Sexy Statistics in Public Health
Are statistics sexy? Useful, to be sure. But sexy???
Information sciences professor Hal Varian at the University of California at Berkeley would argue that they are. Varian claims that jobs involving statistics will be the up and coming “sexy” career paths of the future. “People think I’m joking, but who would’ve guessed that computer engineers would’ve been the sexy job of the 1990s?” Varian says. “The ability to take data—to be able to understand it, to process it, to extract value from it, to visualize it, to communicate it—that’s going to be a hugely important skill in the next decades.”
Within the realm of public health, several fields benefit from an in-depth understanding of statistics and extensive know-how of its practical applications. Three popular public health fields that use statistics comprehensively are biostatistics, epidemiology, and crisis management.
Biostatisticians apply statistical theory and mathematical principals to find out the causes of disease and injury and solve community health problems. For example, biostatisticians at the National Cancer Institute created a statistical model that predicts an individual woman’s risk of developing breast cancer at some point during her lifetime.
Epidemiologists — also known as “disease detectives”—use statistical analysis to study and control disease and injury patterns in human populations. For example, epidemiologists in Mexico are currently using statistical data from flu outbreaks to help determine the appropriate response to swine flu.
As for crisis and disaster management professionals, they rely on statistics to help them predict, avoid and manage public health crises or national security emergencies. For example, emergency responders used statistics to predict and control the spread of disease after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005.
Other public health specialists that need at least a working knowledge of statistics include behavioral scientists, environmental scientists, nurses, and global health workers. Because public health is such a diverse and rich field of practice, your interest in statistics could mesh with your career to any extent you choose.
In addition to mastering statistical analysis and its applications to public health, you will also be expected to work well in collaboration with others. Professionals in the public health fields mentioned above often join forces with doctors, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, professors and others to look for solutions to a community or global problem. It’s important that you are able to distill collected data into an essence that others can easily grasp.
And no, you are not “too dumb” to learn statistics. If you are interested in biostatistics, epidemiology or crisis management, but you have trouble comprehending statistical results or making the intuitive leap to a recommended course of action, don’t despair. You may simply have had the misfortune to learn statistics from someone who made the subject seem as appetizing as cardboard.
However, the basic principles of statistics are not difficult to grasp, and as you continue learning you’ll find yourself excited and intrigued by the possibilities of advanced statistical analysis. If you’re interested in public health, you’ve probably cultivated a sincere desire to help communities. Use that as motivation to study and learn, and you’ll find that the “sexy” careers in public health are well within your grasp. Look for accredited degree programs that offer solid training in mathematics, statistics and analytical computer software.
What can you do with your degree? Public health specialists with experience in statistics are in high demand, and salaries are competitive. “Somebody with an interest in mathematics and science can be pretty sure to get a job,” says statistician Bradley Efron from Stanford University.
Now that you have a taste for the role that statistics can play in public health fields, explore your options and check out some of the leading accredited online public health degree programs. You could soon be enjoying the benefits of a sexy career in public health: extracting value from statistical data in order to help people, challenging yourself with new and exciting information every day, and earning a healthy salary to boot!
Earn Your Public Health Degree Online
Get the education and credentials you need for a successful career in Public Health. Take the first step towards earning an accredited degree in public health online through your choice of top ranked schools by requesting additional program information today:
Explore Online Public Health Degree Programs
Grand Canyon University
Campus
Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!
Programs:- Master of Public Health
- B.S. in Health Care Administration
- Phoenix
Kaplan University
Campus
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs:- MS in Health Education
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Administration - Governmental Management
- Fort Lauderdale
Walden University
Online
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Programs:- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Health Policy
- Ph.D. in Public Health
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Course-based - Health Policy
Kaplan University International
Campus
Programs:
- Accelerated BS Public Health to Master in Public Health
- Master of Public Health
- BS in Health and Wellness
- Fort Lauderdale
The University of Liverpool
Campus
Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.
Programs:- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health (Epidemiology)
- Master of Public Health (Management of Health Systems)
- Online
University of Phoenix
Campus
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs:- BS in Business/Public Sector
- B.S. in Business/Public Sector
- Master of Public Admin
- San Jose
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Argosy University
Campus
At Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs:- Community Counseling (MA)
- State and Local Government (MPA)
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Dallas
- Arlington
- Atlanta
- Schaumburg
- Sarasota
- Chicago
- San Diego
- Honolulu
- San Bernardino
- Orange
- Saint Paul
- Santa Monica
- Phoenix
- Nashville
- Draper
- Denver
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Alameda
Ultimate Medical Academy Online
Online
Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online. We offer career-focused training in dental assisting, nursing assisting, medical billing and coding, basic x-ray, and more. Programs take as little as seven weeks.
Programs:- Healthcare Management Associate
Keiser University Campus
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Public Safety Administration, BS (Online Only)
- Hollywood
- Port Saint Lucie
- Orlando
- Sarasota
- Fort Myers
- Lakeland
- Tampa
Western International University Interactive Online
Online
Get an education that fits your life at Western International University. Study online, on campus, or both, and prepare for a career in business, behavioral science, or IT.
Programs:- Master of Public Administration
- Bachelor of Arts In Behavioral Science
Strayer University
Campus
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Programs:- Masters: Public Administration
- Mason
- Newport News
- Springfield
- Augusta
- Louisville
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- Irving
- Washington
- Sandy
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- Concord
- Columbia
CTS Canadian Career College
Campus
Give your career a boost with training from CTS Canadian Career College. CTS Canadian Career College is an institution that prides itself on success, in our graduates and ultimately in ourselves. We have grown to 3 campuses but still offer personal instruction and administration.
Programs:- Community Services Worker
- Personal Support Worker
- Barrie
- North Bay
- Sudbury
Westwood College
Campus
Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.
Programs:- Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management I
- Upland
- Anaheim
Keiser University Graduate School
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate
- Fort Lauderdale
Northcentral University
Campus
At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.
Programs:- Public Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
- Public Administration - D.B.A.
- Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
- Prescott Valley
