Biostatistics is one of many highly specialized fields that lie under the umbrella of public health. It is where health and medical sciences meet the mathematical concept of statistics. The scope of Biostatistics includes gaining data and valuable insights into the state of public health, collecting information that can be used by medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, and understanding what and how health-related problems or issues need to be investigated. An Online Biostatistics Master’s program prepares students to unravel complex health issues by teaching them how to design experiments, analyze statistical data, and draw suitable conclusions. These conclusions can help formulate policies, devise healthcare programs, and solve and prevent community health problems. Students integrate the traditional and basic knowledge of biostatistics with modern research in the biological sciences. Along with a deeper understanding of the fundamental areas of public health, learn how to prevent and cure diseases and tackle the many issues in the health and medical sectors. Graduates of a Master’s in Biostatistics contribute to the public health and biomedical industries, typically taking up careers in biomedical, clinical, or laboratory settings, employment at universities, public health organizations, scientific research companies, pharmaceutical companies, or at other private enterprises.
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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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of California, Berkeley 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720 | $11,442 | 93% |
#2 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#3 Yale University Woodbridge Hall, New Haven, Connecticut 06520 | $44,500 | 97% |
#4 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 | $49,448 | 97% |
#5 Columbia University West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027 | $49,024 | 95% |
#6 Brown University One Prospect Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 | $59,254 | 96% |
#7 Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts 02155-5555 | $54,196 | 94% |
#8 Georgetown University 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057 | $53,136 | 95% |
#9 Duke University 103 Allen Bldg, Durham, North Carolina 27708 | $57,900 | 95% |
#10 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208 | $56,067 | 94% |
#11 Vanderbilt University 2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37240 | $50,082 | 93% |
#12 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $57,010 | 93% |
#13 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $47,880 | 92% |
#14 Emory University 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 | $43,800 | 90% |
#15 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#16 University of Massachusetts 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 | $14,014 | 82% |
#17 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 | $31,770 | 82% |
#18 University of Louisville 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, Kentucky 40292 | $13,260 | 59% |
#19 Monroe College 2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10468 | $16,070 | 60% |
#20 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $9,216 | 53% |
#21 East Tennessee State University 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614 | $8,640 | 50% |
#22 Benedictine University 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532 | $18,574 | 46% |
#23 University of Texas Health Science Center 7000 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030 | $7,984 | N/A |
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
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:
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#1 University of Oklahoma 1105 Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117 | $5,119 | NA |
#2 Texas A & M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,775 | 82% |
#3 California State University 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, California 94542 | $7,176 | 50% |
#4 University of Alabama Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, Alabama 35294 | $8,100 | 63% |
#5 East Tennessee State University 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614 | $8,640 | 50% |
#6 University of Georgia Administration Building, Athens, Georgia 30602 | $8,878 | 87% |
#7 Middle Tennessee State University 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132 | $8,946 | 47% |
#8 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#9 University of Iowa 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 | $10,079 | 72% |
#10 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#11 University at Buffalo 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260 | $11,310 | 75% |
#12 University of California 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720 | $11,442 | 93% |
#13 Virginia Commonwealth University 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23284 | $12,703 | 67% |
#14 University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee 38163 | $12,798 | NA |
#15 University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742 | $13,158 | 87% |
#16 University of Louisville 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, Kentucky 40292 | $13,260 | 59% |
#17 Temple University 1801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122 | $16,956 | 74% |
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.
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.
Specializations are branches from the main degree that allow the student to acquire specific or additional knowledge and skills in a particular area of Biostatistics. Specializing opens up the gateway to a wider selection of careers and should always be considered before applying to a program. Some specializations and concentrations in an online Biostatistics Master’s include but are not limited to:
Every online graduate Biostatistics course focuses on a specific topic related to biostatistics, epidemiology, statistics, public health, etc. The core curriculum covers applying statistical principles, processes, applications, and the analytic methods required for designing, implementing, and analyzing health-related studies. Students may also have to choose electives that align with their specific area of interest or career goals. Typically, one can expect the following courses in an online Biostatistics Master’s program:
Graduates of a Master’s in Biostatistics will be equipped with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to:
Accreditation not only endorses a program’s expected high standards and quality but also ensures that certain defined requirements are always met, giving the program and/or college immense credibility. When pursuing higher studies or entering the job market, accreditation becomes a basic requirement, more often than not. Most online Biostatistics Master’s programs are programmatically accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the US Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs.
Where programmatic accreditation is absent, students will be well advised to look for at least one Regional Accreditation of the college from independent accrediting agencies such as:
The time it takes for a student of an online Biostatistics Master’s depends on the type of degree and program structure. While a Master of Public Health or MPH Bioinformatics usually requires about three academic semesters to complete the program, a Master of Science or MS Bioinformatics usually requires about 2 to 4 semesters. Some colleges offer the opportunity to full-time students to complete either program in roughly 18 months.
Knowledge enhancement activities such as lectures, seminars, or symposia related to a career field, may extend the overall duration of a Master’s in Biostatistics program.
The basic admission requirements for a Master’s in Biostatistics online program are similar to those of Data Analytics, Data Science, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, Bioinformatics, or Epidemiology. These requirements typically include:
GRE requirements vary by college; while some do not require the GRE test score, others ask for it if the GPA is below 3.0.
To be considered for admission to a graduate program, applicants must fulfill certain Biostatistics Master’s prerequisites, such as:
A few colleges require students to have completed calculus through multivariable integration, at least one semester of linear algebra and know a programming language.
In general, candidates for admission to a Master’s program in Biostatistics are encouraged to have:
Some colleges have specific admission requirements for different degree types. For example:
Master of Public Health or MPH Bioinformatics
Master of Science or MS Bioinformatics
Knowledge enhancement activities such as lectures, seminars, or symposia related to a career field, may extend the overall duration of a Master’s in Biostatistics program.
Note: Admission requirements and prerequisites vary greatly depending on the college, program, and concentration. Students should read the program guide, college prospectus or contact the admissions office for exact information.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The application of statistical methods to scientific research in health-related subjects such as medicine, biology, and public health, as well as the development of new techniques, technologies, experiments, and methods to further explore these areas, is known as Biostatistics. A Master’s in Biostatistics often combines statistics, public health, epidemiology, behavioral science, and biology to teach students how to design studies, analyze data, and draw suitable conclusions to unravel and solve complex health issues.
For those who already have a background in mathematics, statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and any applied sciences, studying Biostatistics is not hard. Students from other disciplines or backgrounds may have to work a little harder.
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:
Job titles for graduates in Biostatistics can include:
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.
In general, graduates of an online Biostatistics Master’s do not, per se, require certifications or licensure to work as a Biostatistician. However, during their careers, they may have work responsibilities that necessitate additional qualifications or specific certifications, especially for jobs related to human-subject research studies. It is also possible that one may be asked to obtain certification to work as a clinical research professional. If such is the case, certification is available through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), which offers the ACRP Certified Professional (ARCP-CP), Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Principal Investigator (PI), ACRP Medical Device Professional Subspecialty (ARCP-MDP), and ACRP Project Manager Subspecialty (ARCP-PM) certifications. Alternatively, the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) offers the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification. Many professionals who take up careers in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Data Analytics, or Health Informatics also arm themselves with a SAS Certification, which improves their performance and advances their careers by 84%.
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:
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