Biostatistics

Biostatistics involves the theory and application of statistical science to analyze public health problems and to further biomedical research.

The faculty includes leaders in the development of statistical methods for clinical trials and observational studies, studies on the environment, and genomics/genetics. The department’s research in statistical methods and interdisciplinary collaborations provide many opportunities for student participation.

Current departmental research on statistical and computing methods for observational studies and clinical trials includes survival analysis, missing-data problems, and causal inference. Other areas of investigation are environmental research (methods for longitudinal studies, analyses with incomplete data, and meta-analysis); statistical aspects of the study of AIDS and cancer; quantitative problems in health-risk analysis, technology assessment, and clinical decision making; statistical methodology in psychiatric research and in genetic studies; Bayesian statistics; statistical computing; statistical genetics and computational biology; and collaborative research activities with biomedical scientists in other Harvard affiliated institutions.

Degree Programs in Biostatistics

As described below, the department offers 80-credit, 60-credit, and 42.5-credit master of science (SM) programs and a doctor of philosophy (PhD) program. The PhD is offered under the aegis of the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Detailed information about requirements and elective options can be found in a handbook distributed by the department. A master of public health program in quantitative methods is described in the interdisciplinary section of this catalog.

The programs offered by the Department of Biostatistics provide rigorous training in the development of methodology, collaboration, teaching, and consultation on a broad spectrum of health-related problems. The department prepares students for academic and private-sector research careers. Recent graduates have assumed faculty posts at universities, as well as positions in research laboratories, federal government centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes. The 60-credit master’s degree program is designed to prepare students for applied research positions in hospitals and universities, research organizations, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Applicants to the department should have successfully completed calculus through multivariable integration and at least one semester of linear algebra and have knowledge of a programming language. In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed courses in probability, statistics, advanced calculus, and numerical analysis. Practical knowledge of a statistical computing package such as SAS, S-plus, R, Stata, or SPSS is also desirable.

Master of Science in Biostatistics (80-credit, 60-credit, and 42.5-credit programs)

The master’s degree programs offered by the department are aimed at students seeking a terminal master’s degree, although some students use the master’s program as preparation for PhD studies. Students with strong backgrounds ultimately interested in a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program. For information about schoolwide requirements for master’s degrees, see degree programs and requirements.

Biostatistics offers training in statistical theory and a variety of methods commonly used in the field of biostatistics. For the 80- credit program 50 credits must be earned in courses from the master’s core, which includes probability, statistical inference, statistical methods, linear and logistic regression, survival analysis, longitudinal analysis, clinical trials, statistical genetics, computational biology, health decision sciences, and related areas. Students also choose from a variety of elective courses.

The 42.5-credit program is designed for students who have a master’s degree in one of the mathematical sciences or a doctorate in a quantitative field. Applicants must have a mathematical and statistical background sufficient to achieve a level of proficiency after one year of study comparable to that attained in the 80-credit program. As courses must be taken out of sequence to complete the program in one year, considerable background in probability and statistical inference is needed. The requirements for this degree are essentially the same as for the 80-credit program. A minimum of 25 credits from the master’s core must be completed, with courses chosen at an intermediate or advanced level. More flexibility is allowed since only 42.5 total credits are required. Other courses are selected in consultation with a faculty adviser.

The 60-credit program has an applied emphasis and is geared toward students with an undergraduate degree in one of the mathematical sciences or an allied field (for example, biology, psychology, or economics). A minimum of 40 credits of course work are required, including 30 credits from the applied biostatistics core curriculum and a minimum of 5 credits from elective courses. For the remaining credits students complete a collaborative research practicum related to the design, conduct, and analysis of research studies with a focus on data analysis and scientific presentation. Students then write a thesis and make an oral presentation based on the practicum.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

The PhD program is designed for those who have demonstrated both interest and ability in scholarly research. Qualified applicants may apply to this program without a prior advanced degree. Please note that Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application forms must be used. The deadline for applying to the PhD program is December 15, 2009.

The course work for the PhD program is built on a 20-credit doctoral core. In addition, 35 credits of advanced biostatistics courses are required; these courses are chosen by the student in consultation with an adviser. Students must also complete a 10- credit cognate requirement (or minor) in a substantive area (such as the biology of cancer or AIDS). Given the increasing reliance of statistical practice on computing technology, one or more courses in statistical computing are also recommended. PhD students must satisfy a consulting requirement.

Funding is available to qualified students pursuing the PhD degree. Most of the funding is through six biostatistics training grants in AIDS, cancer, computational biology, the environment, neurostatistics, and public health training for underrepresented minorities. These traineeships require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Other funding (for example, tuition scholarships and teaching and research assistantships) is awarded on a competitive basis to qualified applicants, including international students.

Related Offerings

• Interdisciplinary concentration in the epidemiology of infectious disease
• MPH concentration in quantitative methods

Contact Information

For more information about research and training in biostatistics, please contact:

David Wypij
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Biostatistics
655 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

Or visit the department website.

Phone: 617-432-1056
Fax: 617-432-5619
Email: biostat_admissions@hsph.harvard.edu
Web: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/biostatistics/

For the PhD program online submissions are encouraged, using the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) application form available at the web address below:

Web: https://apply.embark.com/grad/Harvard/GSAS

For information on department funding, please consult:

Web: http://hsph.harvard.edu/biostats/welcome/funding.html

For information on postdoctoral fellowships, please contact the:

Postdoctoral Committee
Department of Biostatistics
655 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

Phone: 617-432-1056
Fax: 617-432-5619
Email: biostat_postdoc@hsph.harvard.edu
Web: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/departments/biostatistics/fellowshipopportunities