Ball State University’s master of science in health science with a concentration in biostatistics and epidemiology embraces areas important to public health and better serve you as you pursue jobs in epidemiology and biostatistics. The biostatistics and epidemiology concentration will provide you with the necessary and competitive quantitative, analytical, and data-forward skills to prepare you for the projected high demand for health science jobs. In fact, biostatistician and epidemiologist jobs are projected to increase nationally by 32.3 percent and 28.3 percent, respectively, over the next 10 years (Source: Lightcast™ Analyst 2024).
Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 6, 2025
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Major Credits: 38 to 39
- No GRE required for most students
- Time to complete: 2.5 years or 7 semesters
What Skills Will I Gain?
Public health careers are heavily data focused. The skills you learn in your courses are relevant to several careers and can be immediately applied to your line of work. A sample of those skills includes:
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Hypothesis testing
- Statistical programming
- Research
Career Outcomes
Your health science degree will translate to several employment sectors including healthcare, colleges and universities, local and federal departments of health, insurance and risk management, pharmaceutical, and scientific research and development services, just to name a few. Below are examples of job titles you may hold:
- Biostatistician
- Communicable Disease Specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Epidemiology Investigator
- Research Scientist
- Statistical Analyst
Our health science master's degree prepares you for "Bright Outlook occupations" as identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These fields are not only projected to experience rapid growth in the coming years but also promise a wealth of job opportunities.
Why Ball State Online
You’ll learn from experienced faculty from Ball State’s Department of Nutrition and Health Science. They take the time to get to know you and your career goals, and help you achieve them.
Most of our online students aren’t just students. Like you, they are working professionals, have families, and busy lives, and are trying to balance it all. That’s why the master’s in health science is designed to fit into your lifestyle. The 100 percent online format means that you can complete your course work anywhere. And you can graduate in 2 ½ years by taking 2 courses a semester. You also have the option of starting your education in a Fall or Spring cohort.
Because the master’s in health science curriculum is heavily focused on data, those with bachelor’s degree in math, life and health sciences, data analytics, risk management, or something similar will be most prepared to enter the program. You can always speak to your Student Success Specialist to see if the master’s in health science is right for you.
Ball State focuses on the student experience, placing emphasis on smaller class sizes, personal attention from faculty, and immersive learning. Our commitment to student experience is the same whether you’re on campus or online. Professors also hold dedicated office hours, allowing you to have one-on-one appointments with them.
Courses You Will Take
The curriculum for the master’s in health science is designed to help you advance in quantitative and educational skills necessary in healthcare systems and across the public health sector. The breakdown of the 38-39 credits to complete the master’s degree is as follows:
- Required core major courses: 14-15 credits
- Required concentration courses: 12 credits
- Concentration electives: 6 credits
- Thesis or non-thesis option: 6 credits
For the full list of required courses and electives for the master’s in health science, see the course catalog.
View All Courses
Meet Your Advisor
The role of your academic advisor is more than telling you which courses to take. For starters, they are student success specialists, and they are dedicated to your academic success. You’ll work with the same specialist from application to graduation.
Contact Rachel Austin, your Student Success Specialist, who can answer questions you have about our program.
Online Learning at a Glance
The 100 percent online master's in health science is designed with the working adult in mind. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at a pace that fits into your daily routine without worrying about being late to class. Many students take one or two courses at a time until they find the right balance between work, classes, and other responsibilities.
You’ll still earn a reputable Ball State degree whether you’re taking classes in a physical or online classroom.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in our program? Then it's time to apply!
Get Started
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.