Biostatistics, MS
Across health care systems, massive amounts of health data are collected. Learn to design and execute health research studies with leaders in the field that answer important questions and lead to better health outcomes.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Biostatistics master's description
The Master of Science program in biostatistics provides you with training in applied biostatistical methodology and its applications to solve practical problems in health-related sciences. You develop the expertise necessary to design, implement, evaluate and disseminate research and translate information into improved health outcomes for individuals, systems and populations.
You learn fundamental biostatistics skills and gain the knowledge necessary for effective collaboration with health researchers, including how to design randomized, controlled clinical trials and intervention studies to guarantee data quality and make valid causal inferences.
An applied research focus and mentorship approach aids you as you work to solve a practical health-related research problem to complete your program.
Why study biostatistics at ASU?
Choose the format that fits your life, study on campus or fully online. Through the College of Health Solutions, you join a collaborative community that unites experts across health care, public health, data science, informatics and population health. ASU's strong ties to health care systems, research organizations and industry partners also connect you to valuable networking and hands-on, experiential learning.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BST 693)
Required Core (18 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The applied project depends on the student's background and goals for after graduation.
BST 601 Biostatistical Theory and Inference (3)
BST 602 Applied Multi-level and Longitudinal Data Analysis (3)
BST 604 Computational Biostatistics (3)
BST 605 Biostatistical Data Analysis (3)
BST 606 Applied Clinical Trial Design and Analysis (3)
BST 609 Categorical Data Analysis in the Health Sciences (3)
BST 693 Applied Project (3)
Elective coursework should be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Solve a real-world biostatistical problem while selecting the appropriate theory and method
- Conduct biostatistical computations and analysis using statistical software
- Communicate biostatistical concepts and analysis results to health practitioners and general audiences
Solve a real-world biostatistical problem while selecting the appropriate theory and methodAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biomedical informatics, demography, mathematics, public or population health, social sciences, or statistics from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information All applicants should have completed and passed an undergraduate statistics course (e.g., HCD 300, STP 226, ECN 221 or PSY 230), a linear algebra course (e.g., MAT 242, MAT 342 or MAT 343), and a calculus course (e.g. MAT 210, MAT 251 or MAT 270) before admission. If the requisite coursework is not completed before admission, it must be completed before matriculating. The statement of purpose should be one to two pages and indicate the applicant's interest in the program, knowledge of the field, and career plans. Applicants are encouraged to connect with program faculty who could be potential research mentors, and include this information in their statement, if available at the time of application.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/15 | Priority* |
| Session A/C | Online | 11/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this biostatistics master's degree prepares you for
Graduates are employed in academic institutions, government agencies and health-related industries, and they are well positioned to support public health needs. Career opportunities include these positions:
- biostatistician
- data scientist
- professor
- senior data analyst
- statistician
These positions are all classified as "Bright Outlook occupations" by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; these are officially defined as occupations expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, with large numbers of job openings. They are new and emerging occupations with potentially high salaries.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Health Systems Transformation
|
HLTHN 401
chsgrad@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
