Departamento de Bioestadística y Epidemiología

Mission Statement:

In accordance with the mission of the University of Puerto Rico and the Medical Sciences Campus, the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology is committed to the formation of human resources for health in order to encourage and achieve the most optimum levels of health and well being for our community.

Professionals in both biostatistics and epidemiology, who are indispensable resources in the multidisciplinary focus directed towards prevention and control of health problems, are the objects of our academic efforts directed to forming students with scientific mentality and methodology. They also reaffirm the social commitment that distinguish then locally and internationally as leaders within the health sciences field.

With these aims, our Department is composed of a high level and experienced faculty, and a curriculum updated according to the changing needs in research, technology and service, so that our mission can adjust to these social needs and health levels.

Admissions Information

General Admission Requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree granted by a college or university of recognized standing, or have completed studies equivalent to those required for a bachelor's degree.
• Submission of scores obtained in the graduate entrance examination in Spanish (EXADEP).
• Fluency in Spanish and ability to read and understand English (Classes are conducted in Spanish).
• Personal interview.
• Submission of the official application and all required documents prior to the deadline established by the School.
• Meet the specific requirements of the student's program of choice.

Specific Admission Requirements:

Master of Public Health with Specialty in Biostatistics:

Applicants for the Specialty in Biostatistics should have approved a college level algebra course. Those who are health professionals must present a valid license to practice in Puerto Rico.

Master of Public Health with Specialty in Epidemiology:

Applicants for the Specialty in Epidemiology should have approved a college level algebra course. Health professionals must present a valid license to practice in Puerto Rico.

Master of Science in Epidemiology:

Students requesting admission to the Master of Science in Epidemiology program must have completed the following number of credits in the subjects specified below:

Course (Trimester Credit-hours):
§      Biology (4)
§          Chemistry (4)
§          Physics (4)
§          Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology (6) §         Mathematics - Algebra and Calculus (6)

Applications:

Applications can be obtained and must be addressed to:

Central Office of Admissions
University of Puerto Rico
Medical Sciences Campus
P.O. Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067

Programs Degrees

Master of Public Health - Biostatistics:

The Master of Public Health (MPH) with Concentration in Biostatistics develops in students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to apply statistical methodologies in the planning and implementation of studies and research in the area of community health. Specifically, the program graduates will deal proficiently with statistics in the health field, apply appropriate statistical methodology in the classification, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of health data, as well as collaborate in the design and implementation of evaluation models for health programs. Graduates also advise health agencies and organizations on the application of statistical theories and methodologies.

This is a 55 credit-hour program with courses distributed in three trimesters and one summer session.

Master of Public Health - Epidemiology:

The Master of Public Health (MPH) with Concentration in Epidemiology prepares students to analyze data on diseases, investigate epidemics, and collaborate with other professionals in the prevention and control of disease. As professionals in one of the main areas of public health, epidemiologists study the distribution of diseases in the population, as well as factors associated with the increase or decrease in the incidence of such diseases. Graduates often work for government agencies and the private sector in research programs focusing on the distribution of disease in the population and on related factors. They also participate in educational activities geared to prevention.

This is a 54 credit-hour program with courses distributed in three trimesters and one summer session.

Master of Science - Epidemiology:

One of the key disciplines within the field of public health, epidemiology is the study of the occurrence, distribution, and causes of disease in the community. The Master of Science (MSc) in Epidemiology Program prepares professionals proficient in the utilization of epidemiological methodology in the study and solution of community health problems, and who will engage in teaching, research, and service in this area. Program graduates are employed by government agencies and the private sector as epidemiologists, research assistants, data analysts, and coordinators of programs focusing on prevention. Some pursue doctoral studies.

This is a two-year (6 trimesters and two summers) program with a total of 76 trimester credit-hours.

Financial Aid

The Dean of Students administrates the Teaching and Research Assistant Program which provides financial aid to students with high academic performance. For more information, contact the office of the Dean of Student Affairs or call: (787) 758-2525 Ext. 2070.

The Financial Aid Office is in charge of providing financial aid (scholarship/ grants, work-study programs, and loans) to qualified students whose annual income is not sufficient to cover their educational expenses. For more information, contact the office of the Dean of Student Affairs or call: (787) 758-2525 Ext. 5205, 5206. The officer listed below is authorized to provide information regarding financial aid for Public Health students: