Program Overview
The Johns Hopkins ScM in Biostatistics prepares students for careers as professional statisticians in research or professional settings. It provides a strong foundation in statistical theory and practice, with coursework covering study design, data management, statistical inference, and research methods. The program culminates in a master's thesis project, where students work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct original research in biostatistics.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Johns Hopkins Department of Biostatistics ScM program is designed for individuals with strong undergraduate backgrounds in quantitative or biological sciences. It prepares them for careers as professional statisticians, particularly in research or professional settings.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to:
- Design research studies related to human health and disease.
- Develop and implement data management systems, pipelines, and tools.
- Draw inferences from quantitative data.
- Apply statistical reasoning and theory to solve non-standard statistical problems.
- Conduct major statistical analyses to address public health or statistical research questions.
- Assist statistical researchers in conducting original, methodological research.
Program Description:
The ScM program typically spans two years. The first year focuses on didactic coursework, while the second year involves close collaboration with a departmental faculty member on a master's thesis project. Students also complete elective courses aligned with their individual interests.
- Departmental Master's Exam: Taken at the end of the first year (typically the third Monday after the fourth term). This exam includes a multi-hour in-class component and a 3-day take-home data analysis project.
- Thesis Project: A significant component of the second year, requiring students to work closely with a faculty advisor.
Careers:
ScM graduates typically pursue positions as:
- Scientific Project Coordinators
- Data Analysts These roles often involve:
- Designing research studies
- Implementing data management systems
- Analyzing quantitative data
- Drawing inferences from data
- Applying statistical reasoning to solve problems
Other:
- Seminars: The department offers a weekly seminar program featuring presentations by leading statistical scientists from around the world. Attendance is mandatory for all graduate students.
- Current Topics in Biostatistics Research: A required course for first-year graduate students, where faculty, postdocs, and senior students present their research, emphasizing the public health and scientific questions driving the work, its impact, and practical applications.
- Cells to Society Courses: Eight online courses (PH.552.601-PH.552.612) are required to fulfill the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requirements. These courses must be completed by the end of the second year.
- Master's Student Policies: Specific policies regarding academic performance of master's students in the Department of Biostatistics. These policies cover areas such as grade point average, minimum grade thresholds, and deadlines.
- Departmental Master's Comprehensive Exam: Details the grading process, passing scores, and potential resolutions for students who fail the exam.
- Tuition Reduction: Students who pass the departmental exam are eligible for a 75% tuition reduction in their second year.
- Part-Time Status: Students who do not receive the tuition reduction may consider switching to part-time status, but this requires approval from the graduate committee and may not be an option for international students due to visa and residency requirements.
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