Online Biostatistics Masters

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Identifying the best Biostatistics programs can be a tedious task. One has to consider the stature and reputation of the college, accreditation, the quality and experience of faculty, the format and structure of the program, access to student support services and resources, research facilities, and the program’s cost leaping to any conclusions. Of course, these are only some of the factors, from many more. But some of the best Biostatistics graduate programs available across the United States that tick these and all the other right boxes are:

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

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Affordable online Biostatistics Master’s programs are much sought after. The reason behind this is the rising cost of a Master’s program by each passing year, especially in subjects like Biostatistics. Without compromising on key factors that make a good program but offer great value for money, here are some Biostatistics ranking – by affordability:

Link to this Page

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A Master’s in Biostatistics program largely combines biotechnology, computer programming, computational mathematics, statistics, and database management to cultivate specific skills in regression analysis, survival analysis, and epidemiology methods that are essential to discover, treat, and treat cure a range of illnesses. The program establishes a strong foundation in observational studies, clinical trials, computational biology, quantitative genomics, statistical genetics, and medical and public health research, etc., for academia and careers in biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industries.

Biostatistics is built on a combination of essential statistical concepts and methodologies. And Biological sciences that are connected to health, which help students create and utilize technologies and apply their knowledge and skills to various sectors, including biological life sciences, medical studies, public health, health services research.

While some Master’s in Biostatistics programs are offered entirely online, others follow a hybrid model that allows students to complete all their courses online and the remaining classes on campus. It is also not uncommon for universities to offer a Master’s in Epidemiology alternative to Biostatistics. Although the two are well-connected and related, they are different in many ways and lead to different career paths.

Masters in Biostatistics Degree Types

There are largely two types of Biostatistics Master’s degrees available to choose from. While the Master of Science (MS) directly targets the subject of Biostatistics, the Master of Public Health (MPH) approaches Biostatistics through the lens of public health and disease control. Although both degrees are built upon the same foundation, they are dissimilar in many ways and lead to varying career paths.

Understanding Biostatistics vs. Statistics is quite simple. While Statistics can be defined as a mathematical science that involves collecting data and its presentation, analysis, and interpretation, Biostatistics is the application of Statistics to the study and analysis of biological and medical data. Furthermore, Statistics covers the areas of probability, regression, data analysis, and statistical research applicable in a wide range of different industries, such as finance, science, and technology. On the other hand, Biostatistics combines most of what there is to learn from Statistics with biological, clinical, and medical sciences, public health, and epidemiology, specifically applicable to the health, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors.

Many people get confused between Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Although they are related to each other, these two fields are not the same. Biostatistics, sometimes known as biometry, is studying biological events using statistical modeling, techniques, and procedures. In contrast, much of Epidemiology is built on the foundation of Biostatistics, using science, systems-thinking, and data to determine the underlying causes of different diseases and health outcomes in a population. To put it another way, Epidemiologists frequently employ Biostatistical principles and methods to arrive at mathematical conclusions about population health issues based on data. 

A Biostatistician may design a biological experiment before collecting and interpreting the data it produces and study diseases, disorders, and health risks connected with certain habits or health hazards linked with the local environment. In contrast, an Epidemiologist generally focuses on a particular population to study the diseases that afflict them and any external factors that cause illnesses, injuries, or impairments.

Students will do well to research for themselves the differences and application areas of a Master’s in Biostatistics and a Master’s in Epidemiology and see which one aligns better with their personal needs and professional goals.

Several Universities, such as the University of Louisville, offer an online Biostatistics Master’s No GRE program (at least for 2023) through a complete waiver of the score. However, most colleges do so only if the student has exemplary analytical skills and holds a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, economics, computer science, etc., or a scientific area such as natural, biological, medical, or environmental sciences, etc. Additionally, students are required to have completed certain prerequisite courses in subjects like calculus, linear algebra, biology, nutrition, anatomy, microbiology, physiology, sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, or economics, and have a GPA of 3.0 or more as well, to qualify for a waiver of GRE.

An online Biostatistics Master’s is by no means an inexpensive affair. Students require thousands of dollars to pay for a good program or college, which often cannot be achieved through personal finances alone. This, and the rising cost of a Master’s degree, may make it necessary for students to seek alternative sources of funding to pay for tuition and other education-related expenses. Some such funding sources include:

Scholarships

Several colleges offer merit-based scholarships, alumnae-funded grants, and fellowships to deserving students. Private entities frequently give scholarships based on academic accomplishment, community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, or other considerations. Scholarships for Women, African American Scholarships, and Disability Scholarships are examples of special scholarships from the many available. A word of caution: avoid getting embroiled in one of the numerous Scholarship Scams online.

Grants

In addition to tuition costs, grants are a wonderful option to consider for funding student and education-related expenses such as books, study materials, travel, student housing, and so on. The majority of grants are given out based on financial need rather than their academic achievement.

Graduate Assistantships

Students obtaining a Master’s Degree in Biostatistics may be eligible for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship or Graduate Research Assistantship at some universities. Graduate Teaching Assistants support classroom functions and aid senior teachers with their responsibilities, while Graduate Research Assistants do the same in a lab or research setting. Graduate Assistants are paid a stipend that can be used to help pay for their Master’s program.

