Biostatistician Degree

Biostatisticians are researchers that work with scientists to help to predict the seriousness of a particular disease path and to evaluate and assess the efficacy and safety of new treatment regiments. Most biostatisticians work in the field of public health, primarily for governmental agencies such as the Center for Disease Control. Others are employed at research hospitals, university and private pharmaceutical companies.

Biostatisticians must have a strong educational background in both science and public health, with an overriding emphasis on math and statistics. Most biostatisticians hold a Master’s Degree, but many have a Ph.D.

Biostatistician Degrees

Biostatisticians are highly educated public health professionals, most holding master’s or doctoral degrees. Those with only a bachelor’s degree may work as entry-level researchers in labs and, with experience, move up to more senior positions. Relevant coursework for aspiring biostatisticians will include statistics, epidemiology and public health.

Biostatistician Job Description

Biostatisticians are trained scientists and public health analysts who work with other researchers to design studies that evaluate and predict the pattern of communicable diseases. Many biostatisticians are involved in evaluating new drug treatment regiments, including determining whether certain protocol are safe and effective.

Biostatisticians are employed largely by governmental agencies as well as multi-national pharmaceutical companies. They are actively involved in research design and trials, including collecting data, implementing research methodologies and interpreting the results of these studies.

Successful biostatisticians must be able to:

• Report, analyze and present technical data
• Participate in research teams with national and multinational partners
• Possess a strong foundation in statistical analysis and public health epidemiology

Biostatistician Salary

As new diseases are identified, the career outlook for biostatisticians expands. Those with advanced degrees have numerous opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry and government agencies, as well as in academia.

According to salary.com, the average biostatistician just under $69,000. The highest earning biostatisticians take home well over $75,000 a year. Bear in mind that the salary range of a biostatistician is extremely wide, with variances for public versus private sector employment, geographic location, level of education and experience.