Biostatistics is a wide discipline that involves applying statistical tools and methods to analyze and interpret biological data. It involves using statistical techniques to research medicine, public health, and biology and developing new tools to get insights into these areas. Biostatistics has become an indispensable tool in solving major real-world community health issues such as Cancer, HIV, Covid-19, etc. This amalgam of science and statistics has gained a lot of significance in recent years, creating a huge demand for biostatisticians with relevant training and skills. Hence, many top universities are offering courses like MS in Biostatistics.
Eligibility:
A bachelor’s or professional degree is a must. It is recommended that applicants have a background in mathematics, health sciences, or science. Apart from this, the applicant should be able to program in a computer language. Also, sound knowledge of calculus and linear algebra at the collegiate level is another requirement.
Specializations:
MS in Biostatistics is an immaculately designed course that offers specializations to students in various subjects. Students can gain in-depth knowledge about Epidemiology, Research Methods in Public Health, Biostatistics for Public Health, Introductory Longitudinal Data Analysis, and Linear Regression and model, among many others. Also, based on their interests, requirements, and advice from faculty, students can choose from subjects such as Statistical Inference, Psychometric Analysis & Measurement in Public Health Research, Machine Learning in Public Health, etc. A culminating project in the form of a thesis and applied experience through internships is also mandatory per the course structure.
Job Prospects:
The number of jobs in biostatistics is expected to grow ten times faster in the coming years. It will enable professionals to perform interventions such as tracking and extracting missing data, survey research, longitudinal data evaluation, statistical investigation of genetic data, etc. Completing MS in Biostatistics can enhance your employment prospects in the Public Health Sector, Pharmaceutical Firms, Clinical Settings, Federal Agencies, Laboratories, Hospitals, and Research organizations. Even WHO (World Health Organization) and state health departments employ qualified biostatisticians with the required skills. With a degree in biostatistics, a candidate can also get an opportunity to serve as a senior research consultant in revered universities. Some common roles offered to begin a career in biostatistics include
Healthcare and medical industries have been witnessing rapid changes in terms of their development. Since the building blocks of this industry are based on biology and statistics, the relevant tools and concepts of biostatistics have been in great demand. It has now become integral to all health services and life sciences. Catering to this increased demand for biostatisticians, numerous top-notch industries across the globe in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Europe have begun offering bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees for those passionate about this industry.
United States
The United States has some of the top universities in the world. The universities actively engage in high-level research. Living expenses in the USA depend on location, which can be in the range of USD 18,000 – USD 25,000 annually.
Let’s have a look at the top universities in the United States offering MS in Biostatistics
Fernando Bruno, 2020, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, National Institutes of Health’s Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science and Epidemiologist.
John Hopkins University
#1
$76,200 (Annual)
Russel Baker, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for New York Times
University of Washington
#3
$ 31530 (Annual)
NA
University of Michigan
#4
$ 48, 542
Trivellore Raghunathan, Director and Research Professor at the Institute for Social Research
University of North Carolina
#5
$ 35, 580
NA
Intake: Three intakes for the MS course are available for admission. However, this may vary with the University/College.
Spring: Begins in January, and deadlines vary with the university.
Summer: May; however, it is available for only a few programs.
Fall: August and September
Application Process: Documents needed are:
All Transcripts ( 10th, 12th, UG, Diploma)
Personal Statement
Certificate of Graduation
Certificate validating your English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE)
Intake: With most Universities having flexible intake, it is best to apply during September. The MS course in Australia is maximum for 24 months and a minimum of 18 months.
Let’s have a look at the top universities in Europe offering Ms in Biostatistics.
College Name
Global Ranking
Living Expense
Tuition Fee
Alumni
University of Zurich
#19
CHF 1700 (Monthly)
CHF 130 (Monthly)
University of Valencia
#88
$ 13762 (Annual)
$ 9576 (Annual)
Rigas Stradina Universitate
–
NA
EUR 3500 (Annual)
Heidelberg University
#2
EUR 292.15 (Monthly)
EUR 14,100
University of Copenhagen
#8
NA
US$10,920 (For two years)
Intake: The fall intake for universities in Europe will end by 15th August 2022. It’s best to apply six months before the course begins.
Application Process: For studying in Europe, Universities have various language mediums to teach. However, if you prefer English as the teaching medium, it is important to have an International Certificate in English at the B2 level. Other than that, you need the following:
All previous certificates, including 10th and 12th mark sheets
Entrance test scorecard
Previous work experience letter
Internship letter
Letter of motivation
Bachelor’s degree Diploma/Diploma in Health or Social Sciences
Additional Research work/Publications
Resume
TOEFL Score
IELTS Score
FAQ’s
Who should apply for MS in Biostatistics?
If you are interested in analyzing and interpreting biological data using statistical tools and have a basic understanding of math and statistics, then the program is ideal for you.
Does the program have research options?
The course structure of MS in Biostatistics is designed in such a way that research is incorporated into it. The research areas available for students include machine learning, clinical trials, biomedical imaging, etc.
What job prospects are available after completing the program?
After completing the master’s program successfully, you become a biostatistician by profession. You can take up various job roles, including data analyst, software developer, statistical programmer, data scientist, research consultant, etc.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4614 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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