Program Overview

Biostatistics, MSPH Program Overview

The MSPH program in Biostatistics emphasizes applied data analysis in the areas of public health and medicine, preparing students to analyze data in various settings, including public health surveillance and research programs, government agencies, pharmaceutical research divisions, university research programs, and consulting firms. Students learn to assist in selecting research design, estimate sample size requirements, establish and maintain databases, select and conduct statistical analysis, and communicate results orally and in writing.

Program Competencies

• Implement appropriate statistical methods to establish associations and build predictive models for continuous and categorical outcome variables.
• Select and conduct appropriate statistical procedures for evaluation of public health intervention and surveillance programs.
• Contribute to the design of public health programs by estimating the required sample size and power for program monitoring.
• Incorporate knowledge of databases and information systems in data collection and study management of public health intervention and surveillance programs.
• Interpret and effectively communicate statistical analysis results orally and in writing to public health investigators, collaborators, and members of the general community.

Program Requirements

The MSPH Degree in Biostatistics requires a total of 42 credits, including:

Course List

• SPHTM Foundational Requirements:
  • SPHL 6000: Fundamentals of Interprofessional Collaboration & Practice (1 credit)
  • SPHL 6020: Foundations in Public Health (3 credits)
  • SPHL 6050: Biostatistics for Public Health (3 credits)
  • SPHL 6060: Epidemiology for Public Health (3 credits)
  • SPHL 6070: Health Systems Policy and Management (3 credits)
  • SPHL 6080: Design Strategies in Public Health Programs (3 credits)
• Biostatistics Course Requirements:
  • BIOS 6040: Intermediate Biostatistics (3 credits)
  • BIOS 6220: Database Management (3 credits)
  • BIOS 7060: Regression Analysis (3 credits)
  • BIOS 7080: Design of Experiments (3 credits)
  • BIOS 7150: Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • BIOS 7300: Survival Data Analysis (3 credits)
• Electives: Select 6 credits from courses offered within the department, school, or university in consultation with an academic advisor.
• Additional Coursework:
  • SPHL 9980: Applied Practice Experience (1 credit)
  • SPHL 7950: Integrative Learning Experience (1 credit)

MSPH in Biostatistics Model Course Schedule

This is an example of a course schedule for a Fall start. Students work with their faculty and student success advisors to create a tailored course schedule.

Plan of Study Grid

• Year 1:
  • Fall:
    • SPHL 6000: Fundamentals of Interprofessional Collaboration & Practice (1 credit)
    • SPHL 6020: Foundations in Public Health (3 credits)
    • SPHL 6050: Biostatistics for Public Health (3 credits)
    • SPHL 6060: Epidemiology for Public Health (3 credits)
    • SPHL 6070: Health Systems Policy and Management (3 credits)
    • Total Credit Hours: 13
  • Spring:
    • BIOS 6040: Intermediate Biostatistics (3 credits)
    • BIOS 6220: Database Management (3 credits)
    • SPHL 6080: Design Strategies in Public Health Programs (3 credits)
    • Applied Practice Experience Planning
    • Total Credit Hours: 9
  • Summer Session:
    • SPHL 9980: Applied Practice Experience (1 credit)
    • Total Credit Hours: 1
• Year 2:
  • Fall:
    • BIOS 7150: Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
    • BIOS 7300: Survival Data Analysis (3 credits)
    • Select two Electives (6 credits)
    • Total Credit Hours: 12
  • Spring:
    • BIOS 7060: Regression Analysis (3 credits)
    • BIOS 7080: Design of Experiments (3 credits)
    • SPHL 7950: Integrative Learning Experience (1 credit)
    • Total Credit Hours: 7
  • Total Credit Hours: 42

Program String and Field of Study

PHMSP_GR, BIOS