What is biostatistics?

Biostatistics is the application of statistics to a wide range of topics in biology, medicine and public health. It means that biostatisticians use mathematics, computer science, and computational biology to answer questions and solve problems in biology, medicine and public health. The world is continually increasing its output of data, biostatisticians train to use and analyze data effectively. Biostatisticians play a key role in the design, conduct, and analysis of research studies and they develop new methods to address emerging problems.

Why choose a career in biostatistics?

Biostatistics is a rewarding career. There are many opportunities abound in the field of biostatistics throughout academia, industry and government. Examples include the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, medical research centers, schools of public health, medical schools and government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, state and local health departments, and the World Health Organization. As a career, statisticians were recently ranked #3 among the best occupations in the US according to JobsRated.com. The profession was featured in a 2009 New York Times article “For Today’s Graduate, Just One Word: Statistics.”

The biostatistics graduate program at the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston (UTSPH) The UTSPH locates in the world’s largest medical center, and our school has the lowest tuition and fees among the top schools of public health in the US. Our biostatistics program provides opportunity to learn the principles of statistics theory from recognized faculty members, while gain real-world experience by working on clinical trials, statistical genetics, and public health research. There are plenty funding and scholarships to support our graduate students in the biostatistics division. You can find detail information on the biostatistics division through this link: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/bios/

What are the degree programs in UTSPH biostatistics? The Biostatistics Division of UTSPH offers graduate studies leading to the Master of Public Health (MPH), the Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH) The MPH in biostatistics is a basic professional degree in public health with concentration in biostatistics. By introducing the foundation of statistical theory, students learn to master basic statistical analysis skills, and conduct analysis of public health related data.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) The MS program includes a sequence of courses in basic statistical theory and methods, research design and data analysis. All MS students take a minor in a field of application such as epidemiology, behavior science, health policy management other than biostatistics. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) The PhD program emphasizes advanced statistical theory and application, statistical consulting, and independent research. All PhD students are required to choose one minor and one area of breadth in fields of application other than biostatistics. The following table is a brief summary of the admission requirements for the graduate programs. Table 1. Admission requirements, course credits and years to complete degree programs

Degrees Admission Requirements Credit hours

Thesis Years to complete

DegreeƗ GRE Calculus Linear

algebra

MPH BS Yes Yes No 48 Yes/No* 1.5-2

MS BS Yes Yes Yes 36 Yes 2

PhD MS Yes Yes Yes 48 Yes 4

PhD** BS Yes Yes Yes 72 Yes 6

Degrees: BS degree in mathematics or statistics, or MS degree in the theory and applications of biostatistics, mathematics, statistics, or equivalent is required. *MPH students have the option to take a capstone course as substitute to thesis research. PhD** is for the student directly admitted from undergraduate, they need to complete 72 credits for course work. Financial Assistance, Funding opportunities and Scholarships The funding is competitively awarded to the most qualified applications. The funding for graduate students is awarded through teaching assistantship, research assistantship, Dean’s scholarship, and merit scholarship. Research assistantships range from $15,000 (MS student) to $21,500 (PhD student). Some research assistantships include tuition. Teaching assistantships receive a stipend $15,000 (MS student), or $20,000 (PhD student). Teaching assistantships are available for two years with some possible extension depending on Division needs. Dean’s scholarship is for first year only with $3000 (MS student) and $5000 (PhD student). The merit scholarship is $1,500 per year for two years plus the eligibility for in-state tuition (paid by student). In addition to the above funding opportunities, there are also many research opportunities for part-time positions in the Texas Medical Center. Application deadlines

February 1 all degree-seeking applicants who wish to be considered for new student scholarships or traineeships

March 1 all degree-seeking applicants

Contact information for biostatistics graduate programs admissions

Telephone 713-500-9521

UTSPH’s website http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/admissions/

Email sphbiostatistics@uth.tmc.edu