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Biostatistics is one of the numerous highly specialized branches that encompasses the study of public health. Given the diversity of the field of study, it is an ideal academic program for students with an innate passion for public health and mathematics.
The application of biology and the mathematical theories of statistics make the expertise of biostatisticians in high demand nowadays. Data from surveys, polls, specialized studies, questionnaires, and extensive research provide biostatisticians and scientists with a comprehensive overview of the public health status.
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The Lowdown
Completing a master’s degree in biostatistics is one of the most flexible options that opens a variety of lucrative careers in the public health sector and other industries. It is a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor that highlights the practical applications of data analysis to determine causes of injuries and diseases, as well as evaluate health trends of different populations.
Undoubtedly, the promising job growth and profitable wages attract students to complete a graduate program in biostatistics as part of their advanced studies and credentialing!
Although the biostatistics graduate program is excellent for career advancement, students should also consider the different certifications and other credentials to excel in this highly competitive field.
Methodology
The best graduate program in Biostatistics should be a worthy investment for your academic and professional endeavors! That said, finding an online program aligned with your learning objectives, budget, and preferences is vital.
Today, however, a Master’s in Biostatistics program that can be completed 100% online is rare, with most of them offered in a blended format.
We curated the country’s leading universities offering the best Master of Biostatistics program for you! These academic features are present in each of the online graduate programs that made it to our list:
- Awarded as a Master of Biostatistics degree, often as a concentration or alternative track course within a major,
- Features generous transfer credit policies, comprehensive student support services, and multiple financial aid options for graduate students,
- Facilitated by a team of faculty members, admission staff, and other personnel with relevant industry-based knowledge and credentials,
- Features relevant and unique Biostatistics courses that equip students with up-to-date tools and learning resources within the field,
- Utilizes multiple learning methods, including online, hybrid, and on-campus, allows students to learn anytime and provide flexibility in completing a degree,
- Obtained regional and/or programmatic accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health
Kindly visit our Methodology page and see our comprehensive ranking and school selection process.
9 Best Online Master’s in Biostatistics Programs
University of Louisville
Online Master of Science in Biostatistics
The University of Louisville offers a 100% online M.S. in Biostatistics program through its School of Public Health & Information Science. The academic program is designed for professionals with a baccalaureate degree who advance or start a career in the field of data science, statistics, or biostatistics.
- Biostatistics students develop their skills and expertise through extensive training in data management and statistical computing, including how to use SPSS, R, and SAS software programs.
- The academic program is open to all students regardless of academic and professional backgrounds, building upon their expertise on current credentials.
- A preparatory course in Math Tools is available during the summer.
- The Master in Biostatistics program features 33 credit hours that can be completed in as few as three semesters. Students must take 25 credit hours for core biostatistics courses and five credit hours for electives.
- To enroll, aspiring students must submit an accomplished graduate application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a minimum of two letters of recommendation, and a non-refundable application fee.
What Makes This Program Unique:
UofL’s online Master’s in Biostatistics program is one of the extremely rare comprehensive biostatistics programs in the U.S. It is a holistic, forward-thinking academic program highlighting nursing, healthcare, dental, and medical applications of statistical analysis.
Did You Know?
If students aren’t 100% ready yet to pursue a more advanced master’s program, the University of Louisville has a 100% online Certificate in Biostatistics as an alternative. The certificate program only requires 15 credit hours or the equivalent of five courses.
Aspiring biostatistics professionals can complete the program on their own time and preference.
No GRE is required for admission into the certificate program. Similar to the online master’s program, students in the certificate program learn how to use SAS and R software, as well as employ statistical methods.
University of California, Berkeley
Online MPH – Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration
The University of California, Berkeley’s Online Master of Public Health program has an Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration that helps students discover the numerous factors affecting diseases and health in human populations.
- The Online MPH program requires six core and breadth courses for all students, serving as foundational studies and proficiencies that are relevant to resolving public health challenges.
- Apart from the six core courses, the 42-unit MPH program requires students pursuing the Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration to complete two epidemiology and biostatistics core courses, one data management course, at least five additional units in Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses, and two to three electives.
