IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin 2024-2025

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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)

For students who started the MS in Biostatistics prior to fall 2023

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

All applicants to the Master of Science in Biostatistics must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, show evidence of satisfactory preparation in math and computer skills, and have an acceptable academic record.

Admission criteria

• 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.

Personal statement

The personal statement should be 750 words and can be uploaded to the Personal Statement section of SOPHAS. In your own words, describe experiences that have shaped your interest in public health and biostatistics.

Discuss your past education, experience, and current professional objectives. You are encouraged to comment on your plans to use your education and training, the needs and /or challenges you perceive as important in the field, and any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in the field of biostatistics.

Your personal statement can be uploaded electronically to the SOPHAS application.

Résumé

For each position on the résumé or CV, provide the job title, employing agency, dates employed, and responsibilities held. Indicate any additional strengths or skills such as fluency in foreign languages, research experience, teaching experience, community service, and demonstration of leadership skills. Include professional certifications, honors, and awards.

Your résumé or CV can be uploaded electronically into SOPHAS and should not be mailed.

Transcript

Official post-secondary transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended (must be sent directly from the institutions to SOPHAS). This includes previous study at Indiana University campuses. U.S. applicants who studied at foreign institutions as part of a study abroad experience at their U.S. college or university do not need to provide a WES evaluation of their study abroad coursework.

Applicants are required to enter all U.S. coursework. Entering U.S. coursework allows SOPHAS to calculate GPAs that institutions use in reviewing applications, provides a way for institutions to review applications using electronic review forms and also allows for a mechanism to gather aggregate information about prior coursework. SOPHAS uses official transcripts to verify the self-reported coursework. This process significantly expedites the institution review process.

For regular mail, please send your transcript to:

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471-9111

For overnight delivery only:

SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-612-2090

Applicants who have not earned a degree at the time of application submission will be required to submit an official transcript upon acceptance to the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health. This official transcript should indicate your degree earned and date of conferral. If you did not earn your degree at the time you applied to SOPHAS, please send an updated official transcript with degree earned and date of conferral to:

IU Fairbanks School of Public Health
Office of Student Services and Admissions
Attn: Shawne Mathis
1050 Wishard Blvd., 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46202

It is strongly recommended that all transcripts are submitted no later than April 1 to allow adequate time to verify transcripts by the May 1 deadline.

Foreign transcripts

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 in advance of 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.

Visit WES for more information

Transcripts must be sent from institution in the institutions sealed envelope directly to:

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471-9111

For overnight delivery only:

SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-612-2090

Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required from professional sources that can provide an unbiased critical assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Examples of professional and academic sources are academic advisors, professors, preceptors, or immediate supervisors. Examples of sources that are not acceptable include coworkers, colleagues, classmates, and relatives.

Recommendation letters must be submitted electronically to SOPHAS.

Interview

The interviewees are invited at the discretion of the admission committee.

The MS in Biostatistics admissions committee conducts interviews using Zoom video conferencing for applicants who are unable to travel to Indianapolis for the interview. Note that applicants will need access to a webcam and microphone for the interview.

International applicants

The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health requires applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions to prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Scores must be under two years old.

The preferred minimum English language test scores for admission to the Fairbanks School of Public Health are:

• Internet-based TOEFL: minimum score of 79
• Computer-based TOEFL: minimum score of 213
• Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score of 550
• IELTS (total band score): minimum score of 6.5

Applicants must submit:

• TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code: 5688
• IELTS scores can be uploaded electronically to SOPHAS. Upload IELTS scores in the standardized test section of the application and include your TRF Number.

English Placement Test

• International applicants who reside in the U.S. at the time of application must submit TOEFL, ILETS or IU Indianapolis EAP (English for Academic Purposes) exam scores.
• International applicants who do not reside in the U.S. at the time of application must submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores with their application and, if admitted to the MS program, must also complete an EAP Exam upon arrival to Indianapolis.
• The USMLE and ECFMG do not fulfill the required proof of English proficiency when applying to the MS program. Applicants who have passed the USMLE or ECFMG must also submit TOEFL, IELTS or EAP scores.

To schedule a test date and time please call the testing center at 317-274-2620.

WES evaluations of transcripts

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 in advance of 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.

Visit WES for more information

Transcripts must be sent from institution in the institutions sealed envelope directly to:

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471-9111

For overnight delivery only:

SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-612-2090

Updated: April 2025