Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health
51-254 Center for Health Sciences
Box 951772
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772
Biostatistics
310-825-5250
Department e-mail
Thomas R. Belin, PhD, Vice Chair
In recent years biostatistics has become one of the most stimulating areas of applied statistics. The field encompasses the methodology and theory of statistics as applied to problems in the life and health sciences. Biostatisticians are trained in the skilled application of statistical methods to the solution of problems encountered in public health and medicine. They collaborate with scientists in nearly every area related to health and have made major contributions to our understanding of AIDS, cancer, genetics, bioinformatics, and immunology, as well as other areas. Further, biostatisticians spend a considerable amount of time developing and evaluating the statistical methodology used in those projects. The Department of Biostatistics offers master of science (MS) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees in Biostatistics and, through the Fielding School of Public Health, the master of public health (MPH) degree with a specialization in biostatistics (see Public Health schoolwide programs). All students receive a balanced education, blending theory and practice.
A degree in biostatistics prepares students for work in a wide variety of challenging positions in government, industry, and education. Graduates have found careers involving teaching, research, and consulting in such fields as medicine, public health, life sciences, and survey research. There has always been a strong demand for well-trained biostatisticians; graduates have had little difficulty finding employment well suited to their particular interests.
