Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Biostatistics M.S.

School of Public Health - Adm
School of Public Health
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
School of Public Health, MMC 819, A395 Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-626-3500 OR 1-800-774-8636)
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2021
  • Length of program in credits: 37
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The biostatistics master's degree programs teach and develop statistical skills to put numbers into context as part of public health research for solving human health-related problems. With an MS in biostatistics, students will have the skills to collaborate on the design of biomedical studies, analyze data, and communicate the results for researchers. The School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.10.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
The admissions committee reviews applicants according to their record of academic achievement, demonstrated academic potential, letters of recommendation, background and experience, and other factors. GPA and standardized test scores provide competitive points of preference for admission but are not alone decisive in the admissions review. At least three semesters of calculus (including multivariable calculus) and one semester of linear algebra, as well as a year (two semesters) of coursework in undergraduate-level probability and mathematical statistics are recommended. Experience with a programming language (e.g., R, Java, C, Python) and exposure to applied statistics is helpful, but not required.
Special Application Requirements:
Applications are accepted for fall semester admission only.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 100
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 600
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 7.0
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan B: Plan B requires 37 major credits and up to credits outside the major. The final exam is oral. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:PubH 7494, Integrated Learning Experience, 1 credits
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Courses offered on both the A/F and S/N grading basis must be taken A/F.
Biostatistics Plan B Requirements (37 credits)
In consultation with advisor, students complete 37 credits.
Biostatistics Core (19 credits)
PUBH 7405 - Biostatistical Inference I (4.0 cr)
PUBH 7406 - Biostatistical Inference II (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7420 - Clinical Trials: Design, Implementation, and Analysis (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7450 - Survival Analysis (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7430 - Statistical Methods for Correlated Data (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7465 - Biostatistics Consulting (2.0 cr)
STAT 5101 - Theory of Statistics I (4.0 cr)
or STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1 (3.0 cr)
STAT 5102 - Theory of Statistics II (4.0 cr)
or STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2 (3.0 cr)
Public Health Foundations (2 credits)
PUBH 6250 - Foundations of Public Health (2.0 cr)
Biostatistics Electives (9 credits)
Students complete courses in consultation with advisor to meet the 37-credit minimum.
Computing and Machine Learning (3 credits)
Students must select at least 3 credits from the following list:
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming (1.0 cr)
PUBH 7461 - Exploring and Visualizing Data in R (2.0 cr)
PUBH 7462 - Advanced Programming and Data Analysis in R (2.0 cr)
PUBH 7460 - Advanced Statistical Computing (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7475 - Statistical Learning and Data Mining (3.0 cr)
Additional Electives (6 credits)
Students must select at least 6 credits from the following list:
PUBH 7440 - Introduction to Bayesian Analysis (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7470 - Study Designs in Biomedical Research (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7485 - Methods for Causal Inference (3.0 cr)
PUBH 8472 - Spatial Biostatistics (3.0 cr)
Plan B Project (1 credit)
PUBH 7494 - Integrative Learning Experience: Biostatistics (1.0-3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· School of Public Health

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022

View sample plan(s):
· Biostatistics MS Sample Plan
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PUBH 7405 - Biostatistical Inference I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
T-tests, confidence intervals, power, type I/II errors. Exploratory data analysis. Simple linear regression, regression in matrix notation, multiple regression, diagnostics. Ordinary least squares, violations, generalized least squares, nonlinear least squares regression. Introduction to General linear Model. SAS and S-Plus used. prereq: [[Stat 5101 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in Stat 5101], biostatistics major] or instr consent
PUBH 7406 - Biostatistical Inference II
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course introduces students to a variety of concepts, tools, and techniques that are relevant to the rigorous design and analysis of complex biomedical studies. Topics include ANOVA, sample-size calculations, multiple testing, missing data, prediction, diagnostic testing, smoothing, variable selection, the bootstrap, and nonparametric tests. R software will be used. Biostatistics students are strongly encouraged to typeset their work using LaTeX or in R markdown. prereq: [7405, [STAT 5102 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in STAT 5102], biostatistics major] or instr consent
PUBH 7420 - Clinical Trials: Design, Implementation, and Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to and methodology of randomized clinical trials. Design issues, sample size, operational details, interim monitoring, data analysis issues, overviews. prereq: 6451 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 6451 or 7406 or instr consent
PUBH 7450 - Survival Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Statistical methodologies in analysis of survival data. Kaplan-Meier estimator, Cox's proportional hazards multiple regression model, time-dependent covariates, analysis of residuals, multiple failure outcomes. Typical biomedical applications, including clinical trials and person-years data. prereq: 7405, [STAT 5101 or STAT 8101]
PUBH 7430 - Statistical Methods for Correlated Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Correlated data arise in many situations, particularly when observations are made over time and space or on individuals who share certain underlying characteristics. This course covers techniques for exploring and describing correlated data, along with statistical methods for estimating population parameters (mostly means) from these data. The focus will be primarily on generalized linear models (both with and without random effects) for normally and non-normally distributed data. Wherever possible, techniques will be illustrated using real-world examples. Computing will be done using R and SAS. prereq: Regression at the level of PubH 6451 or PubH 7405 or Stat 5302. Familiarity with basic matrix notation and operations (multiplication, inverse, transpose). Working knowledge of SAS or R (PubH 6420).
