Master’s Programs The Department of Biostatistics offers two programs of study leading to master’s degrees:
1. The master of science in public health (MSPH) degree
2. The master of science (MS) degree Both master’s programs have a strong emphasis on applied data analysis. The MSPH also provides training in a broad background in other areas of public health (e.g., epidemiology, environmental health), establishing a foundation for the graduate to apply statistical methodologies in a range of public health application areas. The M.S. program provides a foundation in mathematical statistics and probability theory, enabling the graduate to assist in the application of statistical theory to applied statistical problems. back to top Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
The program prepares students to analyze data in a wide range of settings, including industrial health surveillance and research programs; local, state, and federal governmental agencies; pharmaceutical research divisions; university research programs; and consulting firms. The program emphasizes applied data analysis in the areas of public health and medicine. Students learn to assist in selecting a design appropriate for the goals of the research, estimate sample size requirements, establish and maintain data bases, select and conduct the appropriate statistical analysis, and communicate the results of the analysis orally and in writing in the fields of public health. Coursework concentrates on developing these statistical skills through the use of actual data sets and computerized statistical software packages. Degree Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 42 graduate credits. Students entering the program with previous courses or experience may request waivers for up to six credits of corresponding required courses. Students may transfer up to 25% of the requirements earned in other graduate programs. Course Requirements | Credits | Public Health Core Requirements | 15-18 |
| Required Courses | | | | | BIOS 604 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 | BIOS 622 | Database Management in the Health Sciences | 3 | BIOS 706 | Regression Analysis | 3 | BIOS 708 | Design of Experiments | 3 | BIOS 715 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 | BIOS 730 | Statistical Methods for Survival Data Analysis | 3 | | OR | | BIOS 740 | Clinical Trials | 3 | | | | | Electives | | | | | BIOS 709 | Advanced Design of Experiments | 3 | BIOS 716 | Advanced Categorical Data Analysi | 3 | BIOS 722 | Nonparametric Statistics | 3 | BIOS 725 | Principles of Sampling | 3 | BIOS 742 | Principles of Measurement | 3 | BIOS 750 | Monte Carlo and Bootstrapping Methods | 3 | BIOS 760 | Advanced Evaluation Research | 3 | BIOS 780 | Applied Data Analysis | 3 | BIOS 782 | Multivariate Methods | 3 | EPID 624 | Monitoring and Evaluation for Health-Related Systems | 3 | EPID 712 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 3 | INHL 680 | Introduction to Population Studies | 3 | | | |
All Biostatistics MSPH students are required to complete a field practicum of 200 hours. the description and specific requirements of the practicum, as well as all important deadlines are detailed in the Practicum Handbook. All MSPH students are also required to complete a culminating experience that draws together the students' classroom learning and practice experiences. This requirement can be satisfied by completing one of the following options. 1. Research Thesis, described in detail in the Thesis Outline. 2. Public Health Analysis Manuscript, described in detail in the Public Health Analysis Outline. or 3. Culminating Examination. This is a comprehensive exam that is still under construction and will be an option by January 2008. back to top Master of Science (MS)
The master of science in biostatistics is offered through the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, in conjunction with faculty in the mathematics department. Students become proficient in the basic methods of mathematical and applied statistics, computer technology, and special methods for health data analysis. Through courses in epidemiology and related subjects, students become familiar with the general area of public health to which the statistical methodologies may be applied. Coursework includes mathematical statistics and probability theory, basic epidemiology, and a series of courses detailing specific biostatistical methods. The curriculum enables the student to assist in the application of statistical theory to applied statistical problems. Students are required to have had courses in calculus and linear algebra before entering this program.Degree Requirements | Credits | Required Minimum Graduate Credits | 36 | | | Course Requirements Credits | 27 |
| Required Courses | | | MATHEMATICS (TOTAL 6 HOURS) | | MATH 601 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 | MATH 602 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 | | | | | EPIDEMIOLOGY (TOTAL 3 HOURS) | | | EPID 603 | Epidemiologic Methods I | 3 | | | | | BIOSTATISTICS (TOTAL 18 HOURS) | | BIOS 604 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 | BIOS 622 | Database Management | 3 | BIOS 706 | Regression Analysis | 3 | BIOS 708 | Design of Experiments | 3 | BIOS 715 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 | BIOS 730 | Statistical Methods for Survival Data Analysis | 3 | | OR | | BIOS 740 | Clinical Trials | 3 | | | | | | |
Electives: Elective courses are the same as for the M.S.P.H. program. A minimum of 30 didactic hours are required. Students must also complete a thesis.
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Doctoral ProgramsThe Department of Biostatistics offers two programs of study leading to doctoral degrees: 1. The doctor of science (ScD) degree
2. The doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree The ScD program is designed to provide the student with in-depth training in the principles of applied and theoretical statistics with special reference to problems in the fields of public health and medicine. The Ph.D. program provides greater in-depth training in mathematical statistical theory and advanced technology than the Sc.D. program. Graduates of the Ph.D. program will be able to apply statistical theory to their solutions of applied statistical problems and to develop new statistical theory as needed to address such problems. back to top Doctor of Science (ScD)
This program emphasizes applied statistics in the fields of public health and medicine; it is designed to equip the student to design, carry out, and conduct the statistical analyses for research studies in these areas. Students are required to select an area of specialization within public health (e.g., chronic disease epidemiology, infectious disease epidemiology, environmental health, behavioral aspects of health).Degree requirements
Students must complete 60 credits in graduate courses, including courses earned for a master’s degree; pass a written comprehensive examination; and complete a dissertation. At least nine of the course credits must be in the area of specialization. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Although this program emphasizes applied statistics, it is designed to provide more training in theoretical statistics than the ScD program. Graduates, with the ability to develop new statistical theory as needed to address data analysis problems, are qualified for academic positions as researchers and educators. Students are required to have had courses in calculus and linear algebra before entering this program. Degree requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits in graduate coursework, pass a written comprehensive examination, and complete a dissertation. At least nine of the course credits must be in mathematical statistics and probability theory. back to top | 
