MS - Biostatistics Concentration

Biostatistics is one of the primary skills needed for the development and practice of public health – the methods of this discipline are appropriate for quantifying the possible effects of risk factors and health interventions on individuals and groups. The MS with a concentration in Biostatistics is a two-year program that provides training in clinical trials, epidemiologic methodology, implementation science, statistical genetics, and mathematical models for infectious diseases.

Biostatistics students may choose from three pathways:

• Biostatistics Standard Pathway
• Biostatistics Implementation and Prevention Science Methods Pathway
• Data Science Pathway

Applicants apply to the MS in Biostatistics and if admitted will have until the spring term of their first year to choose either the Standard Pathway or the Implementation and Prevention Science Methods Pathway.

Students wishing to choose the Data Science Pathway must choose at the start of the first-year Fall term. In contrast to the more general MPH degree, the MS degree emphasizes the mastery of biostatistical skills from the beginning of the plan of study. While graduates of this program may apply to the PhD degree program, the MS degree is itself quite marketable as a terminal degree. Part-time enrollment is permitted.

Please note that you may apply to both the MPH and the MS program simultaneously, but they do require separate applications.

The length of study for the MS in Biostatistics (all pathways) is two years. Full-time or part-time enrollment is permissible.

This program requires General GRE test scores. Please send them to institution code 3987 (there is no department code).

Students with strong quantitative skills from all undergraduate majors are welcome to apply. Students should have, at a minimum, previous college-level coursework in multivariable calculus (a.k.a., calculus 3) and linear algebra. Experience with introductory statistics and statistical programming language (e.g., R, SAS, python) is helpful, but not required.