The Master of Biostatistics degree, a professional degree awarded by the Duke University School of Medicine, requires 36 credits of graded course work, a practicum experience, a qualifying examination, and a master’s project for which 6 units of credit are given. Completed in the second year, the master’s project serves to demonstrate the student’s mastery of biostatistics. Ten courses (BIOSTAT 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 721, 722 or 821, 801, 802) constitute 26 credits that are required for all degree candidates.The Master of Biostatistics Program curriculum is structured as follows:
Core Courses
Foundational courses required of all degree-seeking students.
BIOSTAT 701. Introduction to Statistical Theory and Methods I
BIOSTAT 702. Applied Biostatistics Methods I
BIOSTAT 703. Introduction to the Practice of Biostatistics I
BIOSTAT 704. Introduction to Statistical Theory and Methods II
BIOSTAT 705. Applied Biostatistical Methods II
BIOSTAT 706. Introduction to the Practice of Biostatistics II
BIOSTAT 721. Introduction to Statistical Programming I
BIOSTAT 722. Introduction to Statistical Programming II or BIOSTAT 821. Software Tools for Data Science
BIOSTAT 801. Biostatistics Career Preparation and Development
BIOSTAT 802. Biostatistics Career Preparation and Development II
Tracks and Timeline
There are three separate tracks in the Master of Biostatistics program. These include Clinical and Translational Research track, Biomedical Data Science, and Mathematical Statistics Track. Click here to see the different track options.
Practicum
All candidates for the Master of Biostatistics degree are required to complete a practicum. The practicum is an experiential learning opportunity. The main goal of the practicum is to allow students to develop their analytic ability, biological knowledge, and communication skills. The practicum is typically completed during the summer after the first year, but can be completed during the second year.
Qualifying Examination
All candidates for the Master of Biostatistics degree are required to pass a written Qualifying Examination demonstrating their mastery of fundamental concepts acquired through completion of the first-year core courses (BIOSTAT 701 – 706 inclusive). Students are expected to take the Qualifying Examination after completing the first year of study in the program and prior to beginning their elective coursework.
Master's Project (two semesters, totalling six credits)
All candidates for the Master of Biostatistics degree are required to complete a Master’s Project. Completed in the second year, the two-semester Master’s Project serves to demonstrate the student's mastery of core statistical concepts and the practice of biostatistics.
BIOSTAT 720. Master's Project (3 credits per semester for a total of six credits)
Elective Courses (three credits each)
Full-time Master of Biostatistics students will select five three-credit elective courses during the second year of study:
BIOSTAT 707. Statistical Methods for Learning and Discovery
BIOSTAT 708. Clinical Trial Design and Analysis
BIOSTAT 709. Observational Studies
BIOSTAT 710. Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology
BIOSTAT 713. Survival Analysis
BIOSTAT 714. Categorical Data Analysis
BIOSTAT 718. Analysis of Correlated and Longitudinal Data
BIOSTAT 719. Generalized Linear Models
BIOSTAT 823. Statistical Programming for Big Data for students in the BDS Track
BIOSTAT 824. Case Studies in Biomedical Data Science for students in the BDS Track
BIOSTAT 905. Linear Models and Inference
BIOSTAT 906. Statistical Inference
BIOSTAT 911. Advanced Topics in Inferential techniques and Theory
MATH 531. Real Analysis I
MATH 731. Introduction to Real Analysis
Professional Development Courses (1 credit each)
BIOSTAT 801. Biostatistics Career Preparation and Development I
BIOSTAT 802. Biostatistics Career Preparation and Development II
Course Planning
First Year - 26 graded coursework credit hours