What is a Master of Science (MS) in Public Health?
The Master of Science (MS) degree at the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health is designed for students who want to build advanced expertise in research, data analysis, and quantitative methods. Unlike the MPH, which emphasizes broad professional training across the field of public health, the MS offers a focused academic and research-oriented experience that prepares graduates for specialized careers or doctoral study. Currently, the MS degree is offered in Biostatistics, one of the fastest-growing areas in public health.
Students in the MS program build:
- Advanced knowledge of statistical theory and methods
- Skills in analyzing complex health and biomedical data
- Proficiency with statistical software and programming languages
- Experience working on research studies and collaborative projects
- Preparation for doctoral study or careers in health research, government, industry, and academia
Graduates of the MS in Biostatistics program are well-prepared for a variety of roles, including:
- Biostatistician or data analyst in healthcare, research, or government agencies
- Research scientist in academic or clinical settings
- Data scientist in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
- Consultant providing statistical expertise to health-related organizations
- Preparation for PhD programs in biostatistics, epidemiology, or related fields