Master of Science in Biostatistics
MS in Biostatistics
The Master of Science (MS) degree prepares students for careers as professional biostatisticians in industry, government or academia. Browse the Academic Catalog.
The MS can be completed along one of three tracks of study. The Standard Track consists of our base curriculum of probability, mathematical statistics, biostatistical methods, clinical trials, and categorical and survival data analysis. The Thesis Track adds the preparation and defense of a research thesis to the standard track. The Bioinformatics Track modifies coverage from the Standard Track to include biochemistry, bioinformatics, advanced statistical computing, and other pertinent areas.
The training our students receive includes:
- Design of research studies, with particular focus on clinical trials
- Data management and statistical computing
- Modern descriptive, graphical and inferential statistical methods, with focus on generating statistical results meaningful to lay audiences
- Communication and collaboration with scientific investigators
- Foundational statistical theory and basic research in statistical methodology
- Bioinformatics and advanced computational techniques
Both the Standard and Bioinformatics tracks for the MS in Biostatistics are 33-credit hour programs, which can be completed in as few as three semesters. Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in biostatistics are encouraged to declare for the Thesis track and write and defend a thesis in an additional semester of research and study.
We accept students with bachelor's degrees in diverse fields, but background coursework in calculus (particularly multivariable calculus) is necessary for admission and successful completion of our curriculum.
Math Tools
Math Tools I-III does not supplant a Calculus I-III sequence. Rather, we cover the tools and skills necessary to successfully complete the more mathematical coursework required in our M.S. degree. Math Tools IV offers coverage of basic concepts from linear algebra, necessary for some of our available M.S. elective coursework:
| Course Name | Summer Term | Topics Covered |
| PHST 561 - Math Tools I | Term I | Functions and graphs; focus on polynomials and roots, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits and continuity of functions |
| PHST 562 - Math Tools II | Term II | Differentiation of single variable functions, applications of differentiation, identification of extrema and inflection points, antiderivatives, the definite integral, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, techniques of integration - substitution, integration by parts, etc.; using integrals to compute areas, sequences and series, partial and infinite sums, geometric series, Taylor series. |
| PHST 563 - Math Tools III | Term III | Multivariable functions, limits, and continuity, partial differentiation with applications, multiple integration with applications |
| PHST 564 - Math Tools IV | Term III | Vector/matrix algebra and operations, solving systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear independence, rank, basis, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonal vectors and projections, quadratic forms |
Potential applicants lacking the mathematical background for full admission to our M.S. are encouraged to seek out opportunities for taking a full Calculus I-III sequence prior to applying to our M.S. program. When that is not possible, we recommend utilizing one the following strategies to improve their chances of acceptance:
- Apply to the Certificate in Biostatistics, which does not require prior calculus coursework. While working toward the Certificate, students can enroll in Math Tools courses as extra classes. During Certificate studies or upon completion of the Certificate, students can apply for the M.S. in Biostatistics. All coursework toward a completed Certificate can be applied to the M.S. and the Math Tools course sequence can fulfill the calculus requirement.
- Apply directly to the M.S. in Biostatistics. Students without the required background in calculus cannot be fully admitted to the M.S. program. However, if all other prerequisites for admission are met, students may be granted provisional admission, contingent upon successful completion of Math Tools courses. Students interested in this path should contact us for further information and must apply for admission in UofL's Summer term (when Math Tools courses are offered).
Math Tools courses are highly intensive and require substantial amounts of work. Students should be prepared to spend significant amounts of time reviewing videos and solving problems outside of class. If you have any questions about Math Tools or these paths to acceptance to the M.S., don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re more than willing to discuss your prospects for admission to our M.S.
