Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master's program in Biostatistics is an applied one-year program intended for quantitative students seeking training in applied biostatistics. The program emphasizes applications and understanding of statistical concepts rather than theoretical and mathematical principles. The program is meant to be a degree to provide students with a necessary background for applying good biostatistical practices in real-world settings. Students will gain practical skills that can be applied immediately to a variety of data settings, which includes, but is not limited to, the biological life sciences, public health, medical studies, health services research.

Competencies

The MS in Biostatistics degree is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Upon completion of the MS in Biostatistics degree, all graduates will be able to:

• Apply epidemiologic and statistical methods to the measurement and study of population health and the prevention of infectious and chronic disease
• Describe concepts in probability theory, random variation and commonly used statistical distribution and mathematical statistics
• Develop sample size and power calculations for different study designs including those from clinical trials and observational studies
• Perform a variety of basic and advanced statistical analyses (estimation and inference) including ANOVA, univariate and multiple regression models, generalized linear modeling, multivariate analysis, survival analysis, designs of experiments, various new techniques from statistical learning theory, analyze longitudinal data
• Apply quantitative and reasoning skills as well as content-area knowledge to analyze data from epidemiological, clinical, observational and experimental studies
• Interpret results from explanatory and descriptive data analysis and advanced statistical analyses to draw relevant conclusions from data
• Develop a high level of competency in statistical programming both in R and SAS for both managing and analyzing data
• Communicate effectively by producing summary reports, statistical analysis sections of papers, graphical summaries and tabular summaries of data
• Gain successful practical experience in statistical consulting, including interaction with research faculty in the health sciences

Program Details

• Average Program Duration: 1 year
• Total required credits: 33 credits

The Curriculum

The degree consists of 33 credits covering introductory probability, biostatistics, introductory epidemiology and public health, computing, clinical trials, introductory survival analysis, and introductory mathematical statistics. Enrichment will be provided by a statistical practicum and a seminar course. Prerequisites include introductory calculus, introductory linear algebra, and introductory computing.

• Core Courses (33 credits)
  • BST 605 Statistical Principles of Clinical Trials (3 credits)
  • BST 610 Introduction to Statistical Collaboration (3 credits)
  • BST 625 Survey of Statistical Computing (3 credits)
  • BST 650 Topics in Biostatistical Research (1 credit per semester)
  • BST 692 Data Science and Machine Learning for Health Research (3 credits)
  • EPH 600 Introduction to the Science and Practice of Public Health (3 credits)
  • EPH 621 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • EPH 703 Advanced Statistical Methods I (4 credits)
  • EPH 705 Advanced Statistical Methods II (3 credits)
  • EPH 751 Survival Analysis in Clinical Trials (3 credits)
  • BST 603 Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications (3 credits)