MS/APT Curriculum for Students without
Significant Background in Statistics*

*"Significant Background" is defined as having completed extensive coursework in mathematical statistics, including a one-semester course in Probability and a one-semester course in the Theory of Statistical Inference at the undergraduate or graduate level.



Sample Course Schedule with Appropriate Sequencing*:

* Note that this is just one example program. There is some flexibility in tailoring a program to suit individual student interests, e.g., in biomedical informatics, clinical trials, or public health.



MS/APT Curriculum for Students with Significant Background in Statistics*

*"Significant Background" is defined as having completed extensive coursework in mathematical statistics, including a one-semester course in Probability and a one-semester course in the Theory of Statistical Inference at the undergraduate or graduate level.

**Note that some courses in the required curriculum may be waived based on prior coursework. In this event, the student may substitute another, more advanced course in the place of the waived course.



Sample Course Schedule with Appropriate Sequencing:

FAQs

Who should apply to this track?

Exceptionally talented, highly motivated Bachelor’s degree holders who wish to move directly into the Biostatistics PhD program after successful completion of a one-year accelerated Master’s program as a student in good standing.

What is the difference between this track and the MS/Theory and Methods track?

The 2 programs differ in 3 significant ways: in level of competition at entry (it is much more difficult to get into the APT program, as very few slots are available); in availability of fellowship support (no support for TM); and in career plans (APT is designed for those who wish to enter PhD studies immediately upon finishing the Master's degree, while the TM can be viewed either as "PhD-preparatory" or as a terminal professional degree.

What are prerequisites for this track?

Applicants to the program must have demonstrated quantitative ability, as reflected in good scores on the quantitative portion of the Graduate Record Exam (at least 700 on the quantitative portion and 600 on the verbal).  They must also have knowledge of college calculus (two years), linear or matrix algebra, and a programming language (e.g., C, Fortran, APL). International students must submit TOEFL scores.

How long will it take me to complete this track?

The program consists of 30 academic credits.  It requires two to three semesters of full-time study, and may be completed in 10-12 months (which may require that the candidate begins study during the summer semester of his/her first year). 

To which school do I submit my application?

For the MS/APT or MS/TM: Submit your application to the Mailman School of Public Health.  For the PhD program (only if you ALREADY hold a Master’s degree in biostatistics or statistics): Submit your application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS).

What will this prepare me for?

Provides excellent preparation for entry into the PhD program in biostatistics.

What distinguishes ours from other programs?

Our APT program is unusual in emphasizing the following aspects:

• Accelerated pace; this program provides the fastest pathway to the PhD program at Columbia for applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree but not a Master’s degree.
• Availability of fellowship support, which may be continued uninterrupted to students in good standing who move directly from the MS/APT to the PhD program in one year.