The Master of Science in Biostatistics is a two-year degree program with a minimum requirement of 42 semester hours of graduate work, not over six hours of which is allowed for research and composition of a thesis, and not more than two credit hours of seminars. It begins with a core of basic biostatistical methods and statistical theory and continues with electives in biostatistical methods directly applicable to public health.
Entry requirements include calculus and linear algebra. In some cases, a student deficient in entry requirements may be admitted, provided a remediation plan is developed and approved by the faculty. The MS is offered jointly through the School of Public Health and the School of Graduate Studies. Click here for information on applying to the M.S. Biostatistics program.
Applicants should have strong quantitative aptitude and skills, and their applications should be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Strength of their previous coursework based on grades and coursework with particular emphasis given to courses in statistics, mathematics and computer science.
- Three letters of reference from individuals who can provide an assessment of your quantitative skills and potential for success in the M.S. program.
- Goal Letter written by the applicant that describes short and long-term goals related to the PhD program and the Biostatistics profession.
Typical sequence of courses for students pursuing an M.S. degree in Biostatistics
Fall I Semester (10 credits)
- BIOS 6100 – BIOSTATISTICAL METHODS I [4 Credits]
- BIOS 6204 – STATISTICAL INFERENCE I [3 Credits]
- EPID 6210 – PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY [3 Credits]
Spring I Semester (10 credits)
- BIOS 6202 – APPLIED LINEAR MODELS [3 Credits]
- BIOS 6206 – STATISTICAL INFERENCE II [3 Credits]
- PUBH 6221 – FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH ETHICS [1 Credit]
- BIOS ELECTIVE [3 Credits]
Fall II Semester (12 credits)
- BIOS 6210 – CATEGORICAL DATA ANALYSIS [3 Credits]
- BIOS 6610 – BIOSTATISTICAL CONSULTING I [2 Credits]
- BIOS 6700 – RESEARCH SEMINAR IN BIOSTATISTICS [1 Credit] 2 credits required
- BIOS 6900 – THESIS RESEARCH [1-9 Credits] 6 credits required
- BIOS ELECTIVE [3 credits]
Spring II Semester (10 credits)
- BIOS 6212 – SURVIVAL ANALYSIS [3 Credits]
- BIOS 6700 – RESEARCH SEMINAR IN BIOSTATISTICS [1 Credit]
- BIOS 6900 – THESIS RESEARCH [1-9 Credits]
- PUBH 6200 – ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC HEALTH [3 Credits]
Total: 42 Credits