Resources For Students.

The Department of Biostatistics and Boston University offers two MS degrees: the MS in Biostatistics (MSB) and the MS in Applied Biostatistics (MSAB).

The MS in Biostatistics (MSB), formerly the Master of Arts in Biostatistics (more info here), is jointly administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health (SPH) and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS). Please see the MS in Biostatistics website and Bulletin page for more information. 

The MS in Applied Biostatistics (MSAB) is administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health (SPH). Please see the MS in Applied Biostatistics website and Bulletin page for more information.

The two degrees have notable differences and we aim to address common questions in the next section. 

I eventually want to pursue a PhD in biostatistics. Which is best for me?

Students from both programs have successfully pursued PhD studies upon completing their MS degree. The MS in Biostatistics (MSB) required courses are equivalent to the courses required of post bachelors PhD students in our program, including the first year of probability of statistical inference required for this program. This is the degree that PhD students can obtain as they complete their PhD studies because the requirements of this degree have complete alignment with the PhD requirements. 

The MS in Applied Biostatistics (MSAB) is primarily designed for students who are seeking employment upon graduation and does not have as much theoretical coursework as the MS in Biostatistics. This type of coursework is more common for PhD studies. So students completing this degree will potentially need to complete more theoretical coursework and might take a bit longer to work through PhD coursework than a student coming from the MS in Biostatistics.

I want to get a job once I graduate. Which is best for me?

Both degrees offer excellent applied training and graduates from both degrees are very successful in getting jobs upon graduation. The MS in Applied Biostatistics was designed specifically to assist students in getting hands on experience with the goal of getting a job upon graduation. The MS in Biostatistics also provides programming experience and applied training, but complements this with theoretical training. The decision really rests with the student and the type of training they want to obtain.

What are key differences between the degrees?

There are a few key differences:

1. The MS in Biostatistics is offered jointly with the Math and Statistics department and has three required courses that are more theoretical in nature. This degree is a mix of applied and theoretical work. All the courses in the MS in Applied Biostatistics are offered in the School of Public Health and primarily focus on application.
2. The MS in Applied Biostatistics takes 12 months to complete full time, compared to a minimum of 15 months for the MS in Biostatistics.
3. The MS in Applied Biostatistics has a research rotation requirement and internship. The MS in Biostatistics has two comprehensive exams (theoretical and applied) and no required internship or research experience.
4. The MS in Applied Biostatistics does not have electives-all students take the same 32 credits. The MS in Biostatistics has 24 required credits and 8 elective credits.

For information about the differences between all Biostatistics programs, please see the Biostatistics Program Comparison chart.

What is the difference in costs between the programs?

The tuition per credit is very similar for both MS degrees. Tuition and fees for the MS in Applied Biostatistics is described here and tuition and fees for the MS in Biostatistics is given here. The final cost will depend on whether a student is full time or part time and if they receive financial aid for the program.

Are scholarships available for the programs?

Both programs offer merit scholarships. For the MS in Biostatistics applicants can indicate their interest in a scholarship in their personal statement. Students accepted to the MS in Applied Biostatistics are given a financial aid package on admission that often includes a tuition discount.

How long does it take to complete each degree?

The MS in Applied Biostatistics is a 12 month (two semesters plus summer internship) degree program when done full time. The MS in Biostatistics is a 15 month (three semester) program when done full time.

Can I do the degree part time?

Yes, both degrees can be completed part time. Most of our courses are offered in the evening, making this feasible for those who are working full time.

Are there opportunities to do research in each program?

Yes. The MS in Applied Biostatistics has a 100 hour research rotation. The MS in Biostatistics has no formal research requirement, but many of our students do successfully seek out research experiences with faculty.

A note on the MS in Biostatistics degree name.

The Master of Science in Biostatistics (MSB) was formerly called the Master of Arts in Biostatistics (MA). The degree’s name change was made to more adequately portray the scientific depth and rigor of the degree, and to show a progressive move forward into the modern world of Arts & Sciences education.

