Biostatistics, MS

Donald E. Mercante, PhD
Professor and Director

The Master of Science in Biostatistics is a two-year degree program with a minimum requirement of 37 semester hours of graduate work, not over six hours of which is allowed for research and composition of a thesis, and not more than two credit hours of seminars. It begins with a core of basic biostatistical methods and statistical theory and continues with electives in biostatistical methods directly applicable in public health.

Entry requirements include differential, integral and multivariate calculus and linear algebra. In some cases, a student deficient in entry requirements may be admitted provided a plan for remediation is developed and approved by the faculty. The MS is offered jointly through the School of Public Health and the School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants should have strong quantitative aptitude and skills and are reviewed on the basis of the following criteria.

• Strength of their previous coursework based on grades and coursework with particular emphasis given to courses in statistics, mathematics and computer science.
• Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with emphasis placed on the quantitative component.
• Three letters of reference from individuals who can provide an assessment of your quantitative skills and potential for success in the MS program.
• Goal Letter written by applicant that describes short and long-term goals related to the MS program and the biostatistics profession.