Academics

The Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics offers both Master of Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. degree programs. In addition, MPH students can elect a Biostatistics concentration. These degree programs offer rigorous training in a supportive atmosphere.

Master of Science (M.S.) program
We offer a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biostatistics both with a non-thesis and a thesis option. The non-thesis option is a three semester 30 credit hour program which includes practica and projects to enhance students’ exposure to applications. The thesis option (four semesters, 36 credit hours) is suitable for students who are preparing for careers with a research component or students planning on doctoral work.

Both Master of Science (M.S.) programs require a core of probability, mathematics, and general statistical theory before proceeding to more focused courses in biostatistics.   Advanced coursework in biostatistics can be selected from a broad list that includes categorical data analysis, survival analysis, multivariate statistics, and Bayesian statistics.  Some students may take electives in such areas as artificial intelligence, human learning and cognitive processes, simulation, optimization, and mathematical modeling based on individual interests. The M.S. program begins in the Summer/Fall semester of each year.  Click here to view sample curricula. For additional information about the thesis and non-thesis MS programs, please contact Department Chair K.B. Kulasekera or Program Director Susmita Datta

MPH Concentration in Biostatistics  
Click here to learn more about the MPH program and requirements for the biostatistics concentration.

Doctoral Degree Program
We offer a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Biostatistics and a Ph.D. in Biostatistics with an emphasis in Bioinformatics.  The Ph.D. degree program requires 34 hours of coursework beyond the M.S., plus dissertation research. Students complete a required core of biostatistics course work before proceeding to more advanced work in specialization areas.  They will receive state-of-the-art training in the latest statistical methods, in order to tackle the challenges associated with the study design and data analysis of modern research conducted in the health sciences. The Ph.D. provides advanced training in statistical theory and methods, with the goal of enabling the student to carry out original research. Click here to view a sample curriculum