MS in Biostatistics

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biostatistics

Program Description

The M.S. in Biostatistics is designed to provide students with instruction and experience in data management and computing, statistical reasoning, scientific logic, data analysis, and data interpretation. These skills are essential to prepare students to work as biostatisticians or health data analysts in public and private research institutes, or the health care industry throughout Nebraska, the country, and the world. Students may also choose careers as scientists / data analysts in non-health care related industries, such as banking and insurance. The program curriculum is consistent with the core competencies of Biostatistics and strongly emphasizes the acquisition of applied skills and the theoretical mathematical foundations of Biostatistics. The primary focus is in the following areas of Biostatistics: study design; survival analysis; generalized linear models; longitudinal analysis; computing; and biostatistical learning (machine learning / AI). 

Degree Program Information 

• Advisor/Student Handbook: M.S. Program 2021-2022
• Degree Requirements
• Advisor
• Program of Study
• Course Requirements
• Electives
• Thesis (for those choosing thesis option)
• Application Deadlines
• Admission Requirements
• Contact information 

Degree Requirements
The expected completion time for full-time M.S. in Biostatistics students is 2 years (part-time students can expect to take up to 4, but no more than 5 years).  The program requires successful (i.e., maintain a 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale) completion of 36 credit hours via one of two options: 1) non-thesis option completion of 24 credit hours of core course work, 3 credit hours of Introductory Public Health, and 9 credit hours of electives; or 2) thesis option – the same core and public health requirement as the non-thesis option with 6 credit hours of electives and 3 credit hours of thesis. The program is offered both on-campus and online with no residency requirements. Full-time students, whether on-campus or online, should finish the degree in two years.

At least 50% of the coursework for the M.S. degree must be completed at the University of Nebraska. No graduate credit will be accepted for transfer unless earned at an institution fully accredited to offer graduate work; nor should the student expect any graduate credit to be transferred unless the Graduate Committee evaluates the quality and suitability as equivalent to the offerings available at the University of Nebraska. A candidate must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed for the M.S. degree. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA will result in suspension or termination from the M.S. Program. Students must conform to all scholarship requirements specified in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Graduate Studies Bulletin. Students are expected to complete the courses listed below or their equivalent. These courses are subject to change, and other courses can be substituted at the discretion of the Advisor.

Advisor
At admission, students will be assigned an advisor by the Chairperson of the Biostatistics Department. Students opting for the Thesis option may continue to work with their original advisor, or select a new advisor based on their thesis topic.  Student’s desiring the thesis option should make this decision by the Fall of their second year.

Program of Study
Each student shall complete a program of study that details the courses to be taken and expected graduation date.  The program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor and submitted to Graduate Studies via Seguidor before the start of the student’s second semester.  Programs of study may be amended as necessary with advisor approval and should be reported to Graduate Studies via Seguidor.

Course Requirements
The MS program in Biostatistics is 36 credit hours to be completed in two years by full-time students taking 18 credit hours per year, and four years by part-time students. All courses listed are offered both on-campus and online.

Core Courses (8 courses/24 credit hours)

Required Public Health Course (1 course/3 credits)

Non-thesis option:

The following list of electives is not all inclusive; any graduate level course offered at any University of Nebraska School that is approved by the student’s committee may be taken for elective credit.

Electives
(Non-Thesis option: 9 credit hours – 6 credit hours in Biostatistics or Statistics)
(Thesis option: 6 credit hours – 3 credit hours in Biostatistics or Statistics)

Thesis (3 credit hours – for students taking the Thesis option)

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