Master of Science in Biostatistics with Concentration in Data Science in Public Health (MS-DSPH)
Program Description
Biostatisticians who pursue the MS with a concentration in Data Science in Public Health (DSPH) apply biostatistical data analysis methods with machine learning expertise to efficiently analyze data in biomedical research. The DSPH concentration focuses on data skills that can be applied to many areas of public health research such as infectious diseases, cancer, mental health, and more. Skills acquired from the DSPH concentration are essential to biomedical research in data analyses, pattern detection in large data sets, data management, and data mining. The demand for MS Biostatistics graduates with a DSPH concentration has increased dramatically with the increase in production of large and high dimensional data. The DSPH concentration aims to prepare students to succeed in careers such as data analysts with machine learning knowledge in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA, etc.), health insurance companies, and other organizations related to public health and/or require working with large amounts of data.
Admission 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).
- GRE recommended but not required
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (750-1000 words)
- CV/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 (minimum scores)
Deadlines
- Program only admits entry for Summer and Fall semesters
- Rolling admission; applications must be submitted no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of fall semester
- Priority consideration for applications received by February 1
Curriculum
36 credit hours required with a 3.0 GPA
- 6 hours of core courses
- 21 hours of biostatistics/statistics courses
- 6 hours of electives
- 3 hours of thesis and oral comprehensive exam OR written comprehensive exam plus additional elective (3 credit hours)
General Core Courses
- PUBH 7170 Epidemiology in Public Health
- PUBH 7180 Foundations of Public Health
Biostatistics/Statistics Core Courses
- PUBH 7150 Biostatistical Methods I
- PUBH 7152 Biostatistical Methods II
- PUBH 7311 Applied Categorical Analysis
- PUBH 7310 Mixed Model Regression Analysis
- COMP 7745 Machine Learning
- COMP 7116 Database Systems
- PUBH 7400 Data Management or PUBH 7190 Advanced SAS I
Other Requirements
- Elective
- Elective
- One of the following:
- PUBH 7992 Practicum (with written comprehensive exam)
- PUBH 7996 Master’s Thesis (with defense as oral comprehensive exam)
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.
Contact Us
For frequently asked questions about the this program, please visit our MS FAQ.
Briana McNeil
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740