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Programs

Biostatistics

The Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology offers the master of science (MS) program in biostatistics. The program is intended primarily for students who wish to follow careers in health-related professions, such as those in the pharmaceutical industry and in biomedical or clinical research organizations. The MS program can be completed in one year.

The curriculum provides students with an appreciation for applied problems in biomedical research and the skills necessary to succeed in collaborative research environments. An important goal is to produce graduates with a command of technical skills and the ability and experience to use them appropriately.

Faculty participate fully in graduate teaching, and individual attention is given to each student through intensive advising. Program faculty have research interests and expertise in virtually all areas of modern theoretical and applied statistics. Faculty are involved in wide-ranging collaborative activity with basic science and clinical departments in the School of Medicine and Dentistry. This environment is ideally suited for training in research in statistical methodology, collaborative research, and consulting.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Biostatistics website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

The MS in biostatistics program is open to students with a substantial background in statistics. For entry into the program, three semesters of calculus, a course in linear and/or matrix algebra, a course in probability, and a course in mathematical statistics are required.  A course in applied statistics is recommended.

Applicants must have earned a U.S. baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degrees are awarded before they matriculate. Evidence of the earned degree is required before matriculation in the form of an official transcript noting degree conferral.

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration in their online application: statement of purpose, transcripts from all previous college and graduate programs, and three letters of recommendation. Most international applicants also need to provide evidence of English proficiency (such as a TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo test score unless approved for a waiver). Applicants may choose to submit additional materials, such as a CV/resume and research papers.

A request for part-time study in the MS program should be identified in the online application and is subject to the MS program director’s approval. Applicants interested in part-time study are encouraged to contact the department before submitting the application.

Applicants interview with at least two program faculty members before an admissions offer is recommended. Students entering with advanced training in statistics or biostatistics may transfer credits at the discretion of the MS program director and in accordance with University policy.

Current and eligible University of Rochester undergraduate students have the opportunity to pursue the MS degree through an accelerated option (4+1).  Applications should be submitted before the end of the junior year to the Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology. Accepted students may complete up to three graduate-level BST courses during their senior year that count towards both their Bachelor's degree and the MS in biostatistics degree. Students are assigned a biostatistics faculty advisor, in addition to their undergraduate academic advisor.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The MS degree in biostatistics prepares students to work as master’s-level statisticians. The MS degree requires satisfactory completion of at least 32 credits and a final comprehensive oral exam. There are no thesis or language requirements.

The typical MS program of study includes six courses and the eight-credit capstone project. Course substitutions may be made with approval from the MS program director. The capstone project requirement is met by working with Medical Center investigators on an applied project. Students are required to write a formal report summarizing the findings from their project. These findings are presented in a public lecture.

Required Courses
  • Introduction to Statistical Computing
  • Statistical Inference I
  • Biostatistical Methods I
  • Biostatistical Methods II
  • Design of Clinical Trials
Elective Course (choose one)
  • Bayesian Inference
  • Linear Models
  • Genomic Data Analysis
Capstone Project

A typical full-time program for the MS consists of one core year (two semesters) of coursework followed by the capstone project. The capstone project is normally done in the summer after the core program. A comprehensive oral exam is administered upon completion of coursework and the capstone project.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • BST 411: Statistical Inference I
  • BST 413: Bayesian Inference
  • BST 426: Linear Models
  • BST 430: Introduction to Statistical Computing
  • BST 434: Genomic Data Analysis
  • BST 461: Biostatistical Methods I
  • BST 462: Biostatistical Methods II
  • BST 465: Design of Clinical Trials
  • BST 493: Capstone Project