Master of Science – Biostatistics

About

The Master of Science 42.5-credit program (SM-42.5) is designed for established professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees who are dedicated to improving the health of people everywhere through quantitative research. SM-42.5 students learn to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply scientific knowledge in real-world settings. 

On Campus (Fall start) • Full-time (1 year)

Curriculum

Competencies

The Master of Science program prepares students in five specific competencies:

1. Use probabilistic and statistical reasoning and theory to effectively analyze non-standard problems arising in medicine and public health and assisting biostatistical researchers in the conduct of methodologic research;
2. Design research studies in medicine and public health (e.g., study design and population selection, sample size justification, data analysis plans, methods of data acquisition and organization, data management methods, and protocol development);
3. Analyze and interpret quantitative data for scientific inference (e.g., graphical and tabular displays and visuals, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and choice of appropriate statistical software for the data analysis);
4. Use modern computational methods to effectively analyze complex medical and public health data (e.g., including regression methods and extensions, survival data analysis, statistical and machine learning, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and more);
5. Use probabilistic and statistical reasoning and theory to effectively analyze non-standard problems arising in medicine and public health and assisting biostatistical researchers in the conduct of methodologic research.

Our Community

The Department of Biostatistics hosts a variety of extracurricular seminars, working groups, and lectures focused on specific public health problems, creating opportunities to expand their knowledge while connecting with faculty and fellow students. It also participates in Data Adventure Day, when statistics students across Harvard help introduce high school students to the discipline. For those looking to expand their ability to present statistical analysis to others, the department offers workshops designed to help students hone their public speaking and writing skills. 

The Harvard Chan School is committed to supporting our students both in and out of the classroom. The school offers a wide variety of academic support services, including research support through the Countway Library of Medicine and academic coaching and tutoring for students seeking additional help with either an overall transition to graduate school or specific subject matter.  

Career Outcomes

A Master of Science 42.5-credit (SM-42.5) degree opens an extraordinary number of pathways to a meaningful career. Graduates of the SM-42.5 program are trained to pursue careers in a variety of industries: 

• Biotech/pharma 
• Health care organizations 
• National and international government agencies 
• Non-profit/NGO 
• Public and private sector enterprises 
• Research institutions 
• University/research 

Eligibility Criteria

The Master of Science 42.5-credit (SM-42.5) program is targeted towards significantly established research professionals. For most fields, applicants are required to have a doctoral degree and relevant work experience—contact admissions or the department for more detailed information. 

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application for schools and programs of public health. In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose and objectives
• Official test scores
• Three letters of reference
• Resumé/curriculum vitae
• Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable

Application Deadline: December 1

Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.

Related Links

About

The 60-credit Master of Science program in Biostatistics advances students’ research skills in statistical, bioinformatics, and data science, especially as applied to the biomedical and health sciences.

As a student, you will learn:

• The biostatistical and bioinformatics methods used in planning research studies; 
• How to conduct analyses and write reports; 
• How to interpret numerical data in medicine and public health; 
• How to collaborate and communicate effectively with scientists in related fields.
• The SM-60 program includes a thesis requirement.

On Campus (Fall start) • Full-time (1.5 years) • Part-time (2+ years)

Learning Objectives

Competencies

1. Design research studies in medicine and public health (e.g., study design and population selection, sample size justification, data analysis plans, methods of data acquisition and organization, data management methods, and protocol development);
2. Analyze and interpret quantitative data for scientific inference (e.g., graphical and tabular displays and visuals, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and choice of appropriate statistical software for the data analysis);
3. Use modern computational methods to effectively analyze complex medical and public health data (e.g., including regression methods and extensions, survival data analysis, statistical and machine learning, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and more);
4. Use probabilistic and statistical reasoning and theory to effectively analyze non-standard problems arising in medicine and public health and assisting biostatistical researchers in the conduct of methodologic research;
5. Disseminate new knowledge in a research discipline through the preparation of a written report of biostatistical analyses, comparison of different statistical methodologies, and oral presentation of results. This competency is demonstrated through the completion of a Master’s Thesis and Collaborative Research Practicum.

Our Community

The Department of Biostatistics hosts a variety of extracurricular seminars, working groups, and lectures focused on specific public health problems, creating opportunities to expand their knowledge while connecting with faculty and fellow students. It also participates in Data Adventure Day, when statistics students across Harvard help introduce high school students to the discipline. For those looking to expand their ability to present statistical analysis to others, the department offers workshops designed to help students hone their public speaking and writing skills. 

