Biostatistics
Biostatisticians work alongside researchers, practitioners and clinicians to develop and implement strategies for data extraction through research design and methodologies that will ultimately make an impact on population health.
Our students in this public health department learn to understand and interpret data driven by research, and this skill set is at the forefront of the public health field. In fact, a master’s degree in biostatistics is the number one graduate degree in the nation with projected growth of 18 percent, according to Forbes’ annual ranking of 45 popular degrees.
Currently, Stempel College offers a MPH degree with a concentration in biostatistics. Additional master’s and doctoral degree programs are in the works.
For information about the MPH degree program, contact Dr. Tan Li at 305-348-4814 or tanli@fiu.edu. For information about the Ph.D. program, contact Dr. Changwon Yoo at 305-348-4906 or cyoo@fiu.edu. For general department information or academic advising, contact Pedro Palomino at 305-348-7779 or pcpalomi@fiu.edu. For any other Biostatistics related inquiries, contact Dr. Zoran Bursac at 305-348-1811 or zbursac@fiu.edu.
Meet our faculty/staff
Master's Level Overview (MPH)
Master’s of Public Health (MPH) degree students with a concentration in biostatistics are trained in the application of statistical principles and methods to problems in fields such as public health, health sciences, medicine and biology. In general, biostatisticians develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of these life sciences. Biostatistics skills—quantifying the possible effects of risk factors and health interventions on individuals and groups—are needed in all fields of public health, and our graduates are highly capable contributors. They are equipped to specify and produce valid study designs, perform database management, produce working tables/statistical summaries, analyze data in terms of stated hypotheses, generate new hypotheses and interpret study results.
Courses
PHC 6052 Biostatistics I: An introduction to basic biostatistical techniques for MPH students majoring in biostatistics, but also open to those seeking a thorough understanding of and an ability to use the essential biostatistical procedures. Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic algebra and basic calculus.
PHC 6091 Biostatistics II: This is a continuation of Biostatistics I. Covers advanced methods for ANOVA, different regression and correlation techniques as well as survival analyses. Prerequisite: PHC 6052.
PHC 6056 Longitudinal Health Data Analysis: Applied longitudinal health data analysis focuses on methods to compare different health treatments and behavioral interventions. The emphasis is on models for single and multiple correlated public health outcomes. Prerequisites: PHC 6052, PHC 6091 or permission of the instructor.
Practicum
PHC 6945 (Practicum in Public Health) and PHC 6930C (Integrative Seminar in Public Health/culminating experience) are both required for all MPH students.
The practicum may be taken after completing a minimum of 30 hours, including all core courses. The practicum may be waived if the student has at least three years of relevant practice experience working in a public health setting. The waiver request is prepared and submitted by the student through their faculty advisor and department chair. If the practicum requirement is waived, the student will need to substitute three additional approved hours so that the total curriculum hour requirement of 45 is met. MPH students are expected to complete PHC 6930C Integrative Seminar in Public Health during their last semester in the program.
Doctoral Level Overview (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration in Biostatistics and Data Analytics will train students in advanced statistical theory and the application of methods to solve complex public health problems. Students will learn how to develop new methods or improve the existing ones, integrate them with informatics in pursuit of original research, and produce advanced data science tools. While grounded in statistical theory they will be able to choose from more traditional biostatistics courses and methods to more contemporary data science and computing ones as applied to various public health and medical areas. Graduates from the program will be prepared for future careers in academia, government, pharmaceuticals, or other sectors that need biostatistics and data science experts. A total of 75 credits are required to complete this degree, which includes 15 dissertation credits. 21 credit hours can be transferred from an MPH degree.
Courses
PHC 7050: Advanced Biostatistics I
PHC 7051: Advanced Biostatistics II
PHC 7054: Advanced Biostatistics III
PHC 6080: SAS Computing for the Health Sciences OR
PHC 6099: R Computing for Health Sciences
Resources
Ph.D. in Public Health, Concentration in Biostatistics and Data Analytics Advising Sheet
Biostatistics PhD Student Handbook
Access resources including departmental course catalog, graduate course descriptions, college and department contacts, helpful links, and more.
Funding your education
At Stempel College, we understand that academic success can be affected by financial aid and funding opportunities. Our students have access to myriad funding options by degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) and by academic discipline (Public Health, Dietetics & Nutrition, Social Work). It’s important to understand the basics of applying for financial aid and the additional resources available to you as a Stempel College student. For more, please visit Funding Your Education in our website’s “Student Life” section.
Everything you need to know about applying for your preferred degree level or certificate in our various academic programs can be located by using the “Apply Now!” search tool below. For example, you can select your preferred degree level and unit/concentration in the drop-down fields. Alternatively, you can leave the search term field blank to conduct a search of the college’s entire academic repertoire.
Apply now!
Course Catalogs
View 2020-2021 Biostatistics Course Catalog (PDF)