- Since each course in the MPH program progressively builds on methodological foundations, Berkeley recommends that students should not fall behind as courses in the Concentration are fast-moving.
- Most courses are offered once per year only, specifically during the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The majority of courses have prerequisites.
- Berkeley’s advisors and staff are readily available to assist students during their program completion.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration helps students develop proficiencies in both biostatistics and epidemiology, allowing them to immediately apply skills and knowledge to improve the effectiveness of various public health initiatives.
As part of the elective requirements, the online Biostatistics master’s program at Berkeley offers a wide array of choices for students to choose from, including Global Health courses, Regulatory Science courses, Community Health Sciences courses, Infectious Diseases courses, and Spatial Data Science for Public Health courses.
Did You Know?
Given the Epidemiology & Biostatistics Concentration is a fast-moving program, aspiring biostatistics professionals pursuing the MPH program at Berkeley must develop a semester-by-semester course map to ensure that advanced courses are within the timeframe of the academic program.
The university provides several tools and learning materials, such as course planning spreadsheets and sample schedules, to ensure that students can complete the Concentration requirements.
University of Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Biostatistics
The M.S. in Biostatistics program at the University of Nebraska receives programmatic accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It is designed to have a comprehensive curriculum, providing students with experience and training in scientific logic, data interpretation, data analysis, and statistical reasoning.
- Biostatistics students develop their knowledge and skills by completing unique courses, including Foundations of Public Health, Biostatistics Theory I and II, Biostatistical Computing, Categorical Data Analysis, and Survival Data Analysis.
- The MS program takes two years of full-time study and four years of part-time. A total of 36 credit hours is required for degree completion.
- Online students can choose either the Thesis or Non-Thesis option.
- Distance learners pursuing the Thesis option will complete six credit hours of elective courses, while the Non-Thesis option will require nine credit hours of elective courses.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The online Master’s in Biostatistics program features a holistic curriculum that is aligned with the core competencies of biostatistics. The academic program strongly focuses on the theoretical mathematical core of biostatistics and the development of applied skills.
Its primary focus is on the relevant biostatistics areas, including biostatistical learning, statistical principles, biostatistical methods, survival analysis, and study design.
Did You Know?
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has a primary clinical partner with Nebraska Medicine and has trained more health professionals than any other facility in the state. The partnership emphasizes community engagement, clinical excellence, research scope, and academic excellence.
The university offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in Nebraska for online program offerings. Thanks to the university’s military and veteran services, the military, veterans, and their dependents can pursue any online program with the assistance of military advisers and staff. Students can enjoy the generous acceptance of transfer credits, as well as flexible deployment and activation policies.
University of Florida
Online Master of Science in Biostatistics
The University of Florida’s online biostatistics program is primarily designed for post-undergraduates and working professionals who can’t attend on campus. The academic program provides online students the flexibility and convenience of pursuing a master’s program. Many graduates of the program pursue rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
- To enroll in UF’s biostatistics graduate program, aspiring students must have a baccalaureate degree in biomedical sciences, biology, mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, or other related discipline areas.
- Admission requirements include GRE results, a completed application form, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a statement of purpose.
- The biostatistics graduate program features a 36-credit hour curriculum that can be completed in two years of full-time learning.
- Students will choose one of two concentrations within the academic program, such as the Health Data Science concentration or the Biostatistical Methods and Practice concentration.
- The M.S. in Biostatistics program includes five core courses, namely Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health, Introduction to Public Health, Biostatistical Consulting, and Biostatistical Methods I and II.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Graduates with an M.S. in Biostatistics degree at trained to become highly competitive in three major settings, namely public health practice, federal agencies and industry, and academia.
The program can also be completed as a Combined Degree (Bachelor’s/M.S.), where students can earn a baccalaureate degree from any program at UF while completing a master’s program with 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students can earn the master’s program within one additional year, consisting of two semesters with 24 credits.
Did You Know?
UF’s Master of Science in Biostatistics program is taught by the same dedicated team of faculty, with the majority of them elected by the American Statistical Association.
