Master of Science in Biostatistics

Statistics is the science of data and a discipline that provides tools for making decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Biostatistics addresses all aspects of statistics that arise from medical and health-related sciences, and is an essential component of most medical, biological, and health care. The study of biostatistics includes design and analysis of both experimental studies, such as clinical trials, and observational studies; the theory of probability and statistic; mathematical and statistical modeling; and knowledge of the methodology used to evaluate the properties of statistical procedures. It also includes a competency in computing, which encompasses programming, statistical software use, and database management. Modern Biostatistics is a dynamic field of study and an integral part of medical and public health research. Those who earn the MS in Biostatistics are equipped for careers in government, industry and academic research centers or to enter doctoral programs in biostatistics. There are three tracks or majors: Biostatistics, Genomics and Bioinformatics and Health Care Analytics. The mission of the Masters Program in Biostatistics is to enroll and train outstanding students in the core discipline of biostatistics. The faculty and students in this program are committed to teaching and learning the theory, methodology and application of the essential and modern statistical methods used in the biomedical and related sciences. Courses required in this program include data Management and statistical programming, applied biostatistics methods, epidemiology and biostatistics consulting. Biostatics Track: Statistical Theory, Longitudinal Data Analysis, Data Meaning with either Machine Learning or Multivariate Analytics. Genomics and Bioinformatics Track: Genetic Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Genome Sequencing, Advanced Methods in Genomic Analysis. Health Care Analytics: Large Healthcare Databases and Electronic Health Records and two of the following: Longitudinal Data Analysis, Observational Studies, Clinical Trials, Machine Learning and Data Mining, Comparative and Cost Effectiveness Analysis. Plentiful research opportunities exist within the department and numerous research centers across the university, and extend to the adjoining University Hospitals, to the nearby Cleveland Clinic, to Cleveland’s Metro Health Medical Center, and to similar entities across the United States and internationally. Concurrently, students will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but effectively evaluate and improve the population’s health, and contribute to both the society and the biostatistics profession. Student- and faculty-led seminars provide an ongoing mechanism for keeping abreast of current literature and identifying important areas of research and collaborative opportunities. The Department operates within a strong interdisciplinary framework involving faculty within the department, the school of medicine, and across the entire university, as well as leaders in health care institutions and health oriented organizations and agencies throughout the wider community. Graduates from accredited universities and colleges will be considered for admission to the department. All applicants must satisfy both CWRU and department requirements for graduate admission. The MS program in Biostatistics consists of a 19-credit core curriculum, plus a 9 credit major and a 3 credit internship or practicum.