Master of Science in Biostatistics
This 18-month, 42-credit-unit program offers excellent training in biostatistics and statistical genetics for students who earned undergraduate or higher degrees with majors in mathematics, statistics, computer science, biomedical engineering or another related field. It prepares graduates for rewarding employment in academia and industry and for further graduate studies. Students will choose between a traditional biostatistics pathway or a statistical genetics pathway. An internship is a required component of the program, and students have the option to do a thesis project or to enroll in approved elective courses. Students also have the opportunity to enhance their research and statistical training through a paid research assistant position.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Year 1 | ||
| MSB 503 | Statistical Computing with SAS | 2 |
| MSB 560 | Biostatistics I * | 3 |
| MSB 506 | Introduction to R for Data Science | 2 |
| Fall Year 1 | ||
| MSB 570 | Biostatistics II (first half of semester) | 3 |
| MSB 515 | Fundamentals of Genetic Epidemiology (second half of semester) | 3 |
| MSB 550 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Pathway course | 3 | |
| Spring Year 2 | ||
| MSB 617 | Study Design and Clinical Trials | 3 |
| MSB 512 | Ethics in Biostatistics and Data Science | 2 |
| Pathway course | ||
| Elective from approved list | ||
| Summer Year 2 | ||
| MSB 630 | Internship (The internship may be taken for 3 or 6 credit units. If it is taken for 3 units, students will also enroll in an approved elective to fulfill the remaining 3 required units.) | 3 |
| Fall Year 2 | ||
| MSB 600 | Mentored Research (Students will enroll in the Mentored Research course or 6 credit units of electives.) | 6 |
| Elective from approved list** | ||
| * | For academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22, this course will be taught during the fall semester. |
| ** | For a list of approved electives, please visit our website. |
Specific Courses for Each Pathway
Biostatistics
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHS 501 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| MSB 618 | Survival Analysis | 3 |
Statistical Genetics
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MSB 5483 | Human Genetic Analysis | 3 |
| MSB 621 | Computational Statistical Genetics | 3 |
Academic Policies
Academic policies for degree programs can be found in the Student Handbook (PDF).
Prospective Students
Those interested in applying or who would like more information may contact the program manager.