Through the graduate program, online students receive comprehensive training aligned with the interdisciplinary health culture and a state-of-the-art facility at the College of Public Health and Health Professionals and the College of Medicine.
East Tennessee State University
Online M.P.H. Biostatistics Concentration
The Master of Public Health program at East Tennessee State University is one of the many academic programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. It is a 100% online academic program that doesn’t need any on-campus requirements.
- No GRE scores are required for admission into the academic program.
- While anyone can pursue the graduate program, students without a bachelor’s degree in a related field must take foundational courses in public health practice.
- Full-time students can complete the academic program in 2 years while part-timers mostly finish within 3 to 4 years. However, part-time students must complete the program within the 6-year matriculation limit from the date of first enrollment.
- An optional orientation may be attended on campus.
- The program’s flexibility provides students with the option to adjust their course schedules according to their needs. They can take one or two courses per term as well as the option to skip a term depending on their preferences.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The university provides aspiring biostatistics students to begin the program in either the Fall or Spring semesters. Apart from the Biostatistics concentration, ETSU offers Epidemiology, Community Health, and Health Administration as other specializations.
The Public Health graduate program allows distance learners to pursue a variety of goals in the healthcare industry. The extensive research opportunities will help students gain relevant laboratory experience.
Did You Know?
ETSU’s College of Public Health is a Coverdell Fellowship partner, providing students with the opportunity to qualify for the graduate fellowship program. Thanks to the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, financial assistance is available for the Global Health Service Partnership Volunteers, Peace Corps Response, and Peace Corps Volunteers.
The scholarship ranges from $750 to $3,500, depending on the time in the country, cost, and location. Qualified students from the College of Public Health will receive in-state tuition rates for both online and on-campus learners.
Kent State University
Online Master’s in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Kent State University’s online biostatistics master’s program equips distance learners with career-ready skills that will immediately help them find careers in the public health sector.
Through the program, students will gain foundational knowledge of ethical and theoretical frameworks, as well as relevant information on study implementation and design, and statistical analysis.
- The 36-hour graduate program consists of three major components, such as 25-credit core courses, two elective courses, and one capstone requirement.
- Each course has a 15-week duration, with full-time students graduating in two years.
- Aspiring students don’t need to submit a GRE for admission into the graduate program. Graduate students can start the program during the Fall semester.
- A customizable capstone requirement includes a thesis course and hands-on research experience in an approved clinical setting. The university’s Admissions Advisors help students develop a degree that aligns with their professional passion.
- The enrollment checklist includes a resume/CV, goal statement, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, bachelor’s degree, and accomplished online application.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The Epidemiology and Biostatistics graduate program has met the highest academic standards since it receives programmatic accreditation from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and the Council on Education for Public Health, making it one of the rare programs of its kind in the state.
Did You Know?
The M.S. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics program allows students to customize their degree with a diverse range of electives, including topics on the epidemiology of infectious and chronic diseases, pharmacoepidemiology, regulatory affairs, and scientific writing.
Students can also pursue an individual investigation on their preferred subject of interest before completing a thesis or capstone practicum.
Temple University
Online Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
The College of Public Health – Temple University offers an MPH in Epidemiology program that features core courses in biostatistics. The online MPH program meets all competencies administered by the CEPH-Council on Education for Public Health.
Apart from meeting academic excellence, the program offers a competitive level of tuition, providing students with multiple opportunities for financing their graduate studies.
- The online MPH is a research-oriented degree designed for students aspiring to learn advanced theories and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology.
- Distance learners can complete their coursework remotely, including synchronous discussions via Zoom and asynchronous projects and other activities.
- A full-time and part-time option is available to accommodate all students regardless of academic and professional credentials. However, the program has a 4-year limit for degree completion.
- Graduates with the MPH program are qualified to sit for the National Board of Public Health Examiners-administered Certified in Public Health examination. Additionally, they can be qualified to take the Certified Health Education Specialist test administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc.
- Students should accomplish the 42-credit-hour requirement to graduate and be awarded the MPH degree.
