Please note: The Master of Science in Biostatistics (MSB) was formerly called the Master of Arts in Biostatistics (MA).
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:
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.
Fall I
Spring I
Fall II
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 2022-2023 and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Bulletin.
Please note:
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 FAQs on the differences between the MS in Biostatistics and the MS in Applied Biostatistics, please visit the Biostatistics Masters Programs FAQ page.
For information about the differences between all Biostatistics programs, please see the Biostatistics Program Comparison chart.
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
Next Steps
Attend a Webinar: Sept 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Jan 19, & Feb 22
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 2022 - 2023 webinar dates are as follows:
- Thursday, September 15, 2022 @ 9am EDT
- Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 12pm EDT
- Thursday, November 17, 2022 @ 9am EST
- Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 12pm EST
- Wednesday, February 22, 2023 @ 9am EST
Admission
Complete your online application for the MS in Biostatistics through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website.
The application deadline for fall admission is May 1. We do not offer spring admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in February.
Click here to view admission requirements.
Students can visit the fee waiver application to find out more information about their eligibility.
Note: GRE is not required for admission.
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 and SPH’s Financing your Education page for potential internal and external funding opportunities.
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.
Program Contact
For more information about the program, please email biostat@bu.edu.
Compare All Biostatistics Programs