Degree Programs
Master of Science in Biostatistics
The Fairbanks School of Public Health offers the first MS in Biostatistics in the state. Located on Indiana’s premier health and life sciences campus, you will discover exceptional faculty, nationally-recognized research, exciting study abroad options, an amazing network of alumni and mentors, and exposure to top visiting experts.
You will have hands-on learning opportunities right outside our doors through our connections with the IU School of Medicine, the Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana State Department of Health, the NCAA headquarters, Eli Lilly, the state’s top health systems, and so many more. Together, these advantages will provide you with the foundation you need to be a highly competitive candidate for today’s biostatistics jobs.
The Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics provides a solid grounding in study design and data collection, management, analysis, and appropriate interpretation and communication of study findings. Graduates will have competencies in three areas: public health, biostatistics, and data management and computation.
Through this program, students receive highly focused training in statistical theory and biostatistical methods, with an emphasis on application in a broad array of health sciences. Students are trained to be professional biostatisticians who are well qualified for employment in government and private health agencies, industry, and research institutes. The MS program also serves as excellent preparation for doctoral programs in biostatistics.
Curriculum
All MS in Biostatistics candidates must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 credits. The curriculum includes required public health courses, biostatistics core courses, and biostatistics electives.
Master of Science in Biostatistics core courses
Take all eight courses for a total of 24 credits
- STAT 51900 Introduction to Probability or STAT 51600 Basic Probability Applications (3 credits)
- STAT 52800 Mathematical Statistics I or STAT 51700 Statistical Inference (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 571 Biostatistics Method I-Linear Model in Public Health (4 credits)
- PBHL-B 572 Biostatistics Method II-Categorical Data Analysis (4 credits)
- PBHL-B 573 Biostatistics Method III-Applied Survival Data Analysis (4 credits)
- PBHL-B 574 Biostatistics Method IV-Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 581 Biostatistics Computing or PBHL B552 Fundamentals of Data Management (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 582 Introduction to Clinical Trials (3 credits)
Required Public Health courses
Take two courses for a total of 6 credits.
- PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-P 517 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3 credits)
Non-thesis option: Elective courses (6 credits)
- Any relevant courses upon departmental approval
or
- Thesis option: B711 MS Thesis Research in Biostatistics (6 credits)
Biostatistics Competencies
Biostatistics competence
Biostatistical competency relates to biostatistics methods and their application, such as descriptive statistics, inference, and statistical modeling. Along with awareness of biostatistical principles, the program will inculcate in the students a critical thinking in selecting appropriate statistical techniques (e.g., linear versus logistic regression, parametric versus semi-parametric modeling for survival data, or mixed effects versus generalized estimating equation models for longitudinal data).
The program will also build essential skills in clinical trials and observational study designs, data management and analysis, and interpretation and communication of the study results to public health practitioners. An emphasis will be given to international issues affecting public health theory and practice, as well as bioethics issues in research, especially to those arising in global or non-equitable settings.
Public Health competence
Public Health competency refers to having a thorough understanding of the principles of screening and disease surveillance, prevention, observational and intervention studies, the local, national, and global context of health problems, and the influence of cultural and social dimension of public health research and practice.
Computing and Data Management
The program will emphasize the appropriate methods for the design of data collection systems in the context of biomedical research (both pre-clinical and clinical, including clinical trials and observational studies), as well as the proper management, analysis, and interpretation of these data.
In addition to the collection, management and analysis of biomedical data, the program will provide a solid computational background to graduating students. Instruction will be primarily in SAS (The SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and R (www.r-project.org). However, other packages (e.g., STATA) and data management packages (e.g., REDCap) will be covered. Emphasis will be given to data analysis as well as quality control and data generation (simulations).
The overarching philosophy of the MS Biostatistics program is learning by doing. This approach will culminate with the data analysis project, which will be performed under the thesis advisor's mentorship along with the input from other collaborators preferably outside the department. In this manner the student will be given an early appreciation of the application of biostatistical techniques in real-life settings.
Graduate students earning the MS in Biostatistics from the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health will demonstrate the following Principles of Graduate and Professional Learning (PGPLs):
PGPL 1: Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to conduct biostatistical research.
Method of acquisition
- Didactic course work
- Attendance and active participation in classes, seminars, and labs
- Direct mentoring by faculty and doctoral students
- Participation in the writing of grant proposals and manuscripts
Assessment of learning
- Ability to successfully pass all required courses and qualifying examinations
- Ability to use statistical software required of students in the program
- Direct assessment of student progress by faculty for the master’s thesis
PGPL 2: Effectively communicate biostatistical results.
Method of acquisition
- Required attendance at seminars presented by faculty and peers
- Presentations in meetings and seminars
- Mentored writing of grant proposals and manuscripts
Assessment of learning
- Evaluation of oral and poster presentations in class, in seminars, and at conferences
- Evaluation of papers and other written class assignments
- Active participation in the writing of grants and manuscripts
PGPL 3: Think critically and creatively to solve problems in biostatistics.
Method of acquisition
- Attending required seminars presented by faculty and peers
- Solving statistical problems using SAS and other software
- Writing pre-proposal for thesis
- Writing thesis proposal
Assessment of learning
- Grades on course assignments and class presentations
- Direct assessment by faculty on pre-proposal and thesis proposal
- Contributions to research manuscripts
PGPL 4: Conduct biostatistical research in an ethical and responsible manner.
Method of acquisition
- Course content in research ethics
- Modeling of appropriate behavior in seminars by faculty and peers
- Direct mentoring by research director
- Mentoring by thesis committee
Assessment of learning
- Grades in courses that contain research ethics content
- Faculty observation of student’s ability to manipulate and interpret data
- Direct oversight by thesis committee on issues of research compliance and ethics
Admissions
MS in Biostatistics students are admitted for matriculation in the fall of each year. The MS program does not accept applications for admission in the spring term. The application deadlines are:
- International application deadline: April 15
- U.S. application deadline: June 1
Admission criteria
Application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations of educational programs offered by the Fairbanks School of Public Health are applied equitably to all individuals, applicants, and students regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (except Indiana University)
- College Calculus I, II, Multivariate Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Competent written and oral communication skills.
- Other admission factors include strong references, work experience, and personal statement. Students meeting these requirements are not guaranteed admission.
MS in Biostatistics applications and supplemental materials must be submitted to SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service). SOPHAS is meant to facilitate the collection of common application materials and general information. For more information and frequently asked questions please visit sophas.org.
In addition to the SOPHAS application all applicants will be required to complete a short application to the IU Indianapolis Online Graduate and Professional Admissions Application system at the link provided within the SOPHAS application.
Admission requirements
- Personal Statement
- Résumé
- Transcripts
- Recommendations
International applicants
All applicants with foreign academic credentials must provide a World Education Services (WES) ICAP course-by-course evaluation of those credentials. Because this process can take some time, applicants should submit their transcripts to WES at least one month before the application deadline (spring - September 15 | fall - March 1).
Through special arrangements with SOPHAS, WES will deliver its credential evaluation report directly to SOPHAS by secure electronic transmission. This expedites the delivery of the evaluation report as well as images of the applicant’s verified transcripts to SOPHAS and allows SOPHAS to process the report most efficiently. Click here for more information.
It is strongly recommended that all transcripts are submitted no later than January 15 to allow the IU Office of International Affairs adequate time to verify transcripts.
Updated: April 2024