What Makes This Program Unique:
As part of the MPH curriculum, students can pursue short-term study abroad courses offered during the summer term. Although the MPH program is mainly focused on Epidemiology, it intersects with the fundamentals of behavioral and social sciences, health policy, environmental health, and biostatistics. As an interdisciplinary program, graduates are prepared to work in a diverse range of settings.
Thanks to advanced epidemiologic and biostatistics studies, they have become well-prepared for doctorate programs in epidemiology. Students participate in a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to collaborate with diverse faculty and peers.
Did You Know?
Temple’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has a Master of Science and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. Although both programs have a variety of similarities, each has its own unique aspects. While the M.S. program primarily focuses on epidemiology, the MPH program includes other aspects of public health, including biostatistics.
Students have a plethora of access to the university’s partner associations and faculty members, allowing them to pursue dual MPH degree programs.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Online Master of Science in Epidemiology – Biostatistics Track
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center runs an M.S. in Epidemiology program with a Biostatistics Track. Apart from the Biostatistics track, students can explore the Data Science and Clinical Investigation Tracks. The academic program is offered through the College of Graduate Health Sciences, one of the six colleges in the UTHSC.
- To graduate, the academic program requires 36 credit hours, including 24-credit hour core courses, 8-credit hour track electives, and 4-credit hour elective courses.
- Apart from coursework completion, students also gain the skills to become independent researchers through the 6-hour Master’s thesis or research project.
- Through the Biostatistics Track, students receive comprehensive training in Epidemiology, Applied Statistics, and Biostatistics. The Applied Statistics include training in Survival Analysis, Mixed Models, Linear Regression, and Categorical Data.
- Full-time learners can complete the program within 24 months, with nine credit hours per semester taken at the minimum.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The Biostatistics Track features a holistic set of courses that discusses the computing, applied, and theoretical areas of biostatistical science. Aspiring clinical researchers in the biostatistics field will gain essential analytical and methodological skills and knowledge.
They become proficient in interpreting different research areas and data types, data collection and analysis, and hypothesis formulation. Students can also pursue additional optional training in Data Science, Epidemiology of Childhood Diseases, Genetic Epidemiology, and Clinical Trial Methods.
Did You Know?
The university has a variety of combined degree programs with other colleges, including AuD/Ph.D., DDS/Ph.D., DNP/Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., and PharmD/Ph.D. Apart from the academic degrees, the College of Graduate Health Sciences offers three 12-credit hour certificate programs.
Students can choose from Genomic Research Training Program Certificate, Certificate in Health Care Quality Improvement, and Certificate in Clinical Investigation. If students prefer, some of the courses integrated into the certificate’s curriculum are transferrable to degree program requirements.
Claremont Graduate University
Online Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics
Claremont Graduate University’s M.S. in Applied Biostatistics program strengthens students’ data management and programming skills using state-of-the-art statistical software programs for data analysis.
With a graduate degree in applied biostatistics, graduates are prepared for a rewarding profession in health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and private or public health organizations.
- The estimated completion time for full-time students is five semesters, while part-time students can complete their degree in 7 to 9 semesters.
- Students must have 38 units, comprising 30 core and eight electives, to graduate with the M.S. in Applied Biostatistics credential.
- Sample core courses include Epidemiology, Statistical Programming, Biostatistics, Research Methods, and Categorical Data Analysis.
- Apart from coursework completion, students will complete 200 hours of field practical training in an external internship experience or practical research projects with the CGU faculty.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Enrollment in the graduate program is limited and classes are small, providing students with individualized mentorship that helps them prepare for rewarding careers and expands their professional network. The academic program is practice-based, so distance learners can already start working in the field while still completing their degrees.
Did You Know?
Claremont Graduate University is an independent academic institution devoted entirely to graduate studies. It is one of the seven members of Claremont College offering in-depth campus and faculty resources. CGU is an R2: Doctoral Research University, Higher Research Activity as classified by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
Curriculum and Courses in Masters in Biostatistics Online Programs
As its name implies, biostatistics is a combination of biology and statistics and is a scientific field where students explore more about pharmacology, genetics, biomedical research, and public health. Biostatistics students are often knowledgeable in mathematical statistics as they discover the importance of statistics in medical research, including statistical analysis, data management, and study design.
