Biometrics and Biostatistics
Overview
Programs in biometrics and biostatistics prepare people to use math to study biomedical research and biological sciences.Biometrics and biostatistics programs include topics such as:
- Mathematical statistics
- Clinical trials methodology
- Disease and survival analysis
- Computational biology
- Applied calculus
In some programs students may be able to focus on either biometrics or biostatistics.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in biometrics and biostatistics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biometrics and biostatistics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in biometrics and biostatistics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- Undergraduate degree in math, biology, or social sciences
- Undergraduate course work in statistics
Typical Course Work
Graduate Program Courses
This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Applied Statistics
- Biostatistics and Health
- Categorical Data Analysis
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Health Systems
- Interpretation of Data
- Multivariate Analysis
- Nonparametric Statistics
- Regression Analysis
- Research Methods
- Theory of Statistics
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
The field of biostatistics and biometrics can also be applied to areas such as environmental study, agriculture, and general biological research.
Biometric technology can be used to take biological features of people, such as their eyes (retina scans) or voices, and use them as security devices.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Applied & Computational Mathematical Sciences--Data Science & Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Statistical Genetics
Vancouver Area
Washington State University - Vancouver
- Quantitative Biology
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Biology/Mathematics