The master of science (M.S.) degree in biostatistics is offered by the Department of Biostatistics in New Brunswick. The objectives of the M.S. in biostatistics are: (1) to educate graduate students as biostatisticians at the master's level with the ability to collaborate and consult with researchers of other disciplines in the biomedical and public health sciences; (2) to meet the need for well-trained master's-level biostatisticians for the pharmaceutical industry, medical research institutions, and public health and other governmental organizations in New Jersey and nationwide; and (3) to identify and educate promising doctoral students in biostatistics.
The program is designed to provide qualified students with comprehensive knowledge and technical skills needed for planning and conducting statistical analysis for studies that are required for evidence-based medicine, epidemiology survey, and public health policy decisions. In addition, for those graduate students who may intend to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. in biostatistics, the M.S. in biostatistics program will equip them with the necessary training and preparation for further advanced studies and research. The biostatistics discipline emphasizes the concepts underlying the scientific method, and the applications in biomedical data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. The study of biostatistics includes design and analysis of experimental studies, including clinical trials, and nonexperimental (observational) studies, theory of probability and statistics, and statistical computing. Applicants to the biostatistics department should have strong aptitude for quantitative thinking and interest in biomedical and public health applications. A practicum in consulting is required. Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and to attend seminars concerning current problems and issues in empirical research.
M.S. IN BIOSTATISTICS CURRICULUM SUMMARY
The curriculum for the M.S. in biostatistics requires the completion of 30 credits of academic work with an average grade of B or better, as well as passing a qualifying examination and submitting a research paper. The qualifying exam for the M.S. in biostatistics program is normally given twice each year. The coursework is distributed as follows:
- 6 credits in core areas of public health: Students must select two core courses from the following four acceptable courses: Health Education and Behavioral Science in Public Health, Health Systems and Policy, Introduction to Environmental Health, and Principles and Methods of Epidemiology.
- 18 credits of courses required by the department
- 6 credits of elective courses
- research paper and qualifying examination
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