Although the M.S. in Biostatistics is the standard degree offering, many schools offer biostatistics as a concentration or specialization within the graduate program in computer science/I.T., professional studies, or public health.
Graduate students accomplish a set of coursework in biostatistics computing, experimental analysis, research design, and biostatistics theories. Depending on the college or department, students may have to complete foundational courses in mathematics, computer science, or public health. Some of the most common biostatistics core courses include:
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a popular course or concentration integrated into the biostatistics curriculum. It teaches students the principles of study design and epidemiology and how they can be relevant to population-based evaluations and assessments. Epidemiologic investigation methods, standardization of rates, and quantitative reasoning are also part of the discussion.
Statistical Computing/Statistical Analysis
The course helps students to become proficient in using SAS statistical software programs for analytic programming and data management purposes. It features practical approaches for developing data management and analysis and computing skills for managing public health initiatives.
Principles of Biostatistics/Introduction to Biostatistics
Graduate students will have an introduction to biostatistics and essential tools used in health evaluations and research. Through this course, they participate in collaborative discussions highlighting model-building strategies, linear model assumptions, and linear modeling methods.
Career Outlook for Graduates with a Master’s in Biostatistics Degree
Completing a Master’s in Biostatistics degree is a rewarding academic and professional endeavor, providing students with several opportunities to enjoy stable career growth and lucrative income. Many graduates find work in government agencies, medical research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare facilities.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment outlook for mathematicians and statisticians, including biostatisticians, is at 30% between 2022 to 2032. Professionals earn an average base salary of $99,960 and can earn as much as $171,540 per year.
While the projection indicates a promising future ahead, graduates should remember that several factors affect salary potential and job availability. Professional experience, educational attainment, location, and prior credentials, as well as the current economy, all contribute to one’s job security and earning potential.
As an overview, here is a list of potential high-paying occupations that graduates with a biostatistics master’s program can pursue:
- Actuaries – $113,990
- Economists – $113,940
- Data Scientists – $103,500
- Computer Systems Analysts – $102,240
- Financial Analysts – $96,220
- Computer Programmers – $97,800
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Master of Public Health different from the Master of Science Degrees in Biostatistics?
Although every school has its own unique program and curriculum, the learning objectives of an MPH vs. MS degree are almost identical. While both academic programs are essential degrees, the target audience varies.
The MPH in Biostatistics is a professional degree in public health with a more in-depth focus on applied biostatistics. The academic program is mainly designed for students with a specific area of interest in public health.
It is also ideal for students or professionals who already have a graduate degree in health and life sciences or any related field and want to gain more knowledge and skills in analytic and quantitative methods for public health research. Aspiring students will no longer take foundational courses in statistics or mathematics to enroll in an MPH academic program.
The MS in Biostatistics is ideal for students with mathematical interests and who have a substantial background in mathematics or statistics. Most schools require at least one semester of linear algebra and three semesters of calculus studies. Training in probability and statistics, as well as basic statistics courses, may also be required for enrollment.
How long can students complete an Online Masters in Biostatistics?
Like most academic programs, many factors affect the length of the graduate program in biostatistics. Common factors include the number of academic credits taken, transfer credits, enrollment status, and course load.
Most biostatistics programs can be completed in 32 to 42 credit hours. Online students pursuing the full-time option can graduate within 1 to 2 years while part-time students can complete their degree in 4 years.
Some programs have a capstone requirement as part of the degree completion, making it less time to complete compared to programs with thesis requirements. Additionally, some online schools offer fast-tracked or accelerated programs that can be accomplished within 12 months.
Other schools also have dual degree programs in which students can shorten the time required to graduate with a biostatistics credential.
Summary Points
- A biostatistics graduate study is a strategic and foundational stepping-stone for students who love solving complex problems, dealing with mathematical formulas, and having an innate passion for the medical or healthcare field.
- Accredited Online Master in Biostatistics academic programs provide a core foundation for a rewarding profession as a biostatistician.
- Completing such a program opens a diverse range of opportunities in clinical research, clinical trials, and actual practice that help graduates become an integral part of the development and discovery of innovative healthcare solutions.
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