MS in Biostatistics

The goal of the MS program is to prepare students to function as a biostatistician or biostatistical consultant. Upon completion of the MS in Biostatistics the student will have an extensive understanding of biostatistical theory and practice and will be proficient in the application of statistical methods to one or more areas in the health sciences.

At completion of the MS program in Biostatistics the graduate should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of statistical theory and practice as applicable in the health sciences.
• Function as a collaborator on a research team.
• Take a leadership role in the design and implementation of a health science project.
• Assume responsibility for the design and implementation of analyses for health science investigations.
• Assist with the design and implementation of data management systems for large health science studies.
• Prepare reports and publications resulting from health science studies.
• Serve as an advocate for good statistical design in health science investigations.

Degree Requirements

The program consists of 36 credit hours including collaborative research experience, annual evaluations and the successful completion of the Masters General Examination.

Course Plan

The course plan consists of 27 credit hours from required Biostatistics core courses which includes 3 credit hours of Collaborative Research Experience. This requirement ensures the completion of a research component through collaborative effort within or external to the Department.

A minimum of 9 credit hours in Elective courses is also required. Elective credits include a minimum of three and a maximum of six credit hours in approved courses from outside the department and a minimum of three and maximum of six credit hours in Biostatistics electives. Biostatistics electives can be chosen from the list of elective classes and the required PhD courses.

Required Biostatistics Core Courses (27 credit hours)

• BIOS 810 Clinical Trials (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 820 Statistical Computing (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 830 Experimental Design (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 835 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 840 Linear Regression (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 871 Mathematical Statistics I (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 872 Mathematical Statistics II (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 890 Linear Models (3 credit hours)
• BIOS 898 Collaborative Research (3 credit hours)

Annual Evaluations

Students are evaluated each April by their graduate advisor and the director of the graduate program. These evaluations provide feedback to the student regarding the progress that they are making in a variety of areas: meeting program requirements, classroom performance, and research performance.

Graduate Examination

Masters General Examination: The Masters General Examination is given after a student’s third full semester in residence, assuming the completion of the following courses: Mathematical Statistics I & II, Statistical Computing, Design and Analysis of Experiments, Regression, and Categorical Data Analysis. The examination has three purposes: to assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses; to determine whether the student should be awarded the MS degree; and, if it is a degree goal, to determine whether the student is prepared to continue into the PhD program.

 

For questions regarding the MS in Biostatistics program, contact:

Jo Wick, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Graduate Education, Department of Biostatistics
jwick@kumc.edu
(913) 588-4790