Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science in Biostatistics is a two-year degree program with a minimum requirement of 37 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 in public health.

Entry requirements include differential, integral and multivariate calculus and linear algebra. In some cases, a student deficient in entry requirements may be admitted provided a plan for remediation 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 are reviewed on the basis of 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 applicant that describes short and long-term goals related to the PhD program and the Biostatistics profession.
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours
BIOS 6100 Biostatistical Methods I 4
BIOS 6202 Applied Linear Models 3
BIOS 6204 Statistical Theory I 3
BIOS 6206 Statistical Theory II 3
BIOS 6210 Categorical Data Analysis 3
BIOS 6610 Biostatistical Consulting I 2
BIOS 6700 Research Seminar in Biostatistics 2
BIOS 6212 Survival Analysis 3
BIOS 6900 Thesis Research [6 credits required] 6
EPID 6210 Principles of Epidemiology 3
PUBH 6221 Foundations of Public Health 1
PUBH 6200 Essentials of Public Health Ethics 3
Biostatistics Electives (see university catalog for full list of electives) 6
Total 42

SPH MS students obtain a public health orientation to the 12 recommended foundational learning objectives primarily through the required three-credit course, PUBH 6200 Essentials of Public Health. Assessment of the foundational competencies are made through quizzes, essays, presentations and graded class participation using a well-establish rubric. Students gain knowledge of public health through discussions of the profession and science of public health, factors related to human health, as well as other topics, such as the role of the health care system and health care financing. Students also gain knowledge through reading selected papers and creating presentations for the class. Outcomes of the course include understanding of the twelve core public health knowledge competencies.

For more information about the MS in Biostatistics at the LSUHSC, contact:

Qingzhao Yu, PhD
Program Director of Biostatistics
E-mail: biostatistics@lsuhsc.edu

Unless otherwise approved by the Program Director, all applications should be submitted through SOPHAS by the application deadline.