HSPH Catalog

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 its 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

The department offers 80-credit, 60-credit, and 42.5-credit SM programs together with a PhD program that is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Detailed information about requirements and elective options can be found in the departmental handbook.

These degree programs 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 SM program is designed to prepare students for applied research positions in hospitals and universities, research organizations, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The master’s degree programs are aimed at students seeking a terminal degree, although some students use the master’s degree as preparation for PhD studies. Students with strong backgrounds who are ultimately interested in a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program.

Departmental Prerequisites

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.

Program Prerequisites and Requirements

All departmental degree requirements are in addition to the schoolwide degree requirements.

SM in Biostatistics, 80-credit program

Minimum prerequisite for entrance (in addition to departmental prerequisites): Bachelor’s degree or non-U.S. equivalent.

Program requirements: 50 credits in courses from the master’s core courses, 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 will select an area of interest in either biostatistics or bioinformatics, and satisfy particular requirements for that area. Students also can choose from a variety of elective courses.

SM in Biostatistics, 60-credit program

Minimum prerequisites for entrance (in addition to departmental prerequisites): Bachelor’s degree or non-U.S. equivalent in one of the mathematical sciences or an allied field (for example, biology, psychology, or economics).

Program requirements: At least 40 credits of coursework, including 30 credits from the applied biostatistics core curriculum and a minimum of 5 credits from elective courses. Due to the applied emphasis of this program, students devote the remaining credits to completing a collaborative research practicum related to the design, conduct, and analysis of research studies with a focus on data analysis and scientific presentation, which culminates in a written thesis and related oral presentation.

SM in Biostatistics, 42.5-credit program

Minimum prerequisites for entrance (in addition to departmental prerequisites): 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.

Program requirements: Essentially the same as the 80-credit program with a minimum of 25 credits from the master’s program core courses at an intermediate or advanced level. Students have the flexibility to earn their remaining credits in courses selected with their faculty advisers.

PhD 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 Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application forms must be used. The application deadline is December 15, 2011.

The coursework 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 also must 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 recommended. PhD students also must satisfy a consulting requirement and a research ethics 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 scholar- ships 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, please contact:
David Wypij
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Biostatistics
655 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-432-1056
Fax: 617-432-5619
Email: biostat_admissions@hsph.harvard.edu
Web: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/departments/biostatistics

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/fellowship-opportunities

For Reference

Schoolwide degree requirements

Detailed application requirements for the SM programs

Online application to the PhD program is required. Use the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences online application form, available at: http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/ application_instructions_and_information.php.