The Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics is a two-year degree program with a minimum requirement of 42 semester hours of graduate work, not over six hours of which is allowed for research and composition of a thesis, and not more than two credit hours of seminars. It begins with a core of basic biostatistical methods and statistical theory and continues with electives in biostatistical methods directly applicable in public health. Entry requirements include calculus and linear algebra. In some cases, students deficient in entry requirements may be admitted provided a plan for remediation is developed and approved by the faculty.
Competencies for MS in Biostatistics
- Apply inferential statistics and data science principles.
- Apply statistical and computational approaches using R, SAS, and other programming languages for solving problems of biomedical science and public health.
- Translate research questions into testable hypotheses to advance public health.
- Create oral and written reports of the methods, results, and interpretations of statistical analyses.
- Assessing statistical properties of estimators.
SPH MS students obtain a public health orientation to the 12 recommended foundational learning objectives primarily through the required three-credit course, PUBH 6200 Essentials of Public Health. Assessment of the foundational competencies is made through quizzes, essays, presentations, and graded class participation using a well-established rubric. Students gain knowledge of public health through discussions of the profession and science of public health, factors related to human health, as well as other topics, such as the role of the health care system and health care financing. Students also gain knowledge through reading selected papers and creating presentations for the class.
For the most up-to-date information on current courses and curriculum, please visit our SPH Handbook and LSUHSC Catalog.