MS in Biostatistics

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field
    • A major in the biological, physical, or social sciences is preferred.
    • MS in Biostatistics students applying to the concentration in Health Analytics must have completed four math courses in algebra and calculus. Exceptions may be granted for applicants with relevant work experience or high-level academic achievements. Exceptions may be admitted with an individually documented plan of study to compensate for deficiencies, although applicants are strongly encouraged to satisfy all deficiencies prior to matriculation.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00.
  • Tests Required GRE General. For GRE General Tests, the combined verbal and quantitative scores must be at least 300.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
    • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required.
  • Personal Statement Required; the statement should address the applicant’s intended research, career goals, and reason for pursuing the MS degree.
  • Other Requirements Students must have earned a grade of B or above in both Calculus I and Calculus II. 

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required: 47
  • Course Work: At least 32 semester hours must be in courses other than IPHS 598 and at least 9 semester hours must be at the 500 level. No more than 4 hours of IPHS 596 may be applied to the degree.

School-Wide Requirements 

School of Public Health Core Requirements
Introduction to Epidemiology: Principles and Methods
Foundations of Public Health
Required Non-Credit Training
Information Privacy and Security/Health Privacy Training (IPS)
Human Subjects Training
Title IX Training
SPH Academic Integrity Tutorial

Divisional Core Requirements

MS in Biostatistics

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements and the School of Public Health core requirements, students must complete the following divisional requirements to reach 47 semester hours.

Biostatistics Divisional Core Requirements
Design of Clinical Trials
Sampling and Estimation Methods Applied to Public Health
Biostatistics Methods I
Biostatistics Laboratory
Statistical Learning in Health Analytics
Categorical Data Analysis
Survival Analysis
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Biostatistical Investigations
Biostatistics Theory I
Biostatistics Theory II
Electives
A minimum of 8 semester hours of electives. BSTT 400, BSTT 401, and BSTT 505 are not suitable electives.

MS in Biostatistics, Concentration in Health Analytics 

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements and the School of Public Health core requirements, students must complete the following divisional requirements to reach 48 semester hours.

Health Analytics Divisional Core Requirements
Health Data Analytics Using Python Programming
Introductory Special Topics in Biostatistics
Biostatistics Methods I
Biostatistics Methods II
Statistical Learning in Health Analytics
Machine Learning in Health Analytics
Health Analytics Investigations
Categorical Data Analysis
Introduction to Probability
Statistical Theory
Electives (Recommended Courses)
Survival Analysis
Longitudinal Data Analysis
One additional elective
  • Students will complete the MS in Biostatistics, Health Analytics concentration through course work only. The course BSTT 529 measures the main competency of Health Analytics concentration. This course includes a comprehensive investigation of either a large or sparse complex health data set that will require application of numerous health analytics methods with an emphasis on public health research applications.
  • A final comprehensive written report is needed to complete the program. At least two faculty members from the division will evaluate the final report.

Other Requirements

  • Comprehensive Examination: Required for MS in Biostatistics; None for MS in Biostatistics, Concentration in Health Analytics
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-work-Only Options: Course work only
    • Biostatistics students complete the program through course work only.
    • Biostatistics students in the Health Analytics concentration complete the program through course work and a final comprehensive project in BSTT 529.