Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics

Mission

The mission of the program is to advance the field of biostatistics by training students in methods research and its application in the fields of public health and medicine through course work, seminars, workshops and thesis writing.

Description

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, applied and theoretical multivariate methods, stochastic processes, basic epidemiology, and demography, enabling 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. 

Program Competencies:

After completing the MS degree in Biostatistics, the graduate will be able to:

1. Formulate appropriate linear regression models and conduct simple and multiple linear regression analysis (BIOS 6040, 7060)
2. Differentiate between various analysis of variance procedures and analyze data using these procedures (BIOS 6040, 7080)
3. Distinguish between procedures for analyzing discrete data and conduct logistic regression and other categorical procedures (BIOS 6040, 7150)
4. Exhibit proficiency in programming to manage and analyze datasets using standard statistical software such as SAS, SPSS and STATA (BIOS 6230, 6240, 6280)
5. Design and manage data bases (BIOS 6220)
6. Estimate sample size and power (BIOS 6040, 7080, 7150, 7250)
7. Design clinical trials and conduct survival analyses (BIOS 7300, 7400)
8. Define and use the principles of probability and mathematical statistics to guide the selection and application of data analysis methods.  (MATH 6070, MATH 6080)

Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a minimum of 42 hours of academic credit, with at least 36 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis research.

Thesis:

Students must also complete a thesis. The thesis is a supervised work of scholarship in the area of statistical methodology.  The results will be presented orally and in writing. The project will be supervised by a thesis director who is a faculty member of the Biostatistics Department, and reviewed by at least one other member of the Biostatistics faculty. The masters thesis must be completed within a year of completion of the required courses. Thesis Outline.

Model Course Schedule – Fall Entry

* Bios 6230 is recommended to be taken in the first semester if student does not have prior expertise in SAS

Contact:  For more information on the MS program in Biostatistics, please contact

Susan Gautier
Phone: (504)988-2102
Fax: (504)988-1706
Email: sgautie@tulane.edu

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