Biostatistics, M.S. Program
Program Description
The Department of Statistics and Biostatistics offers graduate study leading to the degree Master of Science in Biostatistics. The program is designed to serve the needs of students with varying backgrounds in Statistics, Biological Sciences, Public Health, Computer Science, Mathematics and other sciences. The program includes curriculum designed to prepare students to work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. All students are expected to master a wide variety of applied statistical and probabilistic techniques and the theoretical foundations on which these techniques rest. They are expected to be familiar with recent developments and to be able to use the statistical literature to learn new techniques and theories throughout their professional careers. In addition to the general requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog, a student must satisfy the departmental requirements stated in the following paragraphs.
Career Opportunities
Statistician • Biostatistician • Data Analyst • Data Scientist • Teacher.
Admission Requirements
- Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
- Differential and Integral Calculus (MATH 130, 131).
- A statement of purpose;
- A list of math and statistics courses taken with brief descriptions of content and grades;
- At least two, maximum three letters of recommendation (OR recent GRE scores).
In addition to the above minimum requirements for admission, if students have some of the following background they will be at an advantage both as to selection for admission to the program and optimal progress toward the degree if admitted:
- interest or experience in a setting where studies or experiments are conducted for the collection of data.
- multiple integration and infinite series matrix algebra
- basic statistics and probability
- knowledge of a computer programming language
Please note that the application has to be submitted, in its entirety, online through Cal State Apply.
Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree
Advancement to Candidacy Requirements
- Completion of at least 16 semester units of approved coursework beyond the baccalaureate, with an average of “B” (3.0) or higher.
- Departmental approval.
Cause for Dismissal from Program
Students may be dismissed from the program at any time “for cause.” “For cause” includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, violation of the student code of conduct, academic dishonesty, and/or interference with the educational environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Biostatistics from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Apply biostatistical methodology to data to (a) produce descriptive statistics, probability models, and visual displays (b) select probability distributions to implement statistical inference (estimation and hypothesis testing), and (c) critique biostatistical models for uncertainty, likelihood, modeling and error analysis at the Master’s level.
- Evaluate practical problems arising in biostatistics to select and formulate models for solutions using these methodologies.
- Select and generate biostatistical software output and evaluate the results appropriately.
- Derive basic theory, explain biostatistical concepts, and clearly communicate analytical results to others.
Biostatistics Degree Requirements (32 units)
Foundation Requirements
The M.S. in Biostatistics program consists of at least 32 semester units of approved upper division and graduate work. The university requirement for the minimum number of 600-level units applies. All work applied toward the 32 units must be at an average grade of “B” (3.0) or higher. No graduate-level required course may be at a grade below “B-.”
Core Courses
The following 28 units are required:
Elective Courses
Select one (1) courses for 2 units from the following:
Capstone Requirement
The following capstone for 2 units is required to complete the program:
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; and the 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
