Department Overview

Welcome to Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Edward Fitzgerald Ph.D., Chair

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers full and part-time M.S., M.P.H., Dr.PH and Ph.D. degree programs in the areas of epidemiology and/or biostatistics. In addition, we have a new and exciting area of Bioinformatics in which students can take electives.

The Epidemiology degree programs are intended for those who wish to investigate the causes of disease occurrence in populations, including characteristics of individuals and their physical and social environment. To investigate these complex relationships, epidemiologists conduct both experimental and observational studies in the community. Their findings are available to policy makers for guidance in actions to improve public health. The graduate programs in Epidemiology are designed to develop skills and capability in the practice and teaching of this discipline. Students are able to learn and participate in epidemiology first hand from faculty members (most are employees of the New York State Department of Health [NYSDOH] with University at Albany appointments) who are actively engaged in the practicing epidemiology and addressing the public health problems and priorities of New York State.

The Biostatistics degree programs are intended for those who wish to develop statistical theory and skills to solve a wide range of public health and clinical problems. Whether focused on the analysis and communication of public health data in governmental agencies, or involvement in public health or clinical research, biostatisticians are an important part of multi-disciplinary, scientific teams. The graduate programs in Biostatistics are designed to develop the theoretical foundation for applied statistical methods, and the application of these methods in the health sector. Our close relationship with the NYSDOH provides unique opportunities for learning-by-doing in collaborative research. Current statistical research areas of the department include time series, categorical data analysis, Bayes methods, propensity scoring, survival analysis, stochastic processes, sample surveys, mixture models and measurement errors.

Recent students in both degree programs have worked with an array of programs at the NYSDOH, including nutrition, vector-borne diseases, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, hospital admissions, vital records, toxicology, outbreak investigations, chronic diseases and environmental and occupational epidemiology. The major goals of the Epidemiology and Biostatistics curricula are to provide understanding of the theory, methods and knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics for students who plan to be employed in multiple settings, including universities, governmental agencies, health care facilities and private industry.

Financial aid may be available through assistantships, field placements and internships