Students who enrolled in the program prior to Fall 2021 will receive an MA in Biostatistics upon graduation. Students who enroll in the program in Fall 2021 and moving forward will receive an MS in Biostatistics upon graduation.

The degree requirements for the previously named MA in Biostatistics and the newly named MS in Biostatistics remain the same.

If you are a current student and have questions about the MS in Biostatistics name change, please contact the Biostatistics MS/PhD Program Directors and staff.

If you are a prospective student and have questions about the MS in Biostatistics program, please contact biostat@bu.edu.

For information about the differences between all Biostatistics programs, please see the Biostatistics Program Comparison chart.

• Course description search
• GRS Forms, Policies & Procedures
• MS/PhD Student Handbook
• MS Applied Biostatistics Student Handbook
• Research Assistantship Handbook
• PhD Parental Leave Policy
• Electronic Dissertation Submission Guidelines
• BUSPH Biostatistics on LinkedIn
• Responsible Conduct of Research training
• BU Best: A better way to get the most from your PhD
• BU Professional Development resources
• Shared Computing Cluster GitHub Wiki Page

I have a qualifying exam/difficult course.  How do I find other students and form a study group?

We recommend working first to identify biostatistics students within your courses and reaching out to them to form a study group. When you register for a qualifying exam, the program directors will typically send an email to all students who are taking the exam so the students know who else is taking the exam and can arrange study groups.

What happens if I don’t pass my qualifying exam?

Students have two chances to pass the exam. If you do not pass the first time, you can take it again. If you do not pass the second attempt, then you will need to meet with the program directors to discuss your next steps.

How should I choose between electives?

Good ways to determine what elective courses might be best for you are: 1) Talk to your advisor and discuss your long term plans and interests. Your advisor and help guide you on what material might be most helpful for your long term goals. 2) Talk to other students who have taken courses you are considering to get their advice. 3) You are always welcome to reach out to the program directors for another opinion.

Which class should I take – BS805 or BS806?

Both courses offer intermediate training in statistical computing and more training in applied linear regression with BS 805 using SAS and BS 806 using R. Most of the courses that require these as a prerequisite are taught with both R and SAS, so the decision is not really critical. We hope that our PhD students will be proficient in R and SAS. Our MSB students might opt to really focus more on one programming language.

How can I qualify for a Grader or Teaching Assistant position?

Students who are interested in TAing or grading should get in touch with the departmental academic program administrator to express their interest. Students will typically need to have taken the course or an equivalent course and performed well in it prior to TAing.

I took the equivalent of MA581/MA582 in my undergrad degree.  Should I waive out of the sequence, or take them here too?

The program directors will carefully examine your prior transcripts to make an initial recommendation and communicate this through your new student curriculum sheet (emailed to you when you are assigned an academic advisor). For most of our incoming PhD students with a prior math degree, we recommend waiving out of these courses and going directly into MA 781. However, it is important to consult with your advisor and potentially the program directors about this if you are at all uncomfortable with this or have concerns. For incoming MS students, we typically recommend taking these courses, but there are situations when waiving is appropriate.

What should I do if I can’t get into a course I need?

You should immediately get on the waitlist for the course if it is at the school of public health. Then reach out to the program directors and the academic program administrator to let them know.

Are there guidelines about how often I should show up in person in the department?

There are no specific requirements for being in person in the department. All students are required to attend their courses in person. PhD students have requirements for attending seminars (see the handbook). We encourage being in the department to get to know other students and faculty.

How do I find a student research job related to my interests?

You can reach out to faculty about opportunities to do work with them. You are also welcome to reach out to the program directors to determine if they are aware of any research opportunities. The program directors and other faculty will also occasionally forward emails to students with paid research opportunities. 

When should I take my Qualifying Exams?

Students can take the exams once they have completed the courses that are covered by the exams. This typically means that students will take the theory exam in April of their first year, as they are completing MA 582. Full time students typically take the applied exam in fall of their second year, if they are planning to complete the degree in three semesters or sometimes in April of their second year if they are taking four semesters.

