Master of Science in Biostatistics

The Master's Program in Biostatistics primarily prepares students to carry out state-of-the-art data analyses appropriate for dealing with data arising in life sciences problems. The first year of study is very similar to the Ph.D. program, and both programs share courses STA 232AB in the second year. There is no thesis element; students are assessed through coursework and comprehensive examination. An M.S. student can easily transfer into the Ph.D. program in the second year. Biostatistics applies quantitative methods to study problems related to life sciences that arise in a broad array of fields. Biostatistics provides stochastic models and methods, algorithms, and graphical tools for the analysis of data from genetics, bioinformatics, and the medical, biological, agricultural, and environmental sciences. Students gain advanced knowledge of survival analysis; statistical methods for genetics, bioinformatics, epidemiology and environmental research; longitudinal data analysis; analysis of biological shapes and trajectories; generalized linear models, estimating equations, model selection and bioassay; and design for biological and medical studies. Students graduate with the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for professional research and teaching in providing stochastic models and methods, algorithms and graphical tools for the analysis of data for a variety of life-sciences fields.