Master of Science in Biostatistics

From the University of Minnesota School of Public Health

• The Profession
• About the Degree
• Degree Delivery and Completion Timetable
• Accreditation
• Admission Information
• Program Curriculum
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid

The Profession

Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, biology, and public health, and the development of new tools to study these areas. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the field of biostatistics has become an indispensable tool in improving health and reducing illness.

Biostatisticians play essential roles in designing studies, analyzing data and creating methods to attack research problems as diverse as the:

• Determination of major risk factors for heart disease, lung disease, and cancer
• Testing of new drugs to combat AIDS
• Evaluation of potential environmental factors harmful to human health, such as tobacco smoke, asbestos or pollutants

Biostatisticians work with researchers on studies aimed at improving human health and preventing disease. University of Minnesota faculty work with other researchers within the School of Public Health, at the Cancer Center, the Medical School, the Dental Research Center, and the Mayo Clinic.

Biostatistics faculty also do extensive work in developing new methods for data analysis. In this division, the most active areas of research include Bayesian methods, high-speed computing and simulation, survival analysis, analysis of geographical patterns of disease, longitudinal data analysis, and methods for analyzing data from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials.

The Division of Biostatistics operates the Coordinating Centers for Biometric Research. This is one of the largest such facilities in the world, and provides many opportunities for graduate students to gain first-hand experience in data analysis, study design and operation, and the use of computers to carry out research, under the supervision of internationally recognized experts in the field. Completing the Master of Science in Biostatistics program will equip graduates to carry on this work.

Job prospects for graduates are excellent and career opportunities include:

• Teaching and research at universities
• Research in drug development and testing at pharmaceutical companies
• Research in large medical institutions

(back to top)

About the Degree

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health Division of Biostatistics has an international reputation for excellence in methodological and applied research and training. Biostatistics students enjoy small classes and individual faculty attention, state-of-the-art computing facilities, proximity to a large academic health center, a strong record in job placement, teaching and research assistantships, and opportunities for work experience in clinical trials and other areas of research.

The master of science degree (Plan B) requires 7 core courses and 4 electives, plus a project. Students initially sequence three courses in biostatistics methods, two courses of statistical theory, a health science elective course which is followed by a written exam. Additional coursework includes courses in clinical trials, analysis of survival data, plus three biostatistics electives. Students complete a project during the final semester.

The Plan B project (non-thesis) involves a combined total of approximately 120 hours of work and includes a written report, an oral presentation of the project, followed by a final oral examination, and registration for 3 credits of PUBH 7494.

Students can enroll in courses as non-admitted students prior to formal admission into the M.S. in Biostatistics program and transfer 15 credits (40% of the required 39 credits) into the program upon admission.

(back to top)

Degree Delivery and Completion Timetable

The M.S. in Biostatistics program extension at the University of Minnesota Rochester campus is offered via interactive television, web-based courses, and adjunct faculty. It is expected that students will be enrolled part-time and able to complete the curriculum in 3 to 5 years.

(back to top)

Accreditation

The School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

(back to top)

Admission Information

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The admissions committee reviews applicants according to their personal statements, background and experience, record of academic achievement, demonstrated academic potential, letters of recommendation, compatibility of interests with program faculty, and other factors. Test scores and GPAs provide competitive points of reference for admission but are not alone decisive in the admissions review.

Prerequisites

• Mathematics through multivariable calculus (three semesters or four quarters)
• Linear algebra
• One course in applied statistics
• One course in computer programming using a standard procedural language such as FORTRAN or C
• Preferred performance levels
  • GPA of 3.10 (3.4 for quantitative courses)
  • GRE scores of 450 (verbal), 650 (quantitative)

Application

The online application for admission to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health is available at http://www.sophas.org (Schools of Public Health Application Service). Full detailed admission information is available at http://www.sph.umn.edu/students/application/home.html. Supporting documentation should be provided directly to SOPHAS.

Applicants must submit to SOPHAS, the centralized online application service:

• Completed SOPHAS application and application fee, designating the U of M School of Public Health
• Letter of Intent describing their professional experience, career goals, and type of setting in which they plan to work
• Resume or C.V.
• Official transcripts of record from each college/university attended
• Official GRE test scores
• Three (3) completed Recommendation Forms with attached letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s academic work; clinical, public health or professional experiences; or leadership potential in public health
• TOEFL test scores (international applicants only)

The admission application is not considered complete until all items are received. No exceptions will be made to the application deadline.

If you have a degree or coursework from an international institution, consult with an advisor.

International students admitted into the program need to complete a Financial Certification Statement. International transcripts must be sent to the School of Public Health.

Application Deadline and Decisions
Final deadline is May 15 for fall admission. Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee beginning in January. Applicants are notified of the admission decision by e-mail.

(back to top)

Program Curriculum

39-credit minimum

(back to top)

Tuition and Fees

Information is available at http://www.onestop.umn.edu/onestop/img/assets/9061/TuitionFactSheet07-08.pdf.

(back to top)

Financial Aid

Information about financial aid opportunities is available at http://www.sph.umn.edu/education/biostats/support/home.html.

(back to top)