Drexel University

Biostatistics applies statistical, mathematical and computational techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, epidemiology, and public health. Biostatistics has been an integral and indispensable tool in improving health and reducing illness. Biostatisticians play essential roles in designing studies and analyzing research data. Graduates with degrees in biostatistics are employed in public health research and service organizations, university research groups, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health-related industries and government. The demand for biostatisticians in the job market has been consistently strong. New technologies are generating an unprecedented amount of data which present exciting opportunities for biostatisticians with strong computational skills. The goal of Drexel University's MS Program in Biostatistics is to provide students with a thorough understanding of biostatistical methods, strong computational skills, and the ability to apply this knowledge to research focusing on health related problems. The program prepares students for handling the quantitative and computational aspects of a research project, ranging from study design, data collection and management, developing analysis plans, conducting analyses and reporting findings both orally and in writing. The MS in Biostatistics program includes course work in statistical theory and methods, computing and data management, epidemiology, and general public health topics. Incorporated into the second year is a two quarter-long practicum experience working on a real academic, government, or industry project in a sponsoring organization setting. The practicum-based research project will involve the application of biostatistical analysis to a problem of significance to the sponsoring academic, government or industry organization with joint oversight provided by a Department faculty member and an on-site PhD level biostatistician. Upon graduation MS students will attain competencies in the following three areas: general public health knowledge, biostatistics knowledge, data management and computing skills.