What is the process for students in MSB to move to the PhD program?

MSB students must apply to the PhD program with all other applicants. The deadline for fall admission is December 1 of the previous year. If an MSB student is interested in applying for the PhD program, they are strongly encouraged to get involved in research in the department and discuss their plans with the program directors.

What are the restrictions on RAs, other than the 20 hours/week during academic semesters?  Can a student do full-time RA work in the summer and be paid more?

MS students are able to do as much RA work as they want, provided they are a US citizen or permanent resident. For students on an F-1 visa, there are limitations on how many hours they can work while being a fulltime student. During the summer, students are allowed to work full time. International students will need to use CPT time to do this and should work with ISSO.

How many courses/credits should I be taking each semester if I am a full time student?

MS students should take at least 12 credits to be considered a full time student. If a student wishes to take less than this during a semester in which they are taking a qualifying exam, they should consult with the program directors.

Teaching Requirement: All doctoral students beginning in Fall 2016 or later are required to work as a Teaching Assistant or Co-Instructor for a Biostatistics course for at least one semester during the doctoral program.

RCR Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete the University’s Responsible Conduct of Research training. Note that doctoral candidates who have an RCR compliance requirement under an NIH training grant or an NSF research grant must complete the RCR-specific CITI training  and the four Advanced Live Workshops within two (2) years of requirement notification.

PhD students in coursework phase are required to:

• Attend at least 4 qualifying seminars or working groups per semester
• Track all seminar attendance here
• Attend at least 1 doctoral student presentation session or dissertation defense per semester
• Attend the L. Adrienne Cupples Award presentation each spring
• Submit the SPH Annual Progress Report every May

PhD students in dissertation phase are required to:

• Attend at least 4 qualifying seminars or working groups per semester
• Track all seminar attendance here
• Present their dissertation research at least once per year
• Attend at least 3 other doctoral students’ presentation sessions and/or dissertation defenses each semester
• Attend the L. Adrienne Cupples Award presentation each spring
• Meet with their dissertation committee at least twice per year
• Submit the Dissertation Progress Update Form to the Academic Program Administrator every October
• Submit the SPH Annual Progress Update every May
• Starting fall 2018: Submit at least one approved paper for publication prior to completing the degree program. The paper must be part of the dissertation.

Please review the MS/PhD Handbook for further information on these requirements.

Can PhD students take summer courses (with tuition coverage)?

Yes!  During the summer, doctoral students in coursework phase who are funded by Research Assistantships will continue their RA work and may register for up to 8 credits each summer semester, but summer course registration is not required. Students not taking courses over the summer should register for certified full-time status instead. Summer registration forms and information can be found here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/academics/phd-and-mfa-academics/student-forms/

How do I tell my RA advisor that I don’t want them to be my thesis advisor?

Many RA supervisors look forward to having their RAs work on a thesis project with them, but it is not required that RAs do their thesis work with their RA supervisor.  When you are getting near the thesis stage, discuss your plan to meet with other faculty to identify a primary thesis supervisor, so that your RA supervisor is aware of your plan.  Open and frequent communication is the best way to avoid misunderstandings.

What role should my RA supervisor play in advising me on academics?

We recommend that you use input from all of your mentors when planning your coursework, as different faculty have different perspectives and experiences that may be useful in making decisions about your academic path.  Your RA supervisor may want you to take a course that has content that will help you with your RA work.  Your academic advisor is a good resource that is independent of your RA work, and should be consulted before you finalize your coursework each semester.

When and how should I start thinking about a thesis topic?  

There is no one right time to start!  Some students already have developed ideas for their thesis prior to identifying a thesis advisor.  Others work with their thesis advisor to identify a topic.  

How and when should I find a thesis advisor?

