Biostatistics (MSPH)

College of Public Health > Online Catalog > Programs Offered

The goal of the MSPH Program in Biostatistics is for students to acquire a thorough understanding of biostatistical methods, and
to apply them to research focusing on public health related problems. The program prepares students to fulfill a primary or shared
responsibility for the handling of quantitative and computational aspects of a research project, ranging from study design, data
collection and management, developing analysis plans, and conducting analyses and reporting findings. The program provides
students with knowledge in statistical theory and computational methods as applied to public health research. The intended
audience of the program includes individuals with a strong quantitative background and interests in pursuing a research career as
a biostatistician. Through advanced coursework and the thesis, students develop mastery in at one or more statistical methods
related to their thesis research area.
In addition to the overall Master of Science in Public Health degree objectives, Biostatistics graduates will be able to:
• Apply biostatistical methods to the design of experimental and observational studies with respect to sample selection,
randomization, and power;
Apply common probability distributions to public health outcomes;
• Use statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, data exploration, estimation, hypothesis testing, and modeling;
• Demonstrate programming and data management skills and use common statistical software packages for data analysis;
• Communicate effectively to public health practitioners in terms of formulating research problems and interpreting
statistical results;
• Conduct independent research involving the application of biostatistical methods to a health research problem;
• Critique statistical and public health literature; and
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues related to the use of biostatistics in health research.
Prerequisites
• Public health course prerequisites:
○ HSC 4551 Survey of Human Diseases
○ PHC 4100 Introduction to Public Health
○ Or an equivalent course is required for student who lack training in public health or biological sciences.
• Suggested/preferred undergraduate majors: Mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, natural sciences, biological
sciences, medical sciences, environmental sciences, management information systems.
• Prerequisite undergraduate courses: Linear algebra, calculus, computer skills (e.g. operating system, internet, word
processing, spread sheet)
• Work experience: Prior work experience is preferred, but not required.
• GRE Scores and GPA Requirements
• Other criteria: Academic background, goal statement, student's academic interests, references and availability of faculty
and facility resources are also considered as part of the entrance evaluation.

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Biostatistics (MSPH)
College of Public Health > Online Catalog > Programs Offered

Curriculum or Plan of Study

All courses 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.

College Core Courses (9 credits)

PHC 6000 Epidemiology

PHC 6057 Biostatistical Inference I
And one of the following
PHC 6102 Principles of Health Policy and Management
PHC 6357 Environmental and Occupational Health
PHC 6410 Social and Behavioral Sciences Applied to Health

Required Concentration Courses (18 credits)

PHC 6053 Categorical Data Analysis

PHC 6055 Survival Analysis
PHC 6010 Epidemiology Methods I
PHC 6060 Biostatistical Case Studies and Consulting I
PHC 6020 Clinical Trials
PHC 6051 Biostatistics II

Electives (12 credits)

Examples of common elective options:

PHC 6054 Design and Analysis of Experiments for Health Researchers
PHC 6056 Survey Sampling Methods in Health Sciences
PHC 6061 Biostatistical Case Studies and Consulting II
PHC 6701 Computer Applications for Public Health Researchers
PHC 6190 Public Health Database Management
PHC 6934 Linear Model Analysis of Health Data
PHC 7053 Generalized Liner Models
PHC 7056 Longitudinal Data Analysis
STA 6746 Multivariate Analysis
PHC 6907 Independent Study

Culminating Experiences (6 minimum)

PHC 6971 Thesis (6 minimum)

Core Comprehensive Exam (no credit)

Minimum Required Credit Hours: 45

College Admission Requirements
Additional Links:
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Biostatistics (MSPH)
College of Public Health > Online Catalog > Programs Offered

• College Master of Science in Public Health requirements

• Department Specific Guidelines for Special Project, Field Experience, Comprehensive Exam

• Academic and Student Affairs: Registration, Academic Procedures, etc.

• Tuition and Financial Aid

• Course Descriptions