Department of Biostatistics
Biostatistics: In Conversation with the Yale School of Public Health Department Chair
Discover how the Yale School of Public Health Biostatistics department tackles pressing challenges in biology, medicine and public health. Led by Chair Shuangge Steven Ma, PhD, the department develops innovative methodologies that drive impactful research. With a focus on data, biostatistics integrates mathematics, statistics, computer science and health informatics. From COVID-19 modeling to improving clinical study designs to appropriately incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning tools into health research, our biostatisticians make significant contributions to understanding and treating complex diseases.
Research and Study
The Yale School of Public Health Biostatistics department develops quantitative methodologies and tools for rigorous scientific research to solve the world’s most challenging problems in biology, medicine and public health. Our view of biostatistics encompasses all aspects of the scientific method, from study design and data collection to computation, statistical analysis and interpretation and communication of findings.
Our faculty are leaders in the research, development and application of statistical methods in areas across the field of biostatistics and health data science. You can explore specific Areas of Interest below or see specific research interests at the Faculty page.
You can also explore the School’s website for more information about our Academics and Graduate Programs within Biostatistics and other departments.
Division of Health Informatics
The Division of Health Informatics is invested in training and research around issues surrounding big data acquisition and its management in health care as well as biomedical and public health research. The science of health informatics drives innovation-defining future approaches to information and knowledge management in biomedical research, clinical care and public health. Our department leads in these areas through interdisciplinary research and the health informatics concentration in the department’s Master’s degree program.
Why Choose YSPH Biostatistics?
- Cutting-Edge Research: Engage in advanced research at the intersection of statistics, biomedicine, computer science and epidemiology, utilizing innovative technologies like AI to tackle pressing public health challenges.
- Impactful Learning: Learn from internationally recognized faculty in and out of the classroom. Beyond coursework, you will be able to participate in research centers and initiatives within the department and YSPH. For example, students and faculty in the Public Health Modeling Unit provided critical data and analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Diverse Academic and Career Paths: Our nationally recognized graduate programs equip you with versatile skills to address contemporary issues in data science and public health. Multiple degrees and pathways allow you to tailor your education to meet your goals. Incoming students select among the MPH, MS in Biostatistics (Standard, Implementation and Prevention Science Methods, or Data Science Pathway), MS in Health Informatics, or PhD in Biostatistics (Standard or Implementation and Prevention Science Methods Pathway)
- Collaborative Environment: Benefit from extensive partnerships with other Yale schools and departments, leading pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, enhancing your educational experience and professional network.
Areas of Interest
Academic Programs
Biostatistics MPH
Biostatistics MPH students receive training for a career in public health.
MS - Biostatistics Concentration
MS students in Biostatistics receive training in the theory and application of statistical methodology in biomedical science.PhD in Biostatistics
Doctoral students in biostatistics receive advanced training in statistical modeling, inference and computation in order to meet the challenges of modern biomedical science.
Faculty Affiliated Centers and Labs in Biostatistics and Statistical Methods
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA)CIRA provides HIV-related resources, skills, services, training, and professional networking opportunities to HIV researchers and practitioners who can contribute to advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science (CMIPS)CMIPS develops and disseminates innovative methodologic approaches to address implementation gaps and improve public health worldwide.
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology (CPPEE)CPPEE aims, through epidemiologic studies, to investigate the impact of environmental, genetic, and clinical factors on pregnancy, birth, and childhood.
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science (C²S²)C²S² fosters collaborations involving statistical methods and technology in scientific research, for understanding disease etiologies and developing treatment and prevention strategies.
- Family Accommodation Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderFAOCD refers to family members' or significant others’ participation in or facilitation of patients’ rituals and/or avoidance.
- Public Health Modeling UnitThis renowned program uses mathematical representations of disease spread, healthcare processes, and human behavior to make better public health decisions and predictions.
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences (YCAS)YCAS collaborative team provides expertise in the design, conduct, and analysis of health and health care studies, methodological development, and education and training.
- Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH)YIGH serves as the focal point for research, education, and engagement with global partners to improve the health of individuals and populations worldwide.