Master of Science in Biostatistics (MS)
Program Description
The goal of the MS in Biostatistics 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 biostatistics or bioinformatics. The MS in Biostatistics is more focused compared to MPH with Biostatistics concentration and provides and provides in depth training on biostatistical analytical tools and their related theoretical background. 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, and pharmaceutical companies.
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 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
- Elective
- Elective
- One of the following:
- PUBH 7985 Master’s Project Seminar (with written comprehensive exam)
- PUBH 7996 Master’s Thesis (with defense as oral comprehensive exam)
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
Recommended Course Sequence
Start from Spring
Year 1
Spring 1
- Biostatistics Methods I (PUBH 7150)
- Special Topics on Data management (PUBH 7400) or SAS I (PUBH 7190)
- Introduction to Statistical Theory (MATH 6636)
Fall 1
- Biostatistics Methods II (PUBH 7152)
- Epidemiology in Public Health I (PUBH 7170)
- Foundations of Public Health (PUBH 7180)
Year 2
Spring 2
- Applied Categorical Data Analysis (PUBH 7311)
- Applied Survival Analysis in Public Health (PUBH 7309)
- Inference Theory (MATH 7654)
Fall 2
- Mixed Model Regression Analysis (PUBH 7310)
- Thesis or Comprehensive Exam plus Master’s Project (PUBH 7985)
Start from Summer
Year 1
Summer 1
- Epidemiology in Public Health I (PUBH 7170)
- Foundations of Public Health (PUBH 7180)
- Biostatistics Methods I (PUBH 7150)
Fall 1
- Biostatistics Methods II (PUBH 7152)
- Introduction to Statistical Theory (MATH 6636)
- One elective
Spring 1
- Applied Categorical Data Analysis (PUBH 7311)
- Applied Survival Analysis in Public Health (PUBH 7309)
- Inference Theory (MATH 7654)
Year 2
Fall 2
- Mixed Model Regression Analysis (PUBH 7310)
- One elective
- Thesis or Comprehensive Exam plus Master’s Project (PUBH 7985)
Start from Fall
Year 1
Fall 1
- Introduction to Statistical Theory (MATH 6636)
- Epidemiology in Public Health I (PUBH 7170)
- Biostatistics Methods I (PUBH 7150)
Spring 1
- Biostatistics Methods II (PUBH 7152)
- Applied Categorical Data Analysis (PUBH 7311)
- Applied Survival Analysis in Public Health (PUBH 7309)
Year 2
Fall 2
- Mixed Model Regression Analysis (PUBH 7310)
- Foundations of Public Health (PUBH 7180)
- One elective
Spring 2
- One elective
- Inference Theory (MATH 7654)
- Thesis or Comprehensive Exam plus Master’s Project (PUBH 7985)
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.
Shirl Sharpe, MS
Academic Services Coordinator II
ssharpe@memphis.edu
(901) 678-1710
Hongmei Zhang, PhD, MS
Professor, Division Director, and Program Coordinator for Biostatistics
hzhang6@memphis.edu
Briana McNeil
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740