Program Information

Doctor of Philosophy

The biostatistics doctoral program requires a minimum of 90 semester credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. All students must complete a minimum of 54 credits of biostatistics/statistics course work (30 credits can be transferred from a previously earned Master of Science program if applicable), 6 credits of public health course work, 3 credits of a consulting requirement, 6 credits of the cognate requirement, and 21 credits of dissertation work.

All graduates of the program are expected to be able to

• Conduct independent research in the development of new biostatistical methodology
• Engage in successful collaborations with investigators in new quantitative fields
• Write statistical methodology papers for peer-reviewed statistical and biostatistical journals
• Write collaborative papers for peer-reviewed subject matter journals
• Compete successfully for research and teaching positions in academic institutions, federal and state agencies, or private institutions

Specific course requirements are described at the program website http://biostat.ufl.edu/education/phd-in-biostatistics/.

Master of Science

The Master of Science in Biostatistics Program in the Department of Biostatistics requires a minimum of 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours. The program is designed to facilitate students’ development of a strong theoretical foundation in biostatistics, broad-based understanding of biostatistical methods, and expertise in a cognate field. A typical student will be enrolled full-time for two years. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be awarded an M.S. degree in biostatistics. We currently offer the Master of Science program in both traditional (campus) and online learning delivery methods.

The principal goal of the M.S. program is to prepare highly qualified individuals for future Ph.D. training and for careers in biostatistics practice. This training is conducted in the innovative and interdisciplinary public health culture of the college of public health and health professions and the college of medicine and will produce graduates who will help address the shortage of biostatisticians. We expect our graduates to be highly competitive in three primary settings: academic university-based settings, industry, and federal agencies that involve research and/or public health practice.

Specific course requirements are described at the program website http://biostat.ufl.edu/education/ms-in-biostatistics/ (Campus) and http://biostat.ufl.edu/education/msonline/ (Online).

Degrees Offered with a Major in Biostatistics

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Science
  • without a concentration
  • with a concentration in Biostatistical Methods and Practice
  • with a concentration in Health Data Science

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Biostatistics Departmental Courses

College of Public Health and Health Professions Courses

Biostatistics (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Communicate the underpinning of biostatistics concepts and methods

 SLO 2    Skills     
Identify, research, and acquire new biostatistical concepts and methods on one's own

 SLO 3    Skills     
Develop and apply new biostatistical concepts and methods independently

 SLO 4    Professional Behavior   
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, conduct and communications

SLO 5    Professional Behavior    
Participation in academic conferences to disseminate knowledge and represent the university

Biostatistics (MS)            

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Communicate the underpinning of biostatistics concepts and methods.

SLO 2     Skills     
Apply biostatistical concepts and methods, interpret results, communicate.

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, conduct and communications.