Mar 28, 2024  
2023/2024 University Catalog 
    
2023/2024 University Catalog

Statistics, Biostatistics Concentration, M.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Summary of Curricula Offered

(Major Code: 17021) (SIMS Code: 776370)

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must meet the following program requirements:

The student should have completed before entering the program the following undergraduate coursework: three semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, and one semester of probability theory. The student should also have working knowledge of a programming language before entering the program. Students lacking some of the above undergraduate coursework may be admitted conditionally and may make up this coursework during the first year of the program (these courses will not be counted toward the degree course requirements).

The student must complete a minimum of 31 units of course-work as described below. Upon entry to the program, the student will be assigned to a graduate adviser in biostatistics. Thereafter, the adviser will meet with the student each semester and discuss his or her academic program. A program of study must be approved by the graduate adviser in biostatistics.

Advancement to Candidacy


All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Three Additional Units


Three additional units of graduate adviser approved 500-level or above courses from a science application of biostatistics (e.g., bioscience, health science, or medical science). If the student has an undergraduate degree in an area of application of biostatistics, 500-level or above mathematical sciences courses may be substituted with the approval of the graduate adviser.

Culminating Experience


(3 units)

Plan A


STAT 799A  with approval of the graduate adviser and the faculty member from the division of statistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics who will chair the committee. One of the other two members of the thesis committee must be a faculty member from a science of application of biostatistics (i.e., bioscience, health science, or medical science). Plan A students are also required to pass a final oral examination on the thesis, open to the public.

Plan B


Pass a written comprehensive examination and complete 3 additional units of 600- and 700- numbered statistics courses as approved by the graduate adviser. Policy and procedure for the Plan B examination are documented and available from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Summary of Curricula Offered