The Biostatistics concentration in the Master of Science in Professional Science degree offers training in the statistical methods applied to biomedical and health-related
fields. These methods involve using mathematics to solve real-world problems that
influence health. Statistical areas of study include clinical trials, experimental design, categorical and longitudinal data analysis,
and survival analysis. Biostatistics is a rewarding career, and the application of mathematical and statistical
methods in health care continues to grow in demand.
Biostatistics is among six concentrations leading to the Master of Science in Professional Science degree, which consists of advanced science
courses, business management courses, and a capstone internship.
Agency’s data portal helps grad monitor tribal health
Biostatistics M.S. alum Bryan Hendrix works as a health information technology specialist
at the Tribal Epidemiology Center in Nashville for United South and Eastern Tribes
Inc., a non-profit agency. The center aims to improve the health of American Indians
and Alaska Natives. Hendrix’s main priority is the grant-funded Population Health
Data Portal. This tool helps the 26 federally recognized member tribes monitor the
health of their citizens and identifies health disparities in AI/AN communities. Routine
report topics include diabetes and mortality that are specific for each of the 26
area tribal nations. Trial health directors can request special reports on topics
such as: maternal and child health, immunization, prescription drug use, tobacco use,
hypertension, obesity, and domestic violence. “Biostatistics is an important (body
of) knowledge that can improve public health,” Hendrix says. Hendrix also holds a
B.S. in Professional Mathematics with a minor in Information Systems.
Biostatistician involved with cancer center’s drug research
David Moorman, who graduated with the Biostatistics master’s degree, serves as a biostatistician
for Sarah Cannon Research Institute Development Innovations. The company is a Contract
Research Organization (CRO) focusing on early-phase oncology drug development in solid
tumors and hematologic malignancies. Moorman’s role as biostatistician is to focus
on study design, data analysis, and interpretation. He learned about the Master’s
in Professional Science and the Biostatistics concentration during his last semester
of earning his bachelor’s in Mathematics with a Computer Science minor. “The master’s
in Professional Science program offered me a clear path to a career that has enabled
me to apply both my computer programming and mathematics skills,” Moorman says. ”On
a daily basis, I get to apply knowledge gained from the program to help advance therapies
for patients.”
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Reports from the Department of Labor indicate an increasing demand for individuals
with master's level training with a specialty in science. MTSU is home to the only
Master of Science in Professional Science program in Tennessee and prepares "business
savvy scientists" for the 21st century job market. Biostatistics master’s graduates
will ideally work as biostatisticians in professional settings including health care
agencies; governmental agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency; and the
pharmaceutical industry.
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Emory University School of Medicine
- Lifepoint Hospitals
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute
- Tribal Epidemiology Center
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Tennessee Hospital Association
- Tennessee Department of Health
The Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Professional Science includes a business
core with specific concentrations in Actuarial Sciences, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Engineering Management, Chemistry Analytics, Fermentation Science and Health Care Informatics.
The two-year master’s degree in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) was initially started with support by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The interdisciplinary
program is a partnership of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of
Behavioral and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and the Jennings A. Jones
College of Business.
Applicants for unconditional admission for the Biostatics concentration must have
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college.
- A grade of C (2.0) or better on multivariate calculus (MATH 3110 or the equivalent).
- A grade of C (2.0) or better in linear algebra (MATH 2010 or the equivalent).
- Basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation
graphics, spreadsheets, and databases/
- A score of 286 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE).
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Professional Science, Biostatistics Concentration, M.S.
Saeed Foroudastan, Director
Master of Science in Professional Science Program
(615) 494-7618
Saeed.Foroudastan@mtsu.edu
For more information about the Biostatistics Concentration, contact:
Yeqian Liu, Program Advisor/Coordinator
Biostatistics Concentration
(615) 904-8448
Yeqian.Liu@mtsu.edu
Suzanne Hicks, Internship Graduate Coordinator
Master of Science in Professional Science Program
(615) 904-8581
Suzanne.Hicks@mtsu.edu
The Biostatistics concentration in the Master of Science in Professional Science degree offers training in the statistical methods applied to biomedical and health-related fields. These methods involve using mathematics to solve real-world problems that influence health.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Professional Science with a concentration in Biostatistics requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a course in multivariate calculus with a grade of C (2.00) or better and a course in linear algebra with a grade of C (2.00) or better;
- basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases;
- the appropriate undergraduate preparation for advanced study of biostatistics.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
- submit three letters of reference;
- submit an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report. A composite GRE score of 286 is expected.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Professional Science with a concentration in Biostatistics requires completion of 36 semester hours.
Curriculum: Professional Science, Biostatistics
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Core Courses (15 hours)
ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers
3credit hours
Surveys accounting skills and legal perspectives necessary for managers without undergraduate business degrees to enter the businessworld. Will not meet the requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems, M.Acc. in Accounting, or the M.B.A. degree programs.
BCED 6820 - Managerial Communication
3credit hours
Analysis of communication theory and communication processes with emphasis on development of executive communication skills essential for understanding organizational processes from a holistic perspective. Covers organizational theory, behavior, and interpersonal communication from both a domestic and global perspective.
BCED 6910 - Internship Program
3credit hours
A supervised program of related work experience. Provides experiential opportunities for the application of the theoretical concepts learned.
MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation
3credit hours
Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.
STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Master of Science in Professional Sciences program; graduate level. Focuses on probability and statistics concepts. Topics include binomial and normal probabilistic modeling; important statistical concepts such as confounding, randomization, sampling variability and significance; statistical testing of significant differences and associations; and design experiments to test research hypotheses.
*With permission of advisor, students may substitute any other course for STAT 5140.
Concentration Courses (21 hours)
Required Courses (12 hours)
STAT 6160 - Advanced Mathematical Statistics I
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Two semesters of calculus or permission of instructor. Introduction to theoretical probability used in statistics with an emphasis on the mathematical theory. A rigorous treatment of random variables, their probability distributions, and mathematical exceptions in a univariate and multivariate setting. Includes conditional probabilities, stochastic independence, sampling theory, and limit laws.
STAT 6180 - Advanced Mathematical Statistics II
3credit hours
Prerequisite: STAT 6160 or permission of instructor. Theory of estimation and hypothesis tests. Topics include minimum variance unbiased estimation, methods of estimation, most powerful tests, likelihood ratio tests, decision theory, and sequential test procedures.
STAT 6510 - Biostatistical Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisite: STAT 6020 or permission of instructor. Biostatistical methods focusing on the design and analysis of clinical trials and sample surveys. Topics include clinical trial designs and phases, bias, random error, sample size, power, estimating clinical effects, design-based methods of data analysis from sample surveys, sampling techniques, nonresponse, and sampling frame issues.
STAT 6520 - Advanced Biostatistical Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: STAT 6020 and STAT 6160 or permission of instructor. Mathematically rigorous presentation of categorical data analysis methods for univariate and correlated multivariate responses including contingency table analysis, logistic regression, and loglinear models; survival analysis for analyzing time-to-event data including survivor functions, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards model; and other health applications of multivariate analysis methods.
9 hours from the following:
STAT 5700 - Analysis of Large-Scale Data Sets
3credit hours
The analysis and applications of large-scale data sets. Scalable machine learning and data mining applications in a practical clinical environment. Statistical software used in the application of these techniques.
STAT 6020 - Applied Statistical Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: MATH 1530, MATH 2050, or STAT 3150 or permission of instructor. Contemporary and medical research methodology for biostatistics. Descriptive and inferential statistics including parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing methods, sample size, statistical significance and power, survival curve analysis, relative risk, odds ratios, chi square modeling, and analysis of variance. Data will be analyzed using statistical software.
STAT 6602 - Problems in Statistics-Regression Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity, preparation in the area and (normally) nine semester hours of graduate study. Problems course dealing with theory, methods, and applications.
STAT 6603 - Problems in Statistics-Nonparametric Statistics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity, preparation in the area and (normally) nine semester hours of graduate study. Problems course dealing with theory, methods, and applications.
STAT 6604 - Problems in Statistics-Experimental Design
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity, preparation in the area and (normally) nine semester hours of graduate study. Problems course dealing with theory, methods, and applications.
STAT 6605 - Problems in Statistics-SAS Programming
1 to 9credit hours
Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity, preparation in the area and (normally) nine semester hours of graduate study. Problems course dealing with theory, methods, and applications.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Suggested Curriculum - Full Time
| Fall Year 1 (9 credits) |
Spring Year 1 (9 credits) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- Core Course: STAT 5140 Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning (3 credits)
- STAT 6602 Problems in Statistics, Regression Analysis (3 credits)
|
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 (3 credits)
- STAT 6020 Introduction to Biostatistics (1 credit)
- STAT 6602 Problems in Statistics, Regression Analysis - Logistic Regression (1 credit)
- STAT 6603 Problems in Statistics, Nonparametric Statistics (even year springs) (4
credits)
OR
- STAT 6604 Problems in Statistics, Experimental Design (odd year springs) (4 credits)
|
| Fall Year 2 (9 credits) |
Spring Year 2 (6 credits) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 or ACTG 6100 (Select the course not previously completed in
the first term) (3 credits)
- STAT 6160 Statistics (3 credits)
- STAT 6510 Biostatistical Methods (3 credits)
|
- BCEN 6910 Internship (3 credits)
- STAT 6180 Statistical Inference (3 credits)
- STAT 6520 Advanced Biostatistical Methods (3 credits)
|
Suggested Curriculum - Part Time
| Fall Year 1 (7 credits) |
Spring Year 1 (6 credits) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- STAT 5140 Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning (Core, 3 credits)
- STAT 6020 Introduction to Biostatistics (1 credit)
|
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 (3 credits)
- STAT 6603 Problems in Statistics, Nonparametric Statistics (3 credits, even year springs)
OR
- STAT 6604 Problems in Statistics, Experimental Design (3 credits, odd year springs)
|
| Fall Year 2 (6 credits) |
Spring Year 2 (5-6 credits) |
- STAT 6160 Statistics (3 credits)
- STAT 6602 Problems in Statistics, Regression Analysis (3 credits)
|
- STAT 6180 Statistical Inference (3 credits)
- Approved Elective(s) as needed to total 21 hours in Biostatistics Concentration
|
| FALL YEAR 3 (6 CREDITS) |
SPRING YEAR 3 (5-6 CREDITS) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- STAT 6510 Biostatistical Methods (3 credits)
|
- BCEN 6910 Internship (3 credits)
- STAT 6520 Advanced Biostatistical Methods (3 credits)
|
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
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Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
