Master of Science (MS) in Public Health Data Science

Develop the skills to become a public health data scientist and improve healthcare and population health with the Public Health Data Science MS in Temple’s College of Public Health. This 36-credit graduate program is designed to equip graduates to meet the growing demand for data scientists who have an in-depth understanding of biostatistical methods and data analytics.

As a student, you will learn to conceptualize health problems and use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to analyze, design, and manage health and health-related data to produce value-adding analytic insights. You will also learn how to effectively combine and communicate these insights to inform evidence-based public health decision-making.

Graduates of this program will have a strong biostatistical and programming foundation, a mastery of targeted data analysis, and be prepared to apply their skills as follows.

• Apply appropriate statistical methods for summarizing complex public health data, such as estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.
• Determine distinct measurement scales and recognize the implications for the selection of appropriate statistical methods.
• Distinguish statistical models with respect to the data structure.
• Identify appropriate methods for data collection issues.
• Interpret and present results to professional and lay audiences.
• Recognize the concepts of probability, commonly used statistical probability distributions, and random variation.
• Reveal patterns by employing efficient, fluent programming skills in conjunction with statistical inference and big data.
• Understand how experimental design influences statistical inference and uncertainty.
• Utilize appropriate machine learning algorithms that incorporate uncertainty.

Graduates of the program will also be prepared to analyze and utilize “big health data” or “complex study designs” to improve health outcomes while lowering costs, and leveraging multiple data sources for infectious disease surveillance and other newly emerging issues.

STEM Designation

This program is STEM-designated and may help students qualify for a STEM OPT Extension (a two-year extension of post-completion OPT for students who earned a STEM degree in the U.S.).

The College of Public Health is preparing the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and clinicians to solve health’s complexities for a better tomorrow. Our thriving and diverse community is guided by a commitment to social justice and the belief that health is a human right.

Diversity and Inclusion

The College of Public Health’s diversity committee works to support policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We embrace the differences, values, and unique qualities of every individual. We are committed to building a diverse educational community founded on respect, open-mindedness, and appreciation of others. We understand that diversity is expressed in myriad forms, including—but not limited to—race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, disability status, and political perspectives.

Our policies, practices, and programs treat everyone equally, respectfully, and impartially. They exemplify our commitment to civility, non-discrimination, and pluralism, encouraging dialogue that builds meaningful and collaborative relationships throughout our academic, service, and research programs.

We promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in which to work, learn and grow. We are committed to pursuing deliberate efforts to make our college a place where differences are welcomed and celebrated.

Our diverse learning environment

As a student in the College of Public Health, you will explore diversity, cultural competence, and health disparities within your coursework, and you will have the added benefit of learning and living with students, faculty, and staff who are similar yet different from you, thanks to the diversity that exists within our college. Temple University and the College of Public Health are known for the diversity within our student body.

Studying in our diverse environment will allow you to explore your own values and how they influence your thoughts and behaviors. It will also prepare you to more effectively work in the health and human services fields because you will value the uniqueness of each client and group that you serve.

Embrace this unique aspect of your Temple education by participating in one of the many service learning opportunities sponsored by the Office for Clinical Practice and Field Education.