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

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 Health
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Public Health
• Master of Public Administration - Health Policy

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 (Epidemiology)
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Public Health (Management of Health Systems)

Campus Locations:

Online

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

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:

• Master of Public Admin
• BS in Business/Public Sector
• Master of Public Administration

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Culver City
Chula Vista
Diamond Bar
San Bernardino
Elk Grove
Pasadena
Costa Mesa
Fresno
Lancaster
San Jose
Salida
Sacramento
Murrieta
Woodland Hills
Oakland
Livermore
San Diego
El Centro
Ontario
Visalia
San Francisco
Rancho Cordova
Gardena
Fairfield
Lathrop
Online
Beale AFB
Bakersfield
Roseville

DeVry University

Campus

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.

Programs:

• Master's-Public Administration

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Jose
Oakland
Alhambra
Elk Grove
Colton
Fremont
Irvine
Long Beach
Pomona
Sherman Oaks
Anaheim
Daly City

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.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• State and Local Government (MPA)
• Public Administration (MPA)
• Health Care Management (BS)

Campus Locations:

Alameda
San Diego
Santa Monica
Orange
San Bernardino

Golden Gate University

Campus

For more than 110 years, non-profit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas.

Programs:

• Public Administration - Executive Masters
• Public Administration - Masters

Campus Locations:

Santa Clara
San Francisco

Western International University

Online

Pursue your degree with Western International University. We offer programs at three campuses in Arizona and a live, interactive online classes taught by experienced industry professionals.

Programs:

• Master of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science

Regis University

Campus

Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.

Programs:

• BS in Public Administration

Campus Locations:

West Jordan

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Marcos
National City

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Health Care Administration
• Certificate in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Citrus Heights
Sacramento
Stockton
Pleasant Hill

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• BBA Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Englewood

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner