Biostatistics

MS/TM graduates are expected to master the mathematical and biostatistical concepts and techniques presented in the curriculum’s required courses. The curriculum includes 32 credit hours of required course work and four points of electives. Each student's program is designed on an individual basis in consultation with a faculty advisor taking into consideration the student's prior educational experience.

Students who have mastered an academic area through previous training may have the corresponding course requirement waived. Some students, such as those with undergraduate majors in statistics or mathematics, may apply to have several courses waived. Students wishing to waive one or more courses must request approval in writing from their advisors and the Director of Academic Programs. These students must still complete a minimum of 32 points to earn the MS/TM degree, of which 30 points must be taken at the Mailman School of Public Health.

MS/TM students are also strongly advised to develop expertise in one or more statistical software packages (such as SAS, SPSS, STATA) routinely used in several of the biostatistics courses. Knowledge of one or more computer programming languages is also useful. Students without knowledge of any software packages may acquire these skills by taking “mini-courses” offered at the Computer Center in the Health Sciences Library, or by enrolling in a biostatistics course devoted to teaching the use of software packages or programming languages, such as P6110 Statistical Computing with SAS.

Required Courses

Below are the 32 credits of required course work. Students consult their faculty advisors before registering for classes to plan their programs based on their individual background, goals, and the appropriate sequencing of courses. Waiver of any required courses (with prior written approval of their faculty advisor and the Director of Academic Programs) enables students to take other, higher level classes.

Electives

Students choose two or more courses from the list below or from alternatives approved by their academic advisors. (Please note: P8100 and P8110 are not acceptable electives for the MS/TM track).