{"id":1855,"date":"2012-01-12T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-01-12T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/sph\/biostatistics\/biostatistics\/current-students\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T12:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:31:33","slug":"resources-for-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/departments\/biostatistics\/resources-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Resources For Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

Resources for Prospective Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n

About our MSB & MSAB Programs<\/h6>
<\/span><\/p>\n

The Department of Biostatistics and Boston University offers two MS degrees: the MS in Biostatistics (MSB)<\/strong> and the MS in Applied Biostatistics (MSAB)<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The MS in Biostatistics (MSB)<\/strong>,\u00a0formerly the Master of Arts in Biostatistics (more info here<\/a>)<\/em>, 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<\/a> and Bulletin page<\/a> for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The MS in Applied Biostatistics\u00a0(MSAB)<\/strong> is administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health (SPH)<\/span>. Please see the MS in Applied Biostatistics website<\/a> and Bulletin page<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

The two degrees have notable differences and we aim to address common questions in the next section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

Questions about Differences between MSB & MSAB Programs<\/h6>
<\/p>\n

I eventually want to pursue a PhD in biostatistics. Which is best for me?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I want to get a job once I graduate. Which is best for me?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What are key differences between the degrees?<\/b><\/p>\n

T<\/span><\/i>here are a few key differences:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    \n
  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.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  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.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  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.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  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.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    For information about the differences between all Biostatistics programs, please see the Biostatistics Program Comparison<\/a> chart.<\/em><\/p>\n

    What is the difference in costs between the programs?<\/b><\/p>\n

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

    Are scholarships available for the programs?<\/b><\/p>\n

    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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    How long does it take to complete each degree?<\/b><\/p>\n

    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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Can I do the degree part time?<\/b><\/p>\n

    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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Are there opportunities to do research in each program?<\/b><\/p>\n

    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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    A note on the MS in Biostatistics degree name.<\/b><\/p>\n

    The Master of Science in Biostatistics (MSB) was formerly called the Master of Arts in Biostatistics (MA). The degree\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

    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.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The degree requirements for the previously named MA in Biostatistics and the newly named MS in Biostatistics remain the same.<\/em><\/p>\n

    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. <\/em><\/p>\n

    If you are a prospective student and have questions about the MS in Biostatistics program, please contact biostat@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    For information about the differences between all Biostatistics programs, please see the Biostatistics Program Comparison<\/a> chart.<\/em><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    Resources for Current Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    General Resources<\/span><\/h6>
    <\/span><\/p>\n