Harvard Graduate Program in Biostatistics
Harvard School of Public Health
Biostatistics Department
Harvard School of Public Health
The Master’s degree programs offered by the department are aimed at students seeking a terminal Master’s degree, although some students use their Master’s program as preparation for PhD studies.
MASTER OF SCIENCE: 42.5 credits
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The 42.5 credit program is designed for students who already have a Master’s degree in one of the mathematical sciences or a doctorate in a quantitative field.
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Applicants must have a mathematical and statistical background sufficient to achieve a level of proficiency after one year of study comparable to that attained in the 80-credit program. More flexibility is allowed since only 42.5 total credits are required.
MASTER OF SCIENCE: 60 credits
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The 60 credit program has an applied emphasis and is geared toward students with an undergraduate degree in one of the mathematical sciences or an allied field (for example, biology, psychology, or economics).
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This program is designed to prepare students for applied research positions in hospitals and universities, research organizations, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
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A minimum of 40 credits of course work are required; for the remaining credits students complete a collaborative research practicum related to the design, conduct, and analysis of research studies with a focus on data analysis and scientific presentation. Students then write a thesis and make an oral presentation based on the practicum.
MASTER OF SCIENCE: 80 credits
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In the 80 credit program, 50 credits must be earned in courses from the Master’s core, which includes probability, statistical inference, statistical methods, linear and logistic regression, survival analysis, longitudinal analysis, clinical trials, statistical genetics, computational biology, health decision sciences, and related areas. Students also choose from a variety of elective courses.
The PhD program is designed for those who have demonstrated both interest and ability in scholarly research. Qualified applicants may apply to this program without a prior advanced degree. The Department's programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the theory and practice of statistics, especially as applied to the biomedical and health sciences. The programs include training in the development of methodology, consulting, teaching, and collaboration on a broad spectrum of health-related problems.
The PhD Program in Biostatistics trains students in statistical theory; the use of statistical methods in formulating problems, planning studies, conducting analyses, and writing reports; the interpretation of numeric data for scientific inference; and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with scientists in related disciplines. The PhD program has the additional objectives of training statisticians capable of conducting independent methodologic research and providing scientific leadership.
FUNDING
All doctoral students in good standing receive full financial support (tuition, fees, and stipend) for 4 to 5 years. This support comes from a variety of sources, including NIH training and research grants, teaching fellowships, and competitive HSPH scholarships. We also encourage doctoral students to apply for external funding such as NSF and NDSEG fellowships, which often award stipends larger than those provided by the Department. Applicants to the doctoral program should identify their specific field of interest, if any, in their personal essay. International applicants from developing countries are encouraged to apply for the Vasilios Stavros Lagakos Scholarship.
http://www.biostat.harvard.edu/welcome/Lagakos_Fellowship/index.htm.
Funding for Master’s students is extremely limited, and all applicants are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships. The Director of Graduate Studies will also try to match applicants with competitive Harvard scholarships in the area of their research interest.
Information and Application Process Instructions
Application Information: Master’s Degree
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Application for admission to the SM program can be obtained online on the HSPH Admissions Office website (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/administrative-offices/admissions/application-information/).
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For information on general requirements for admission, see the Harvard School of Public Health Catalog (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/register/) or contact the Admissions Office by phone (617-432-1031) or through their website (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/administrative-offices/admissions/).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2009
Application Information: Doctoral Degree
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Applications for admission to the PhD program can be obtained from Office of Admissions, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, P.O. Box 9129, Cambridge, MA 02238-9129. Applications are available online at the Admissions Office website (https://apply.embark.com/grad/Harvard/GSAS/)
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For information on general requirements for admission, see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website
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(http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/admissions_information_for_prospective_graduate_students.php) or contact the Admissions Office by phone (617-496-6100).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2009
When inquiring or applying for this position, please also reference Academic Careers Online.
