Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals and scholars committed to understanding the patterns, causes, and prevention of health-related events in populations, this program integrates rigorous training in epidemiology and biostatistics. It equips learners with advanced analytical tools to investigate public health challenges, inform policy, and contribute to evidence-based interventions across diverse healthcare settings.
- Biostatistics: The application of statistical methods to biological and medical data, enabling accurate analysis of health outcomes and evaluation of interventions.
- Disease and Injury Determinants: The systematic study of factors—biological, environmental, behavioral, and social—that influence the occurrence and spread of illness and trauma.
- Epidemiology: The scientific investigation of disease distribution and determinants within populations, forming the foundation for disease prevention and control strategies.
- Health Services Research: The multidisciplinary study of how healthcare services are delivered, accessed, and evaluated to improve quality, efficiency, and equity.
- Pathology: The examination of disease processes at the cellular and tissue level, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms and progression.
- Spatial Analysis: The use of geographic information systems and statistical modeling to identify spatial patterns in disease occurrence and health disparities.
- Statistics: Core principles and techniques for data collection, interpretation, and inference, essential for robust research design and outcome assessment.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Epidemiology and Biostatistics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Statisticians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 431,560 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Epidemiologists 19-1041 | $83,980 | $56,950 - $134,860 | 11,460 | $40.38 |
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,283 in Louisiana to $130,818 in Massachusetts—a 84% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and Arkansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 431,560 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Epidemiology and Biostatistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Epidemiology and Biostatistics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is found at Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (40 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (25 graduates), University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (21 graduates), Sacred Heart University (SHU) (15 graduates), and University of North Dakota (UND) (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 151 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
40 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Master's
|
21 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Sacred Heart University (SHU) |
Master's
|
15 | Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | sacredheart.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Master's
|
14 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Claremont Graduate University (CGU) |
Master's
|
7 | Claremont, California | Private | cgu.edu |
| Lehigh University |
Master's
|
6 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | lehigh.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
|
3 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Epidemiology and Biostatistics programs
How much can I earn with a Epidemiology and Biostatistics degree?
Salaries for Epidemiology and Biostatistics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $130,818 compared to $71,283 in Louisiana. Approximately 431,560 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Epidemiology and Biostatistics programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Epidemiology and Biostatistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (40 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (25 graduates), and University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Epidemiology and Biostatistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and Statisticians. Related occupations employ approximately 431,560 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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