Reducing infectious disease
USC features epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan, whose search for innovative ways to curb the impact of viral and insect-borne illness has earned her a Breakthrough Star Award.
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.
Degrees Offered
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
- Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH)
- ONLINE Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (MPH)
- Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology (MS)
- Ph.D. in Epidemiology
- Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences (combination degree)
Directors:
- Dr. Susan Steck, Graduate Director for Epidemiology (MS and PhD)
- Dr. Myriam Torres, Epidemiology MPH Program Director
Epidemiology and Biostatistics News
Faculty Award Winners recognized at annual Hooding Ceremony
The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Faculty Awards: James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Courtney Monroe), Faculty Research Award (Jihong Liu), and Faculty Service Award (Alicia Flach).
Physician completes third USC degree to address addiction for patients, populations
After graduating in May with an MPH in Epidemiology, Humna Fayyaz will continue her training in these areas with a fellowship in addiction medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago Hospital.
Melissa Nolan to establish USC Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research
USC is launching five new research institutes, with one led by associate professor of epidemiology Melissa Nolan. Supported by $2 million over four years, the team will study emerging diseases that could threaten public health.
Top graduate student award winners announced
The top master's and doctoral students were honored at the annual Hooding Ceremony. Sujal Patel (M.S. in Advanced Athletic Training) received the Jeffrey Keith Mattison Award, and Gabriel Benavidez won the Doctoral Achievement Award.
Staff Spotlight: Chase Ferch
As the epidemiology and biostatistics department's grant administrator, Chase Ferch oversees the pre-award and post-award management for all grant funding.
Student award winners announced
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These four students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.
Michael Wirth wins Alumni Medal Award
Michael Wirth, assistant professor of epidemiology and nursing, is the recipient of the Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal, which is bestowed upon an alumna/us who has graduated more than 10 years ago.