AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
Biostatistics: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The M.A. in Biostatistics is a 2-year program consisting of 40-48 units with courses selected from biostatistics and statistics, public health, and biology.
The oral comprehensive examination for the M.A. degree is designed to test a candidate's breadth of understanding and knowledge and the ability to articulate and explain the basic concepts gained from the curriculum. Alternatively, a thesis may be submitted to fulfill requirements though the decision to submit a thesis rather than take the oral examination must be made early in the final semester of the program.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Fall 2008 Admissions Statistics:
- Admission Ratio: 24.3% (10/41)
- Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.77
- Average GRE scores of admitted applicants:
Verbal - 620, 84%; Quantitative - 780, 90%
What we look for in competitive applicants:
Previous coursework in calculus and linear algebra is suggested.
- Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Biomedical & biological sciences, mathematics, statistics
- Common work experience for admitted applicants: Typical successful applicants have work experience in Research Assistant positions at a health department.
Employment Opportunities:
Some students pursuing the M.A. intend to go on for a Ph.D. but many others take research, statistical, and analytical positions in federal agencies, state and local health departments, and health care delivery.