BA in Mathematics/MS in Biostatistics
The BA in Mathematics/MS in Biostatistics program allows strong undergraduate students to complete both programs at an accelerated pace. This program will prepare students for PhD studies or employment in biotech, pharmaceutical, and other medical/public health fields.
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs are linked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in which the two degrees are conferred sequentially. This Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Program allows students to apply a maximum of 8 units from their undergraduate degree toward the associated master’s degree. The units applied toward the master’s degree must be at the 500 level or above.
Students must apply to Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs before the conferral of the bachelor’s degree. Typically, students apply to the BA in Mathematics/MS in Biostatistics program in their junior year. Students in the program must complete at least 24 units while enrolled as a graduate student. Students should consult with the Financial Assistance office to learn how entrance into the Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Program might impact their financial aid.
Admission
Admission to the BA in Mathematics/MS in Biostatistics program requires individual application by each student and evaluation of each application by the Master’s Admissions Committee. Applicants must already be majoring in mathematics (specialty in statistics) and making good progress on satisfying the requirements listed below. The BA in Mathematics/Master’s in Biostatistics program can be combined with undergraduate minors. For information on application requirements and deadlines, please see the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences’ BA/MA and BA/MS program application website.
Potential applicants must first complete at least one upper-level course (400-level or higher statistics course for the statistics option, and 500-level or higher mathematics course for the mathematics option). As part of the application, one of the two required letters of recommendation should be provided by the instructor of such a course.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand fundamental concepts and develop analytical skills associated with classical statistical methods.
- Demonstrate a mature understanding of the theoretic underpinnings of statistics, including probability theory and at least one of the areas of mathematical statistics and stochastic processes.
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in topics related to advanced statistical theory and practice.
- Demonstrate mastery at a master’s level of biostatistical theory and application through high achievement in coursework.
- Demonstrate commitment to advancing the values of scholarship by keeping abreast of current advances within biostatistics and showing commitment to personal professional development through engagement in professional societies and publication.
- Conduct scholarly work in a professional and ethical manner guided by the principles of the profession.
Requirements
Students in the BA in Mathematics/MS in Biostatistics program must complete all the requirements for the CAS BA in Mathematics (specialty in statistics) and additionally take EP 770, BS 805 or BS 806, PH 700, a 0 units capstone course (BS 880) for the MS in Biostatistics, and 16 units of approved electives for the MS in Biostatistics program as outlined in the MS in Biostatistics handbook. These elective courses include: MA 576, MA 578, MA 583, MA 585, MA 588, MA 589, MA 685, MA 751 or CS 542, MA 781 (with permission of academic advisor), MA 782 (with permission of academic advisor), MA 861, MA 881, MA 882, BS 722, BS 728, BS 775, BS 807 or MA 592, BS 810, BS 820, BS 821, BS 825, BS 831, BS 845, BS 849, BS 851, BS 853, BS 854, BS 856, BS 857, BS 858, BS 859, BS 860, BS 861, BS 901 or BS 902 (only a max of 4 units), and EP 854 (with permission of academic advisor).
No overlap is permitted between mathematics courses taken to satisfy the BA requirements and 16 units of electives required by the MS in Biostatistics. For instance, the three courses in the MA 500–599 level required for the BA in Mathematics cannot be counted toward the 16 units of elective coursework for the MS in Biostatistics.
For further specific information concerning the Mathematics/Biostatistics Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program, please consult an advisor in the department. For general information regarding admissions and graduation, please refer to the BA/MA and BA/MS Programs section of this Bulletin.
