Curriculum

Prepare for a Career on the Forefront of Public Health

Some of us are called to ask the big questions in life. Biostatisticians ask these questions and find the life-changing answers through scientific research and in-depth statistical analysis.

How it Works

Our Master of Science in Biostatistics (MSB) program, which is jointly administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, will provide you with comprehensive training in statistical theory and application to position you well for future doctoral studies or starting your career as a practicing biostatistician, all while beginning to build your professional network in Boston. In this comprehensive program, you will:

• Gain advanced knowledge in probability, statistical inference and the theory of linear models.
• Learn to design and conduct experimental and epidemiological studies.
• Build skills in statistical computation, data analysis, and advanced statistical modeling techniques.
• Be an active part of the department of biostatistics community, with frequent opportunities to participate in research projects, departmental seminars and interact with a vibrant student community.

Faculty

You will learn from the best. Our accomplished, practicing faculty publish the cutting-edge research that puts public health innovation in motion. Research interests of our accomplished faculty include multivariate analysis, survival analysis, medical statistics, clinical trials methodology, statistical genetics, robust statistics, longitudinal data analysis, time series, regression, estimation theory, and the design of experiments.

Program Directors:

• Kathryn L. Lunetta
• Laura Forsberg White

Students

Learn more about our MSB students:

Adlin is a recent alumna from the MS in Biostatistics. During her time at BU, she worked with faculty members on research projects. Now she works for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as a biostatistician, focusing on statistical analysis for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Learn more about Adlin.

Katie chose BU for her MS in Biostatistics because she wanted to learn both the practical and theoretical sides of biostatistics. She enjoyed her time in the program so much that she decided to continue on in to the PhD. Find out more about why Katie chose BU.

Ross is a current MS student from Saratoga, New York. He's interested in data visualization, clinical trials, and public health, and wants to work for a medical device or pharmaceutical company once he graduates. Read more about Ross's favorite things about studying at BU.

Yineng loves BU's atmosphere, coursework offerings, and location. In fact, she loved it so much that like Katie, she had to stay once she finished her MS and get a PhD. She is currently working on her PhD in biostatistics and is interested in causal inference. Take some time to read more about Yineng.

At a Glance

Full-time Schedule:

Complete your degree within 15 months.

Part-time Schedule:

Part-time students take 1-2 courses per semester and can complete the program in 24 months

To earn the MS degree, students are expected to complete 32 credit hours with grades of at least B– in every course.

For complete information on the MS in Biostatistics program of study, please review the Biostatistics Program Handbook 2024-2025 and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Bulletin.

Outcomes

Moving Forward

The growing healthcare field needs qualified professionals with the knowledge, skillset, and hands-on experience to drive research forward and provide the statistical data to launch the development of new cancer drugs, genetic testing, cutting-edge surgical procedures, and more. Job prospects for biostatisticians are on the rise, and BU’s MS in Biostatistics will prepare you for a successful career in:

• biomedical research enterprises
• pharmaceutical companies
• contact research organizations
• local and national government agencies
• research positions in associations, foundations, NGOs, and nonprofit organizations

Additionally, the MS in Biostatistics provides outstanding preparation to continue your studies in a top PhD program.

Admissions

Admission

Complete your online application for the MS in Biostatistics through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website. DO NOT apply through SOPHAS. Please review the following for application requirements.

The priority deadline for fall admission is January 15. Final deadline is March 15. We do not offer spring admission.

Applicants who have not met the following requirements will not have their applications reviewed for admission.

Prerequisites

Education:

Bachelor’s degree attainment or work in progress. No specific undergraduate major is required. A bachelor’s degree must be conferred before beginning classes at BU.

In addition:

• One year of calculus including multivariate calculus
• One full semester of linear algebra

Online courses can be used to fulfill prerequisite courses if they: 1) are taken from an accredited university or college, 2) are letter-graded, and 3) carry the same credits as in-person courses at the institution.

Note: GRE is not required for admission.

Experience:

None required.

Next Steps

Attend a Webinar: Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 14, Jan 16, & Feb 12

Request Information

Apply Now

Webinar Information

Attend a live webinar via Zoom to speak with the Program Directors and learn more about the program. Fill out the Biostatistics Virtual Session Form to RSVP. The 2024 - 2025 webinar dates are as follows:

• Thursday, September 19, 2024 @ 9am EST
• Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ 12pm EST
• Thursday, November 14, 2024 @ 9am EST
• Thursday, January 16, 2025 @ 9am EST
• Wednesday, February 12, 2025 @ 9am EST

Funding

A limited number of merit scholarships and assistantships are offered to students enrolled in the MSB program. Most of our students fund tuition and expenses through savings or loans. Please visit the GRS Aid for Master's Students page.

All requests or questions related to admissions and financial aid should be sent to grs@bu.edu. Applicants should not directly contact faculty members regarding admissions or funding opportunities.

Students can visit the fee waiver application to find out more information about their eligibility.

Program Contact

For more information about the program, please email biostat@bu.edu.

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