Harvard Chan School offers a wide variety of academic support services, including research support through the Countway Library of Medicine and academic coaching and tutoring for students seeking additional help with either an overall transition to graduate school or specific subject matter.  

Beyond academics, the school is home to more than 40 official student organizations focusing on public health issues, cultural affinities, and extra-curricular interests. These groups and other offices throughout the school plan events on campus and around Boston.

Career Outcomes

A Master of Science 60-credit degree opens an extraordinary number of pathways to a meaningful career. Graduates of the SM-60 program are trained to pursue careers in a variety of industries: 

• Biotech/pharma 
• Health care organizations 
• National and international government agencies 
• Non-Profit/NGO 
• Public and private sector enterprises 
• Research institutions 
• University/research

Eligibility Criteria

The Master of Science 60-credit program (SM-60) requires an undergraduate degree in the mathematical sciences or allied fields (statistics, economics, etc.) or computer science, with a strong interest in health science, or a prior bachelor’s degree or non-US equivalent. Some additional coursework and relevant work experience may be required as well. 

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application service for public health programs. In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose and objectives
• Official test scores 
• Three letters of reference
• Resumé/curriculum vitae
• Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable

Application Deadline: December 1

Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.

Related Links

About

The 80-credit Master of Science program in Biostatistics provides students with the skills they need to advance public health through rigorous quantitative research and data analysis.  

As a student, you will learn: 

• The basics of statistical theory; 
• The biostatistical and bioinformatics methods used in planning research studies; 
• How to conduct analyses and write reports; 
• How to interpret numerical data in medicine and public health; 
• How to collaborate and communicate effectively with scientists in related fields.  

Students also enjoy the opportunity to work with faculty on ongoing research projects and serve as teaching assistants for departmental courses.  

On Campus (Fall start) • Full-time (2 years) • Part-time (3 years)

Curriculum

Competencies

The 80-credit Master of Science program prepares students in five specific competencies:

1. Design research studies in medicine and public health (e.g., study design and population selection, sample size justification, data analysis plans, methods of data acquisition and organization, data management methods, and protocol development);
2. Analyze and interpret quantitative data for scientific inference (e.g., graphical and tabular displays and visuals, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and choice of appropriate statistical software for the data analysis);
3. Use modern computational methods to effectively analyze complex medical and public health data (e.g., including regression methods and extensions, survival data analysis, statistical and machine learning, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and more);
4. Use probabilistic and statistical reasoning and theory to effectively analyze non-standard problems arising in medicine and public health and assisting biostatistical researchers in the conduct of methodologic research. (This competency is demonstrated through the completion of a Culminating Experience.)
5. Use probabilistic and statistical reasoning and theory to effectively analyze non-standard problems arising in medicine and public health and assisting biostatistical researchers in the conduct of methodologic research. This competency is demonstrated through the completion of a Culminating Experience.

Our Community

The Department of Biostatistics hosts a variety of extracurricular seminars, working groups, and lectures focused on specific public health problems, creating opportunities to expand their knowledge while connecting with faculty and fellow students. It also participates in Data Adventure Day, when statistics students across Harvard help introduce high school students to the discipline. For those looking to expand their ability to present statistical analysis to others, the department offers workshops designed to help students hone their public speaking and writing skills. 

Harvard Chan School offers a wide variety of academic support services, including research support through the Countway Library of Medicine and academic coaching and tutoring for students seeking additional help with either an overall transition to graduate school or specific subject matter.  

Beyond academics, the school is home to more than 40 official student organizations focusing on public health issues, cultural affinities, and extra-curricular interests. These groups and other offices throughout the school plan events on campus and around Boston.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the SM-80 program are trained to pursue research careers in a variety of industries: 

• Biotech/pharma 
• Health care organizations 
• National and international government agencies 
• Non-profit/Non-governmental organization
• Public and private sector enterprises 
• Research institutions 
• University/research 

Eligibility Criteria

The Master of Science 80-credit (SM-80) degree program requires a prior bachelor’s degree or non-US equivalent.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application service for public health programs. In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose and objectives
• Official test scores 
• Three letters of reference
• Resumé/curriculum vitae
• Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable

Application Deadline: December 1

Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.

Related Links