Turn data into action.
Including 400-hours of mentored research, BU’s MS in Public Health Data Science is a STEM-approved, 34-credit program that will prepare you for research positions in health data analytics, government, hospitals, private industries, or further study in quantitative and applied fields in public health.
Curriculum
Boston University’s Master of Science (MS) in Public Health Data Science explores data analysis in the context of public health research. As part of the Population Health research umbrella program, Public Health Data Science students learn how to contribute to public health research through data-driven insights.
During the Master of Science curriculum, students elevate their data science and research skills to prepare them for an exciting public health career. More specifically, students grow their knowledge of data management and analysis as well as their confidence to apply state-of-the-art research methods to address a wide range of public health topics. This master’s degree program prepares students for hands-on careers as healthcare data scientists and analysts, public health researchers, or provides them with a strong intellectual foundation for further studies in quantitative research and applied public health.
MS in Public Health Data Science Program Structure
BU’s MS degree focused on Public Health Data Science blends advanced knowledge in population health data analysis with real-world experience in research methods. Students grow their expertise through faculty-mentored research projects and the opportunity to build professional networks in Boston and beyond. One of the benefits of studying at BU’s School of Public Health is the resources in public health, biomedical, and pharmaceutical research that the greater Boston area provides to public health researchers.
After completing the Public Health Data Science degree program, students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate quantitative data and methodology in research reports and peer-reviewed publications in the field of public health.
- Identify and select the appropriate study design, research methods, and data collection strategies for public health studies.
- Analyze and synthesize research findings to inform evidence-based policies or recommendations.
- Develop a scientific hypothesis and design a research study to test the hypothesis, and apply the essential elements of data science research to inform evidence-based public health policies or recommendations
Boston University also offers STEM-approved Master of Science degrees in Global Health, Climate and Health, Translation and Implementation Science, and more.
Featured Story
SPH Introduces MS in Public Health Data Science
The specialized degree is designed to prepare the next generation of public health researchers to develop data-driven solutions for tackling some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Flexible Options for Full- and Part-Time Study
Students pursuing the MS in Public Health Data Science program can pursue the program on a full- or part-time schedule depending on their academic and professional goals. Select population health courses are also offered online.
View the BU Bulletin for course requirements
Full-time Schedule – One Year Option
Through full-time study, the Public Health Data Science program can be completed in 12 months by starting in the summer term. All students (full and part time) begin the program in July and must complete Essentials of Population Health Research, an online course, and Accelerated Training in Statistical Computing, which runs in late August over two weeks.
Flexible Part-time Schedule
Students can also complete this data science degree through part-time study of one to two courses per semester, finishing the program in an average of 24 months. All Public Health Data Science students (full and part time) begin the program in July and must complete Essentials of Population Health Research, an online course, and Accelerated Training in Statistical Computing, which runs in late August over two weeks. Please contact the program director, Andrew C. Stokes, PhD, for more information on part-time scheduling.
Specializations
Faculty Spotlight
Elaine O. Nsoesie, PhD, MS—Associate Professor, Global Health
Dr. Nsoesie applies data science methodologies to global health problems, using digital data and technology to improve health, particularly in the realm of surveillance of chronic and infectious diseases. Read more.
Outcomes
Public Health Data Science Career Outlook
Working side-by-side with leading faculty experts, Public Health Data Science students become savvy researchers and data analysts working on the front lines of rapidly evolving domestic and global health issues. With the comprehensive data analysis training offered through this master’s degree in Population Health, students experience the forefront of innovative health research at BU School of Public Health.
Graduates of the Public Health Data Science program are prepared to continue on to doctoral study or to confidently enter the workplace as a data scientist, making an impact in public health. Employment in the field of data science is projected to grow by estimated 11.5 million new jobs by 2026 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Public health researchers with data expertise make vital contributions to researchers across the biomedical field.
Explore the employment placements of Boston University School of Public Health graduates.
Admissions
MS in Public Health Data Science Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the Public Health Data Science Master’s program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution or be on track to complete one prior to enrollment.
Students are not required to submit GRE test scores as part of their application.
Learn more about the complete admission requirements and application deadlines.
Get Started in Public Health Data Science
Expand your data analysis skills to address disease and health challenges through the MS in Public Health Data Science program. To learn more about this master’s program focused on data science and public health—request more information today.
You can also contact our team in the Boston University School of Public Health Admissions Office at asksph@bu.edu or 617-358-4095 to schedule a visit or learn more about admission eligibility, degree requirements, deadlines, and application information. We look forward to connecting with you.