PUBH 7465 - Biostatistics Consulting
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course examines the professional roles, responsibilities and analytic skills of the practicing biostatistician as consultant and collaborator in health science research. The spectrum of roles will be explored through lecture, readings, discussion, written assignments, and participation in statistical consulting sessions with investigators at the University of Minnesota and in the community. prereq: PubH 7405-7406 (or Stat 8051-8052) and Stat 5101-5102 (or Stat 8101-8102); Biostatistics graduate student.
STAT 5101 - Theory of Statistics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Logical development of probability, basic issues in statistics. Probability spaces. Random variables, their distributions and expected values. Law of large numbers, central limit theorem, generating functions, multivariate normal distribution. prereq: (MATH 2263 or MATH 2374 or MATH 2573H), (MATH 2142 or CSCI 2033 or MATH 2373 or MATH 2243)
STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Review of linear algebra. Introduction to probability theory. Random variables, their transformations/expectations. Standard distributions, including multivariate Normal distribution. Probability inequalities. Convergence concepts, including laws of large numbers, Central Limit Theorem. delta method. Sampling distributions. prereq: Statistics grad major or instr consent
STAT 5102 - Theory of Statistics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Sampling, sufficiency, estimation, test of hypotheses, size/power. Categorical data. Contingency tables. Linear models. Decision theory. prereq: [5101 or Math 5651 or instr consent]
STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Statistical inference. Sufficiency. Likelihood-based methods. Point estimation. Confidence intervals. Neyman Pearson hypothesis testing theory. Introduction to theory of linear models. prereq: 8101, Statistics graduate major or instr consent
PUBH 6250 - Foundations of Public Health
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In this course we will examine values, contexts, principles, and frameworks of public health. We will provide an introduction to public health, consider the history of public health, social/political determinants, impact of health disparities on race, class and gender, moral and legal foundations, public health structures, historical trauma and cultural competence, health and human rights, advocacy and health equity, communication and financing, and the future of public health in the 21st century. Grounded in theory and concepts, we will incorporate core competencies and skills for public health professionals and will focus on developing problem solving and decision-making skills through critical analysis, reflection, case studies, readings, and paper assignments.
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Summer
Use of SAS for analysis of biomedical data. Data manipulation/description. Basic statistical analyses (t-tests, chi-square, simple regression).
PUBH 7461 - Exploring and Visualizing Data in R
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for students, both within and outside the School of Public Health, who want to learn how to manipulate data, perform simple statistical analyses, and prepare basic visualizations using the statistical software R. While the tools and techniques taught will be generic, many of the examples will be drawn from biomedicine and public health.
PUBH 7462 - Advanced Programming and Data Analysis in R
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is intended for students who are relatively proficient with R, and are looking to improve their coding and data analysis skills. The emphasis will be on learning tools and techniques which are useful to students who will be doing non-trivial programming and/or data analysis in either a research or production environment.
