Biostatistics is the combined science of biology and statistics. Biostatistics measures the incidence of biological traits in a population, which contributes to understanding disease and illness patterns. The study of biostatistics also estimates the number of people in a population who may have certain health issues, which can help in planning services as the community grows or declines.
Epidemiology is the study of health and illness within a community. Epidemiology also looks at emerging disease trends to estimate the threat to the population. The study of epidemiology looks at new diseases, such as bird flu or the H1N1 virus, to see how the virus mutates as it spreads.
Health services administration involves overseeing the delivery of health care to the population. Students learn how to ensure that as many people as possible have access to needed health care services. Health services administration in a public health role also involves how to reach underserved and at-risk populations.
Mental and behavioral health issues affect the population as much as physical health issues. This aspect of the Master of Public Health curriculum teaches professionals how to recognize mental and behavioral health issues in their community.
The quality of the environment has a significant role in public health. The MPH degree teaches professionals how to recognize environmental threats to human health and how to minimize these risks.
The Master of Public Health is the degree required for most jobs in this field. The number of required credit hours varies by school, but most students attending full time can complete the degree in about two years. An undergraduate degree is a prerequisite, and among the recommended majors are biology, business, chemistry, sociology and education. High scores on graduate school entrance exams increase the odds of acceptance into one of these programs. Many consider dual degrees in MPH and law, social work, public policy or nursing.