This program combines statistics, mathematics and health sciences to prepare you for a meaningful career analyzing medical research and delivering insights that inform health decisions. With advanced biostatistical skills, you can evaluate treatment options, track disease outbreaks, predict health trends and implement emerging technologies such as AI.
Demand for graduate-level statistical expertise continues to rise, and your specialized knowledge will make you even more competitive in the job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing jobs. Employment for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to increase by 11%, also faster than average. These roles are just a few of the many paths available to you.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
The rigorous, applied curriculum trains you in the statistical methods and data analysis techniques essential to health research. You’ll learn how to design and conduct clinical trials, analyze large health data sets and apply biostatistical models to real data. Key skills you’ll gain include:
- Applied clinical trial design and analysis
- Design and evaluate clinical trials to ensure reliable health research outcomes.
- Applied multilevel and longitudinal data analysis
- Analyze complex health data over time.
- Biostatistical data analysis
- Gain hands-on experience with real-world health datasets.
- Biostatistical theory and inference
- Understand the fundamental principles of statistical reasoning.
- Categorical data analysis in health sciences
- Analyze categorical outcome data using generalized linear models.
- Computational biostatistics
- Learn and apply statistical programming languages including R, SAS, Stata and SPSS.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
This program is ideal if you want to transform mathematical and statistical precision into a high-impact career. A solid foundation in quantitative skills is required, but that experience can come from education or professional work in social or life sciences, math, data science, public health and more. Throughout the program, you’ll also build on your background and apply it to biostatistics.
Courses emphasize hands-on learning and practical experience in statistical programming and data visualization. You’ll work alongside faculty and research teams on applied projects that address real health challenges. Industry and government partnerships also offer opportunities to network and plan for the next step in your career.
Prepare to advance in a field where quantitative skills drive better patient care, disease prevention and progress in medical science with Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in biostatistics. You’ll deepen your knowledge of statistical theory, research methods and industry-standard software. This program goes beyond theory, offering hands-on experience alongside experts making groundbreaking contributions across sectors.
Core courses expand your knowledge in biostatistical theory, computational methods and applied research techniques. Assignments give you extensive practice with R, SAS and other statistical software used across the field. You can choose electives to explore health economics, health informatics, machine learning and other areas of interest. The program concludes with a hands-on, faculty-mentored project where you’ll design, implement and analyze a biostatistics-based research study.
The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes
- Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication
In the College of Health Solutions, students learn and prepare to become the health workforce of the future. Faculty and students also collaborate to research solutions to pressing global health challenges. Partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
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Applicants to the Master of Science in biostatistics program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.
Applicants are eligible if they’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biomedical informatics, demography, mathematics, public or population health, social sciences, statistics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- Applicants must have completed and passed an undergraduate statistics course (e.g. HCD 300, STP 226, ECN 221 or PSY 230), a linear algebra course (e.g. MAT 242, MAT 342 or MAT 343) and a calculus course (e.g. MAT 210, MAT 251 or MAT 270) before admission. If these courses aren’t completed before admission, they must be completed before the applicant begins their first semester.
- GRE or other test scores are not required for admission.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”