You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:

Biostatistics 14 May 2008 [pdf, 180 KB]

Working Conditions

Career opportunities for graduates offer competitive salaries. Positions are available in data management, pharmacuetical and clinical trials, data analysis and academia. In addition, biostaticians are needed at the federal, state, and local levels.