Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics with concentration in Biostatistics
About the Program
The mission of the CEPH accredited Master of Science program is to provide a stimulating academic environment in a metropolitan setting that supports excellence and innovation in education, research, and service to enhance the lives and health of individuals, families, and communities in the Mid-South.
This MS program has two concentrations, Biostatistics and Data Sciences in Public Health. The goal of the program is to train students for positions in government and private health agencies, industry, and research institutes, and to prepare students who plan to enter a doctoral program in related areas. Compared to the MPH with Biostatistics concentration, the MS in Biostatistics with concentration in Biostatistics is more focused and provides in depth training on biostatistical analytical tools and their related theoretical background.
MS Biostatistics degree can be earned in-person as full-time or part-time.
What will you learn?
Through close work with professors and peers and intensive involvement on research projects, MS students in this concentration will develop competence in data analyses with strong biostatistics analytical skills supported by in-depth understanding of underlying biostatistical theory, a deeper understanding of epidemiological aspects involved in public health problems, and strong public health communication skills.
Where to after graduation?
An MS prepares graduates for higher level public health studies and research responsibilities in the public health workforce. An MS in Biostatistics is beneficial to mid-career professionals who want to engage in population health and work in population health related research institutes, hospitals, government, non-profit, and pharmaceutical companies. This concentration also prepares students for their subsequent doctoral studies in Biostatistics.
Is this degree right for you?
If you have completed or are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in contributing to public and population health at the level of the community, region, nation, or globe as a biostatistics data analyst with deep understanding of underlying health issues and the ability to identify the best analytical approaches driven by biostatistical theory, or if you have interest to continue as a doctoral student in this field, a MS in Biostatistics with concentration in Biostatistics could be right for you. Reach out to our admissions team to learn more and discuss your options.
Connect with our Admissions Team
Briana McNeil, MEd
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740
Shirl Sharpe, MS
Academic Services Coordinator II
ssharpe@memphis.edu
(901) 678-1710
Admission Information
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree is required for admission with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- It is required that an applicant have a necessary mathematical and probability background (e.g., calculus I & II and basic probability theory required, linear algebra preferred but not required).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (750-1000 words)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- International students:
- Transcripts from degrees obtained outside of the United States must be evaluated by WES or by any members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
- Test of English proficiency scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
- For the most updated transcripts and language requirements, please refer to the Graduate School at the University of Memphis
- GRE recommended by not required at this time
A faculty admission committee with biostatistics and epidemiology expertise determines admission to the MS program. Prior background in public health or health care is not necessary for admission but may be considered in the admission process. The following is necessary for application:
Applicants must hold a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area.
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or other tests permitted by the Graduate School at the University of Memphis.
Letters of recommendation from at least three persons familiar with the applicant's
academic background or experience in public health related issues, specifying in detail
the applicant's capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public
health professional, are required. At least one letter from a former professor or
instructor is required.
Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose indicating current interests and
career goals, including motivation for pursuing an MPH degree.
All MS applicants will be expected to have mathematical and probability background (e.g., calculus I & II and basic probability theory required, linear algebra preferred but not required). Previous professional or other relevant work experience is also highly desirable, but not required.
Deadlines
- Fall Semester - July 31*
- Spring Semester - December 31*
*International applicants should plan to have their applications in by May 15 for Fall Semester and October 15 for Spring Semester to ensure sufficient time to receive your Form I-20 and visa.
This concentration requires 36 credit hours in total:
- 6 hours of core courses
- 21 hours of concentration courses
- 6 hours of elective courses
- 3 hours of thesis or master's project
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
- PUBH 7170: Epidemiology in Public Health I
- PUBH 7180: Foundations of Public Health
Biostatistics/Statistics Core Courses (21 credit hours)
- PUBH 7150 Biostatistical Methods I*
- PUBH 7152 Biostatistical Methods II*
- PUBH 7311 Applied Categorical Analysis
- PUBH 7309 Applied Survival Analysis in Public Health
- PUBH 7310 Mixed Model Regression Analysis
- MATH 6636 Introduction to Statistical Theory
- MATH 7654 Inference Theory*
Other Requirements (12 credit hours)
- Elective (6 credit hours)
- One of the following:
- PUBH 7992 Master's Project Seminar
- PUBH 7996 Master's Thesis
**PUBH 7150 is the pre-requisite for PUBH 7152, PUBH 7152 is the pre-requisite for PUBH 7311, 7309, 7310, MATH 6636 is the pre-requisite for MATH 7654.
Competencies
- Summarize public health data using statistical methods appropriate for the distribution of these data
- Explain the rationale for common biostatistical methods
- Evaluate preferred methodological alternatives to commonly used statistical methods when assumptions are not met
- Use statistical software to analyze clinical and public health data given appropriate for the given study design
- Effectively communicate the results of statistical analyses in writing and in oral presentation