In recent years biostatistics has become one of the most stimulating areas of applied statis-tics. 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, 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 M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biostatistics and, through the School of Public Health, the M.P.H. and Dr.P.H. degrees 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, survey research, and computer science. There has always been a strong demand for well-trained biostatisticians; graduates have had little difficulty finding employment well suited to their particular interests.