BS Biostatistics & Health Data Science
What is a Biostatistics & Health Data Science Major?
Biostatistics and health data science bring together calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, computing, technology, and principles of health to address problems in health. Students learn to frame questions, design studies, manage and analyze data, and communicate evidence for decisions in clinical, public-health, and policy settings.
Lehigh’s Bachelor's in Biostatistics & Health Data Science Program
Undergraduate majors explicitly focused on biostatistics and health data science are uncommon across the US, making Lehigh’s program one of the most distinctive in the nation. Lehigh is classified as an R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution, offering close faculty mentorship and opportunities to work directly with health data.
The program emphasizes:
- Analytical rigor and reproducible research practices
- Computational proficiency using modern statistical software and data science tools
- Effective communication for translating complex data into meaningful public health insights
- Ethical responsibility in the use of health data
Whether you’re passionate about health, technology, or data science, our program equips you with the skills to thrive in today’s data-driven job market.
In the News
R1 Research Opportunities at the Undergraduate Level
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What Can You Do with a Degree in Biostatistics or Health Data Science?
A biostatistics bachelor’s degree opens doors to high-impact careers across healthcare, government, research, and industry. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- Biostatistician or data analyst
- Health data analyst
- Public health researcher
- Clinical research coordinator
- Policy analyst or health consultant
- Public health epidemiology analyst
With a strong foundation in both public health and data science, you’ll be ready to tackle pressing health challenges like predicting disease outbreaks, improving patient outcomes, and shaping evidence-based policy.
Admission Process & Affording College
Visit our Undergraduate Admission page to learn about next steps, application requirements, deadlines, and tips for submitting a strong application.
For details on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, visit Lehigh’s Tuition and Financial Aid page to explore funding opportunities that make a Lehigh education accessible.
For further information please email us at incohadv@lehigh.edu
Frequently Asked Questions about Biostatistics & Health Data Science
Biostatistics applies mathematical and statistical methods to health and biological data to understand patterns, causes, and outcomes. It’s essential to public health research—helping scientists design studies, analyze data, and make informed decisions about disease prevention, treatment effectiveness, and health policy.
While biostatistics focuses on the design and analysis of health-related studies, health data science integrates computing, statistics, and machine learning to manage and interpret large-scale health datasets. Lehigh’s program combines both fields so you can apply quantitative and computational tools to solve real-world health problems.
Yes. The major develops strong quantitative reasoning, computing, and research skills that align with medical, public-health, epidemiology, and data-science graduate pathways. (Pre-med students should also complete required science prerequisites.)
You’ll develop technical skills in data analysis, coding, and statistical modeling, along with experience in study design, data visualization, and ethical data use—plus experience communicating results to diverse audiences.
Typical early-career roles include data analyst (health/biostatistics), research or clinical-trial coordinator, and public-health or epidemiology analyst. Graduate study broadens access to biostatistician and health data scientist positions.
No, undergraduate biostatistics majors are relatively rare. Lehigh is among the few universities offering a dedicated biostatistics and health data science major, giving students an early start in this fast-growing field.
Lehigh is an R1 research institution, meaning students learn from leading researchers and gain hands-on experience in real data projects. The program’s combination of public health, computing, and analytics prepares graduates for impactful, data-driven careers improving human health.