Once you have completed your coursework and your qualifying exams, you enter the thesis phase of the program. However, you can start thinking about thesis topics and identifying a thesis advisor prior to this point in time. Students can start meeting with potential thesis advisors and identifying a thesis topic as they are nearing completion of their coursework and qualifying exams. However, priority should be given to completing those requirements. For post-MS students this will generally be during the second year and for post-BS students this will typically be at the end of the second year. This allows students to start to identify topics of interest and do some reading and potentially some proto-research in an area as time allows.

It is important to first identify your primary thesis advisor. This can be your RA advisor, or another Biostatistics faculty member. For faculty you have not already met, you can attend the “Research Blitz” every semester, in which several faculty give 2-3 minute presentations about their research, and/or make appointments with faculty who have research interests that may align with your own to discuss your interests and their willingness to serve as primary advisor.

If your research assistantship mentor has interests that align with what you would like to do for your thesis, then it can be very rewarding to work on your thesis and RA work with the same advisor, but this is not required.

When choosing a mentor, consider the interpersonal fit as well as the thesis topics of interest.  Will the style of mentoring offered by the faculty fit your needs and work with your strengths?  Does the faculty have enough time to mentor another student?

Make use of your peers!:  If you do not know the faculty member well, it can be helpful to talk with other students who have worked with them.

What are the thesis committee requirements?

The final oral examination committee must be composed of a total of four or more members, including at least a first and second reader (first reader is the primary thesis advisor) and at least two additional committee members who serve as either designated readers or additional committee members. We strongly recommend students identify three members of their committee within the first six months of being in thesis phase. Typically, the Biostatistics thesis committees consist of at least 4 faculty: 3 or 4 biostatistics faculty, and may also include an additional faculty from another department. When students are approaching their thesis defense, the committee also must designate a chair for the thesis defense.  The chair cannot be the primary thesis advisor.  

Can an adjunct professor of Biostatistics at BU serve as a primary thesis advisor?

Adjunct (and Secondary) Biostatistics faculty may serve as primary thesis advisors. Students who chose an adjunct faculty member as their primary advisor must include a primary Biostatistics faculty on their committee at the same time.

Which class should I take – BS853 or MA576?

MA576 and BS853 cover similar material. BS853 is the default course choice; students who want a more theoretical and less applied treatment of the material may choose MA576.  The applied qualifying exam questions covering generalized linear models are written by the BS853 instructor, but should be accessible to students who have taken either course (previous exam questions are available for students studying for the exam here).

What are the restrictions on RAs, other than the 20 hours/week during academic semesters?   Can a student do full-time RA work in the summer and be paid more?

Students are not to work more than 20 hours a week during the academic year. This means that they are not allowed to take on additional paid work. During the summer, students can work more, but need to communicate with the department about their intention to do so. For instance, students who wish to do a full time internship need to let the department know and, if they are on a visa, need to work with ISSO to complete necessary paperwork.

When should I take my Qualifying Exams?

The Theory Qualifying Exam is offered every September.  It is strongly recommended that you take it the September immediately after you complete MA782.

The Applied Qualifying Exam is offered in April and December.  You should take it after you have completed all required core applied courses:  MA575, BS805 or BS806, BS853 or MA576, and BS857.  You should not take the April exam if you are still enrolled in one of these courses. 

How many courses/credits should I be taking each semester if I am a full time student?

A student on RA tuition scholarship or T32 training grant must register for between 8 and 18 credits each fall and spring semester to maintain good academic standing. Typically RAs take between 8 and 12 credits per semester, and training grant students take 12-14. Less than 8 credit hours in fall or spring is permissible only if approved by the student’s advisor and Co-Directors of the program. Audited (“AU”) courses do not count towards the credit requirements. 

How do I go about an auditing a class?

A doctoral student can audit one course per semester. There are different processes for SPH and GRS courses. For an SPH course, a student must fill out the SPH Course Audit Form and submit it to the SPH Registrar. For a GRS course, a student must fill out the GRS Add/Drop Form and submit it to the BU Registrar. Please note that students in their coursework phase are allowed to audit, but they must get permission of the Co-Directors of the program first.