Working on Campus

Students are frequently encouraged to study and work on the same campus at a university. Part-time jobs with respectable paychecks are available to eligible students, which can help reduce some of the costs of finishing a Master’s degree.

Employer Sponsorship

Many firms enable their employees to work and study simultaneously and often cover the costs of their advanced education under certain conditions. Professionals keen on pursuing a Master’s in Biostatistics should inquire about such sponsorship from their workplaces.

Student Loans

For individuals willing to pay interest on a loan, federal loans, bank loans, and private loans can be very good funding options. However, students should better manage their finances and pay back such loans on time to prevent accruing interest and increase student debt.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an application for determining a student’s financial aid eligibility and is a popular way to pay for college. All one needs to know about FAFSA can be found here.

The best Financial Guide takes a closer look at available funding options for students and provides detailed information on each one of them.

Scholarships for Biostatistics Students

Scholarships are arguably one of the easiest ways to raise external funds to pay for tuition. Most scholarships are merit-based, in that students need to show excellent academic achievement, but it is not uncommon for individuals and organizations to offer scholarships to specific groups or causes. Below is a list of a few Biostatistics scholarships to explore.

David A. Winston Health Policy FellowshipThe David A. Winston Scholarship program recognizes excellence and achievement for students in Master’s Degree programs in health administration, health policy, and public health by providing up to twenty $10,000 scholarships per year. Application Deadline: Closed for 2023; April 08, for 2023.

Corris Boyd Scholars ProgramThe Corris Boyd Scholars program awards a $40,000 scholarship to students, towards tuition and other expenses, at the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) full-member graduate school program of their choice. Application Deadline: Closed for 2023; TBA for 2023.

Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student ScholarshipThe Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship is designated for students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. Scholarships are awarded annually, with each one worth $5,000. Application Deadline: March 31, 2023.

Albert W. Dent Graduate Student ScholarshipThe Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is specifically available to racially/ethnically diverse students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. Offered annually, each scholarship is worth $5,000. Application Deadline: March 31, 2023.

James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship ProgramThe James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program is available to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students with a record of leadership and volunteerism in the community, and participation in extracurricular school activities, and are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants. Award amounts vary—application Deadline: Closed for 2023; TBA for 2023.

Biostatistics Master’s Degree holders often find work in the field of research, such as managing public health projects, conducting clinical trials, or evaluating data on new treatments and medications. Graduates are also qualified to take up leadership positions in academia or sectors such as:

• Federal, State, and Local Government Health Agencies
• Universities / Academic Medical Centers
• Health Research Facilities
• Medical Laboratories
• Pharmaceuticals
• Hospital Systems
• Insurance Companies
• Nonprofits

Job titles for graduates in Biostatistics can include:

• Infection Preventionist
• Infection Control Professional
• Clinical Data Science Researcher
• Associate Software Engineer
• Bioinformatics Programmer
• Pharmaceutical Epidemiologist
• Project Manager
• Research Analyst
• Statistical Analyst
• Bioinformatics Analyst
• Bioinformatics Technician

Those with a Master of Science in Biostatistics or a Master’s Degree in Public Health with a focus in Biostatistics or Epidemiology have a bright future. Biostatistics BLS data (from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS) predicts that the job market for Mathematicians and Statisticians in general (includes Biostatisticians) is expected to grow by a whopping 33% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average. The ongoing growth of the pharmaceutical field and the emphasis on statistical analysis in decision-making for health-related organizations and health policy rulings are ascribed to this growth rate. When it comes to an MS Biostatistics salary, Biostatisticians can look forward to the annual median pay of $93,290, while Epidemiologists can expect $74,560.

Online Biostatistics Master’s graduates and professionals should ideally focus on building their knowledge, acquiring skills, and making professional contacts, all of which will help them advance their careers. Learning innovative tools and techniques, connecting with others in Biostatistics, and becoming members of organizations that promote and provide deep insights into biostatistical research, are important to stay updated and relevant. Here are a few resources that help do just that:

1. Partners in Information Access for the Public Health Workforce
   Partners in Information Access for the Public Health Workforce has very useful resources that provide health data, tools, and statistics, related to global health, country and local health, health information technology and standards, geographic information systems (GIS), and much more.
2. Information is Beautiful
   Information is Beautiful is a wonderful tool for Biostatisticians to create impactful infographics and data visuals. Apart from this, the site also hosts vast amounts of data across a wide spectrum of topics and offers online training programs and books.
3. Eastern North American Region (ENAR) International Biometric Society
   The Eastern North American Region (ENAR) International Biometric Society is an organization that aims to advance biological and life science through the development of quantitative theories and the application, development, and dissemination of effective mathematical and statistical techniques. ENAR conducts regular meetings, webinars, and events and offers resources for job seekers and employers.
4. International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB)
   The International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB) is a leading professional society aiming to stimulate research on the biostatistical principles and methodology used in clinical research. The society connects, trains, and empowers its members worldwide through conferences, journals, publications, education and training resources, and more.
5. Yale Cancer Center
   The Yale Cancer Center has a team of cancer Biostatisticians who work collaboratively with basic, clinical, translational, and population science researchers to advance the frontiers of cancer medicine and public health. Apart from shared resources on Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, the center offers support for Basic Science, Clinical Studies, Population Science, and Data Management.