StudyQA — Master: Biostatistics — University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (Page 64)

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Description Contents Requirements Funding More

The Master of Science in Biostatistics at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of biostatistics. This program emphasizes the development of advanced statistical methodologies and their practical applications in biomedical research, public health, and clinical studies. Students will gain a solid foundation in statistical theory, data analysis, and computational techniques, preparing them to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams addressing health-related issues.

The curriculum offers a blend of coursework in statistical inference, experimental design, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and bioinformatics, alongside training in programming languages such as R and SAS. Students also have opportunities to engage in real-world research projects, internships, and collaborations with healthcare and research organizations affiliated with the university. This experiential learning approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex data challenges encountered in public health agencies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and academic research settings.

Our program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including mathematics, statistics, biology, public health, and related fields. It is suitable for individuals seeking careers as biostatisticians, data analysts, or quantitative researchers in the biomedical sciences. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Graduates of the program are equipped with the analytical skills, technical expertise, and professional confidence to contribute meaningfully to research initiatives that improve health outcomes and advance medical knowledge.

Admission requirements typically include a strong background in mathematics or statistics, a relevant undergraduate degree, and a demonstrated interest in biomedical research. The program can be completed full-time or part-time, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Graduates leaving the program are well-positioned for employment in academia, government agencies such as the CDC or NIH, and industry sectors including pharmaceuticals and healthcare technology. The University at Buffalo’s Biostatistics program is committed to preparing students not only for immediate employment but also for ongoing professional development in this dynamic field, supporting their careers through innovative courses, workshops, and research opportunities.

The master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours
of coursework. Additional program requirements include passing two written master’s exams, participating in a practical training project, and preparing a written paper about the project which you will present and defend as a final oral exam.

Core Required Courses

All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.

STA 503 Regression Analysis
STA 504 Analysis-of-Variance
STA 521 Introduction to Theoretical Statistics I
STA 522 Introduction to Theoretical Statistics II Completion or demonstrated knowledge of the material in STA 511 Math Analysis for Statisticians is a prerequisite for this course.
STA 782 Departmental Seminar (0 credits) held weekly

Below are elective options offered by the Department of Biostatistics. All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.

STA 509 Statistical Genetics
STA 511 Advanced Statistical Computing (formerly Mathematical Analysis for Biostatistics)
STA 515 Distribution-Free Inference
STA 517 Categorical Data Analysis
STA 525 Statistics for Bioinformatics
STA 526 Design and Analysis of Clinical Experiments
STA 531 Theory and Methods of Sample Surveys
STA 536 Statistical Design and Analysis
STA 537 Sequential Analysis
STA 545 Data Mining I
STA 546 Data Mining II
STA 551 Stochastic Processes
STA 561 Longitudinal Data Analysis and Time Series Analysis
STA 567 Bayesian Statistics
STA 571 Special Topics in Statistics
STA 575 Survival Analysis
STA 581 Multivariate Data Analysis

6 credit hours of either STA 600 Independent Study or of coursework from outside the Department of Biostatistics can be taken to satisfy elective requirements provided the courses are relevant to your training and are approved by your advisor and the director of graduate studies.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Minimum GRE scores of 146 for verbal and 155 for quantitative

International applicants must demonstrate understanding of English as shown by one of the following:

Minimum PTE Academic score of 55 will be required with no individual section below 50. In addition, we now accept the Cambridge English Advanced (CEA) and the Cambridge English Proficiency (CEP) tests. Minimum University requirement for both of these new tests is 185 overall on the new scoring scale.
Minimum TOEFL scores of 550 for the paper-based test (our department prefers closer to 600) or 79 for the Internet-based test (our department prefers closer to 100); IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 with no individual sub-score below 6.0; or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) scores.

If you have completed a degree program in the United States and have a TOEFL score (or similar) that meets the minimum University at Buffalo requirements as cited above, you may submit a copy of that TOEFL score for a waiver of the TOEFL exam for this degree program.

Additional Requirements

A strong background in mathematics or statistics
At least three semesters of advanced calculus
One semester of statistics is recommended

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

✔️ Flexible study schedule
✔️ Experienced teachers
✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financial aid process for graduate and professional degree students is similar to that of an undergraduate student; however post-baccalaureate students also need to be aware of a few additional factors that may influence your financial aid awards.

Types of Aid Available

Federal financial aid options that you may be eligible for include:

Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
Health Profession Student Loans
Federal Nursing Student Loans
Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for federal financial aid awards you must complete a FAFSA application and indicate that you are seeking a graduate or professional degree.

New York State also offers the following programs for graduate and professional study: