Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics with concentration in Data Science in Public Health (DSPH)

 

About the Program

The MS program in Data Science in Public Health at the University of Memphis prepares students to harness data analytics, machine learning, and computational tools to analyze large-scale clinical and health data, identify trends, and create evidence-based solutions for improving population health. The program may be completed full-time (in four semesters) or part-time (completion varies) on-campus. 

Students learn to analyze large, complex datasets, applying advanced statistical and machine learning techniques and gain hands-on experience in programming tools to uncover patterns and insights that inform public health strategies. Students can enhance their skills through graduate certificates in one of the following areas, or create their own plan in consultation with the academic advisor: 

1. Health analytics
2. Population health informatics
3. Health systems leadership
4. Population health 

Program Flyer - PDFRequest InformationInformation Sessions

 

Connect with our Admissions Team

Students with backgrounds in math, biology, epidemiology, computer science, statistics who are looking to pivot into the public health field with a focus on data science. It is suitable for health-related and healthcare professionals who are seeking to integrate data science into practice and policy makers who are interested in evidence-based decisions and policies. 

Briana McNeil, MEd
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740

 

Admission Information

Requirements:

• Completed SOPHAS application
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university with GPA of at least 3.0 preferred.
• Personal statement on career interests in healthcare administration. (< 500 words)  
• CV/Resume
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• International applicants
  • The University of Memphis accepts evaluated coursework from agencies certified by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or Association of International Credential Evaluators. SpanTran and IEE are our recommended international transcript evaluation services. They have created a custom application for the University of Memphis that will help you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: SpanTran Application – University of Memphis or IEE – University of Memphis Application 
  • Evidence of English language proficiency according to the University of Memphis Graduate School requirements

Deadlines 

International applicants should plan to have their applications by May 15 for Fall Semester and October 15 for Spring Semester to ensure sufficient time to receive your Form I-20 and visa. 

• Fall Semester – August 15(a)
• Spring Semester – January 15(a) 

 

Curriculum

The program requires a total of forty-two (42) credit hours as follows:(a) 

• 18 credit hours of core courses
• 12 credit hours of concentration courses
• 6 credit hours of elective courses
• 3 credit hours of applied practical experiences
• 3 credit hours of culminating experience 

Core Courses (18 credit hours) 

• HADM 7105 Health Policy and Organization of Health Services
• PUBH 7120 Environmental Health I
• PUBH 7150 Biostatistical Methods I
• PUBH 7160 Social and Behavioral Sciences Principles
• PUBH 7170 Epidemiology in Public Health I
• PUBH 7180 Foundations of Public Health  

Biostatistics courses (21 credit hours) 

• PUBH 7150 Biostatistical Methods I
• PUBH 7152 Biostatistical Methods II(b)
• PUBH 7311 Applied Categorical Analysis(c)
• PUBH 7309 Applied Survival Analysis in Public Health(c)
• PUBH 7310 Mixed Model Regression Analysis(c)
• MATH 6636 Introduction to Statistical Theory
• MATH 7654 Inference Theory 

Electives (6 credit hours) 

• Two (2) 3 credit hours graduate level courses in consultation with faculty advisor  

Applied Practical Experience (3 credit hours) 

• PUBH 7985 Practicum/Field Experience 

Culminating Experience(b) (3 credit hours) 

• PUBH 7992 Master’s Project Seminar OR
• PUBH 7996 Master’s Thesis 
   
  (a) Graduate students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA ("B"). Grades of "D" and "F" will not apply toward any graduate degree but will be computed in the GPA. No more than 7 hours of "C-," "C" or "C+" will be applied towards meeting degree requirements.  
  (b) PUBH 7985 is the pre-requisite for PUBH 7992 or PUBH 7996 

 

Competencies

• Summarize public health data using statistical methods appropriate for the distribution of these data.
• Use statistical software to analyze clinical and public health data given appropriate for the given study design.
• Analyze large data using machine learning techniques.
• Use software for data cleaning and data management.
• Draw statistical inferences from different methodological approaches and communicate in writing the findings.