PUBH 7460 - Advanced Statistical Computing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Statistical computing using SAS, Splus, and FORTRAN or C. Use of pseudo-random number generators, distribution functions. Matrix manipulations with applications to regression and estimation of variance. Simulation studies, minimization of functions, nonlinear regression, macro programming, numerical methods of integration. prereq: [7405, biostatistics major, [C or FORTRAN]] or instr consent
PUBH 7475 - Statistical Learning and Data Mining
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Various statistical techniques for extracting useful information (i.e., learning) from data. Linear discriminant analysis, tree-structured classifiers, feed-forward neural networks, support vector machines, other nonparametric methods, classifier ensembles, unsupervised learning. prereq: [[[6450, 6452] or equiv], programming backgroud in [FORTRAN or C/C++ or JAVA or Splus/R]] or instr consent; 2nd yr MS recommended
PUBH 7440 - Introduction to Bayesian Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to Bayesian methods. Comparison with traditional frequentist methods. Emphasizes data analysis via modern computing methods: Gibbs sampler, WinBUGS software package. prereq: [[7401 or STAT 5101 or equiv], [public health MPH or biostatistics or statistics] grad student] or instr consent
PUBH 7445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to statistical problems arising in molecular biology. Problems in physical mapping (radiation hybrid mapping, DDP), genetic mapping (pedigree analysis, lod scores, TDT), biopolymer sequence analysis (alignment, motif recognition), and micro array analysis. prereq: [6450, [6451 or equiv]] or instr consent; background in molecular biology recommended
PUBH 7470 - Study Designs in Biomedical Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Diagnostic medicine, including methods for ROC curve. Bioassays. Early-phase clinical trials, methods including dose escalation, toxicity, and monitoring. Quality of life. prereq: [[6450, 6451] or equiv], [grad student in biostatistics or statistics or clinical research], familiarity with SAS
PUBH 7485 - Methods for Causal Inference
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Although most of statistical inference focuses on associational relationships among variables, in many biomedical and health sciences contexts the focus is on establishing the causal effect of an intervention or treatment. Drawing causal conclusions can be challenging, particularly in the context of observational data, as treatment assignment may be confounded. The first part of this course focuses on methods to establish the causal effect of a point exposure, i.e., situations in which treatment is given at a single point in time. Methods to estimate causal treatment effects will include outcome regression, propensity score methods (i.e., inverse weighting, matching), and doubly robust approaches. The second half of the course focuses on estimating the effect of a series of treatment decisions during the course of a chronic disease such as cancer, substance abuse, mental health disorders, etc. Methods to estimate these time-varying treatments include marginal structural models estimated by inverse probability weighting, structural nested models estimated by G-estimation, and the (parametric) G-computation algorithm. We will then turn our attention to estimating the optimal treatment sequence for a given subject, i.e., how to determine “the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time,” using dynamic marginal structural models and methods derived from reinforcement learning (e.g., Q-learning, A-learning) and classification problems (outcome weighted learning, C-learning). PubH 8485 is appropriate for Ph.D students in Biostatistics and Statistics. The homework and projects will focus more on the theoretical aspects of the methods to prepare students for methodological research in this area. PubH 7485 is appropriate for Masters students in Biostatistics and PhD students in other fields who wish to learn causal methods to apply them to topics in the health sciences. This course uses the statistical software of R, a freely available statistical software package, to implement many of the methods we discuss. However, most of the methods discussed in this course can be implemented in any statistical software (e.g., SAS, Stata, SPSS, etc.) and students will be free to use any software for homework assignments. prereq: Background in regression (e.g. linear, logistic, models) at the level of PubH 7405-7406, PubH 6450-6451, PubH 7402, or equiv. Background in statistical theory (Stat 5101-5102 or PubH 7401) is helpful.
PUBH 8472 - Spatial Biostatistics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Spatial data, spatial statistical models, and spatial inference on unknown parameters or unobserved spatial data. Nature of spatial data. Special analysis tools that help to analyze such data. Theory/applications. prereq: [[STAT 5101, STAT 5102] or [STAT 8101, STAT 8102]], some experience with S-plus; STAT 8311 recommended
PUBH 7494 - Integrative Learning Experience: Biostatistics
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
MPH students complete an integrative learning experience (ILE) that demonstrates synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. Students in consultation with faculty select foundational and concentration-specific competencies appropriate to the student?s educational and professional goals. prereq: Biostatistics program, instr consent