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About the Program
The Masters (MS) degree in Biostatistics provides individuals with rigorous training in statistical methodology in order to prepare them for careers as biostatisticians to collaborate with and provide statistical support to scientists and researches in biomedical, health sciences and other related areas of research.
The M.S. program provides an intensive exposure to the wide range of methodologies and techniques needed to function and excel as a biostatistician, with expertise in designing data collection for experiments, observational studies, and clinical trials,extracting information stored in various forms, and analyzing, reporting and presenting the findings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MS program will be qualified for employment in academic research institutions, pharmaceutical and other biotech industries, and local, state, and national government agencies.
Financial Support
Students accepted into the program will be considered for a Graduate Assistantship (GA) package that includes financial support and a reduced tuition rate of $25/semester. A limited number of GA packages will be awarded each year, on a competitive basis and according to the availability of funds.
Competitive Profile
The competitive applicant for the MS program will have the following qualifications:
- Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree in the mathematical sciences, or in a closely related discipline with rigorous training in calculus and matrix algebra.
- Minimum cumulative GPA on all undergraduate and graduate coursework of at least 3.3
- Computer literacy
- Minimum GRE general test score of 309 (sum of verbal and quantitative sections): 158 Quantitative, 151 Verbal, 4.0 Analytical Writing
- A strong personal statement
Admission Requirements
Please see the Office of Admissions website for specific admissions information:
gru.edu/admissions/graduate/master-biostatistics.php
Curriculum
The two-year program comprises three parts: a core set of 28 credit hours of didactic courses that all students take, 12 credit hours of elective courses, and a research thesis or a consulting project. Students will chose, with the advice and approval of their advisory committees, one of these options:
Thesis Track: A formal thesis, directed by a Biostatistics faculty member, will be required. The student will conduct their research under Thesis Research (STAT 8920), for a minimum of 6 credit hours. The thesis project for the MS program will be of two types: (i) use of established but state-of-the-art statistical tools to analyze and report on collected data sets; or (ii) a rigorous review of statistical literature, possibly involving a small amount of methodological research, that has potential use in complex biomedical data analysis. A formal presentation of the thesis will be required, which will be open to public.
Non-Thesis Track: A project write-up (or project write-ups), directed by a Biostatistics faculty member, will be required. The student will perform the project work under Biostatistical Consulting in Research (STAT 8910), for a minimum of 6 credit hours. This course is designed for students to gain practical experience in integration of statistical theory and applications in current research, systematic formulation of problems, data formatting and collection procedures, study design, data analysis, and, interpretation and communication of results. It is possible that students may consult on one or two research projects, depending on the complexity and scope of the project(s). A formal presentation will be required at the conclusion of the project(s).
An advisory committee of faculty will help plan, monitor progress, and mentor the student through all phases of the program of study.
Other Requirements
All students must attend departmental and other research seminars and meetings that are relevant to their biostatistics training.
Students must publicize the results of their research through seminars, conference presentations, and/or articles in refereed (peer-review) journals.
Students with graduate assistantships are required to work with a faculty supervisor as Research or Teaching Assistants.
Comprehensive Examination
Final Oral Thesis/Project Defense
Estimated Tuition and Fees
For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Financial Information section of this catalog.
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