Summary

The Master of Science in Biostatistics Thesis is a 63-credit degree and requires completion of the following:

Course credits

• 25 credits of core curriculum courses
• 11 credits of elective courses
• 6 Seminar credits
• 3 credits for the course in Statistics Consulting
• 18 credits for Thesis
• Minimum 3.0 grade in each core course and 2.7 minimum in each elective course
• Full-time enrollment of 10 credits per quarter is expected (summer optional).

Exam

Students must pass the First Year (MS) Statistical Theory Examination after the end of spring quarter following completion of STAT 512 and STAT 513 (usually in the first year). If this examination is failed, it must be passed the following year. Learn more about exams in our Students section.

Thesis

The master's thesis is an opportunity to give insight into a research question or body of data. It also provides evidence of your ability to carry out independent biostatistical investigation and to present the results in clear and systematic form. Under the guidance of an advisor and second reader, MS Thesis students must perform biostatistics research and write a thesis.

• Students should consider potential thesis advisors and topics starting in the first year of the graduate program.
• Students typically begin work on their thesis in the autumn quarter of their second year.