Here at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, we address the world’s most pressing public health challenges through innovation and impact. Our 27-month Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program will equip you with the skills you need to drive positive change, no matter your location or career stage. This flexible, 7-semester program is crafted for working professionals dedicated to advancing public health.
Online MPH - Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration
Our Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration prepares students to understand the factors influencing health and disease in human populations. By mastering the tools of epidemiology and biostatistics, students learn to analyze data and develop strategies to prevent and control diseases.
Designed for Changemakers.
Empower Public Health with Data-Driven Insights
In this online MPH program, students will engage in rigorous epidemiology courses and biostatistics courses while exploring advanced topics like infectious diseases, global health, and spatial data science.
Program Overview
The Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration focuses on generating new knowledge, evaluating public health programs, and training professionals to address global health challenges. Students will:
- Apply data-driven techniques to improve public health outcomes.
- Explore infectious disease courses, learning about public health preparedness and disease control.
- Gain proficiency in biostatistics concentrations and work with tools like R, SAS, and Stata.
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Required Courses
Students will complete a combination of core, breadth, and elective courses. Key requirements include:
- Health and Social Behavior (PHW200G, 3 units)
- Intro to Environmental Health Science (PHW200F, 3 units)
- Health Policy and Management (PHW200E, 3 units)
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics (PHW142, 4 units)
- Epidemiologic Methods (PHW250, 3 units)
- Interdisciplinary Seminar (PHW289, 3 units)
Elective options include global health, spatial data science, community health science, and regulatory science courses.
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Epidemiology & Biostatistics Course Requirements
In addition to the six required core and breadth courses for all students earning an MPH degree, students in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Concentration must complete: 1) two epidemiology and biostatistics core requirements; 2) one course in data management; 3) at least five additional units of courses in Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and 4) a sufficient number of elective courses to complete the 42 units required for the MPH degree.
Required Epidemiology & Biostatistics Courses (2 courses, 8 units)
- PHW241: Intermediate Biostatistics for Public Health (4 units, Spring Full Term)
- PHW250B: Epidemiologic Methods II (4 units, Fall Full Term)
Competency in Data Management (select 1 course, 2 units)
- PHW251: R for Public Health (2 units, Fall Full Term)
Course outside of OOMPH that can fulfill the Data Management Requirement:
- PH271K: Introduction to Data Management and Programming in SAS for Public Health (2 units, Spring Full Term)
Additional Courses in Epidemiology & Biostatistics (select at least 5 units)
- PHW219: Introduction to Survey Methods (3 units, Spring 1 or Summer 2)
- PHW225A: Introduction to Applied Implementation Science (1 unit, Spring 1)
- PHW225B: Implementation Science Case Studies in Low and Middle Income Countries (1 unit, Spring 2)
- PHW251B: Data Visualization for Public Health (2 units, Fall Full Term)
- PHW252: Epidemiological Analysis (Note: PHW250B and PHW241 must be completed prior to enrollment, PHW251: R for Public Health is highly recommended) (4 units, Fall Full Term)
- PHW252A: Introduction to Causal Inference for Public Health Professionals (4 units, Spring Full Term)
- PHW253: Outbreak Investigations (3 units, Fall 2)
- PHW268: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) for Health and Development (3 units, Summer 2)
- PHW272C: Applied Spatial Data Analysis for Public Health (3 units, Spring 2)
Course outside of OOMPH that can be used towards the minimum 5 units
- PH252C: Intervention Trial Design (2 units, Spring Full Term)
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Explore Focus Areas
Infectious Disease
Study the intersection of epidemiology and infectious disease control through evidence-based methods. Relevant courses include:
- Outbreak Investigations (PHW253)
- Infectious Diseases (PHW260)
Global Health
Tackle global health challenges through a transdisciplinary approach with courses like:
- Comparative Health Systems (PHW209)
- Foundations of Global Health (PHW212)
Spatial Data Science
Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data to inform healthcare decisions with courses like:
- Intro to GIS for Public Health (PHW272A)
- Applied Spatial Data for Public Health (PHW272C)
Regulatory Science
Delve into drug safety and public health regulations with courses like:
- Regulatory Science, Drug Discovery and Public Health (PHW236A)
Course Planning & Advising
The UC Berkeley Online MPH Program provides comprehensive advising to support students throughout their studies. Each enrolled student is assigned a dedicated Program Manager, in addition to a faculty advisor. The Program Manager works closely with students to plan their courses and ensure they complete the required 42 units on time.