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Biostatistics

The Department of Biostatistics prepares students for professional and academic careers in biostatistics. Graduates find positions in pharmaceutical, health care, and research companies and institutions; in universities and government agencies; and as consultants. The department also provides training for non-biostatistics students.

Current research interests in the Department of Biostatistics include computer intensive statistics, Bayesian methods, design and analysis of clinical trials, longitudinal data analysis, survival analysis, spatial modeling, analysis of data subject to missingness, time series, model selection, quality control, survey sampling, and public health statistics. Biostatistics faculty members work closely with both clinical and basic science investigators on the University of Iowa health sciences campus in the design and analysis of research projects.

Graduate Programs

The department offers a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in biostatistics. It also offers the biostatistics subtrack for the Master of Public Health; see "M.P.H." Subtrack" below.

Master of Science

The Master of Science in biostatistics requires a minimum of 38 s.h. of graduate credit. The program provides training in the design of experiments and in analysis of data related to biomedical or public health problems. It emphasizes mathematical, statistical, and computer methods for dealing with quantitative information, and provides opportunities for students to gain statistical consulting experience with a variety of problems.

Graduates find career opportunities in many areas, including pharmaceutics, health care, research companies and institutions, consulting firms, universities, and government agencies.

All M.S. students are required to complete an in-depth preceptorship under the direction of a departmental faculty member and a final comprehensive-style examination.

Graduate students in biostatistics must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 3.00. Those who receive a grade of C on 7 s.h. of course work may be dismissed from the program.

REQUIRED COURSES

All of these: 

One of these sequences: 

One of these: 

ELECTIVES

At least 3 s.h. from these: 

M.P.H. Subtrack

The Department of Biostatistics offers the biostatistics subtrack for the Master of Public Health. The subtrack focuses on applying biostatistical methods to public health and biomedical sciences, and applying methodology for design and analysis of research investigations in the health sciences. Graduates of the program are prepared for work as statistical consultants and data analysts for public health projects. See Master of Public Health Program in the Catalog.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in biostatistics requires a minimum of 79 s.h. of graduate credit, including credit from a master's degree. The program prepares students for professional and academic careers in biostatistics, especially for positions that emphasize developing and applying statistical methodology to solve important biological and public health problems.

All Ph.D. students must successfully complete a qualifying examination, a comprehensive examination, and a dissertation--a substantial scholarly treatise. The research topic and content, which vary depending on the program of study, must be approved by the student's dissertation committee. Other degree requirements include approved electives chosen from Department of Biostatistics and other University of Iowa courses.

Graduate students in biostatistics must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 3.00. Those who receive a grade of C on 7 s.h. of course work may be dismissed from the program.

Requirements for the Ph.D. are as follows.

MASTER OF SCIENCE BACKGROUND

Ph.D. students must take the following courses (26 s.h.) required for the Master of Science in biostatistics. Students who have completed equivalent course work at other institutions may request waivers and/or transfers of credit. Students who earned a Master of Science in biostatistics at The University of Iowa automatically receive credit for these courses.

One of these sequences: 

All of these: 

CORE COURSES 

ELECTIVES

With approval of their advisors, students choose 15-22 s.h. of graduate-level courses in biostatistics, statistics, genetics, microbiology, and so forth. They may count a maximum of 5 s.h. earned in nonquantitative courses (e.g., community and behavioral health, epidemiology, microbiology) toward the requirement. They also may count courses required for the Master of Science that are not listed under "Master of Science Background," above, toward the requirement.

Ph.D. students may take the following courses. 

DISSERTATION 

Admission

The biostatistics faculty considers several factors when evaluating applications for admission, including GRE scores, grade-point averages, letters of recommendation, intent and motivation for graduate study, and research interests. A student with deficiencies in one area may be admitted if all other components of his or her application are very strong.

All M.S. and Ph.D. program applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree, have a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00, and have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada (except Quebec), Australia, or New Zealand must score at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants who score 550-599 (paper-based), 213-249 (computer-based), or 81-99 (Internet-based) on TOEFL are required to take English fluency courses. Applicants who score below those ranges are not considered for admission. In place of TOEFL scores, the department accepts International English Testing System (IELTS) scores of 7.0 or higher, with no subscore below 6.0.

All biostatistics applicants and students are required to have strong written and oral communication skills.

All M.S. applicants must be competent in at least one computer programming language. They also must have mathematical sciences training in methods and techniques of single variable and multivariable differential and integral calculus, and in linear algebra.

Completion of an M.S. program in statistics or biostatistics generally is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College or the Graduate College section of the Catalog.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

M.S. (fall entrance): January 15 (early), March 15 (late)

Ph.D. (fall entrance): January 15 (early), March 15 (late)

Financial Support

A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available. Assistantships offer financial support and resident tuition with a partial tuition scholarship, and provide valuable on-the-job training experiences.

For information on financing education through jobs, grants, and loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Resources

Department of Biostatistics resources and activities include the Biostatistics Consulting Center, the Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center, and the Center for Public Health Statistics. The Biostatistics Consulting Center provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience working with faculty and staff in the health sciences at The University of Iowa. The Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center serves the statistical design, data management, and analysis needs of a variety of multicenter clinical trials, including studies of new treatments for acute ischemic stroke and studies of islet transportation. The Center for Public Health Statistics facilitates the collection, statistical analyses, and dissemination of health data in support of the University's research, teaching, and service missions and in partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health.