Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Sebastian Arenas
Program: Master of Science — Biostatistics (online)
Hometown: Miami
Educational background: Master of Public Health — Epidemiology, Florida International University; Bachelor of Science — Biology, University of Florida
Current role: Infection preventionist — University of Miami Health System
Why did you decide to join your program?
My initial requirements were pretty simple: I wanted something asynchronous and affordable, and that didn’t require the GRE. I also needed to learn how to visualize and interpret data because that’s a big part of my current job. On top of that, I was interested in doing research, but I honestly had no idea how to run a statistical analysis.
After doing some online digging (there really aren’t many programs that check all those boxes), I found this one. It met everything I was looking for. I even reached out to a current student on LinkedIn, and they recommended it, which helped me feel more confident about applying.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
How responsive, kind and willing to help the professors are regarding class work and when it comes time to providing guidance (e.g., what classes to take and how that can help future goals).
What do you plan to do with your degree?
First, continue to learn and hopefully become a subject-matter expert. Second, provide visuals to my teams and other departments for quality improvement and conduct research. I want to help design and conduct clinical studies.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel so I can snowboard or hike (can’t do those in Miami), spend time with my wife, go to the beach, be outdoors and watch a good tv show or movie. Also read books.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
Do it. I genuinely have no regrets.
One thing I’d tell anyone considering this program is: Don’t expect to learn everything just from the lectures. You really have to put in the time, read the chapters, look up extra resources and actually practice the homework problems. Most of the learning comes from you, not from whether a video is in perfect HD.
The asynchronous, off‑campus format of this program is designed for working professionals like me who want to advance their skills without putting their careers on hold. Its flexibility has allowed the coursework to fit seamlessly into my life. I’m able to study during my off‑hours, on public transportation and on weekends, all without disrupting my professional responsibilities.
Even after just two semesters, the impact has been significant. I’ve already applied what I’ve learned to my job, developing plots in R, and performing a chi‑square test for a scientific poster. I’m also designing a survey for an upcoming project, and I’m confident that the analytical skills I’ve gained through this program will allow me to evaluate it effectively.
What I love most is that I’m learning skills I can use anywhere, no matter what job I end up in. Honestly, this has been the best investment I’ve made in myself, way more practical than what I got out of my M.P.H. or my biology degree. Even just doing homework or reviewing chapters becomes a chance to learn R and Python, and I really appreciate that.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Don’t hesitate. Apply, you will not regret it.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the online Master of Biostatistics program.
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