Biostatistician

Statistics are important for providing predictions and trustworthy data analysis. In healthcare, statisticians analyze biological data to answer questions about medicine, biology, and public health. Biostatisticians’ findings are then used to make data-driven decisions at all levels of healthcare, including pharmaceuticals, patient care, insurance, and clinical trials.

The primary premise of a biostatistician’s work is to turn data into knowledge. They use mathematical principles, statistical analysis, and specialty software to examine large data sets. Sometimes, biostatisticians are even involved in designing the data collection process, but they often simply analyze data collected through other means.

Working in this field requires understanding science, math, and statistics. Because this field often deals with human data, many professionals also have education and training in psychology and public health. Proper education is critical. According to O*Net (2024), 58 percent of biostatisticians have earned a master’s degree, while 29 percent have earned a PhD.

Overall, statistics and mathematics are growing and lucrative careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) estimates an 11 percent increase in jobs for mathematicians and statisticians between 2023 and 2033. This is nearly times the national average growth for all jobs, at 4 percent. On average, professionals in statistics and mathematics earn $119,770 per year.

Keep reading to learn what it takes to get started in this field, including top programs, certification requirements, and typical job duties.

A career as a biostatistician requires a high-level understanding of math, statistics, and healthcare. While some of these skills can be obtained on the job, most professionals in this field complete at least a master’s degree in biostatistics, math, or a related field. Professionals who have already completed a master’s in a related field can complete a post-graduate certificate in biostatistics to give them additional specialized training in biostatistics. 

While most students will earn a master’s of science in biostatistics, many programs offer a master’s of public health in biostatistics. There are numerous on-campus or online biostatistician degrees across the country. Those looking to work in research at a higher level will need to complete a PhD in biostatistics.

Admissions to biostatistics master’s degrees vary based on the program, but most have the same general requirements. Candidates must have already earned a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics, math, statistics, biology, public health, or a related field. 

In addition to a degree, candidates are often expected to have completed extensive prerequisite coursework in math and statistics. Sometimes, the math prerequisites, such as at least one semester of linear algebra, are very specific.

Other applicants’ requirements include letters of recommendation, a minimum GPA, a statement of purpose, a current resume, and work experience. The most competitive programs may require candidates to attend a virtual or in-person interview.

One important consideration when choosing a biostatistics program is the degree’s accreditation status. The two primary types of accreditation are programmatic and institutional. Programmatic accreditation is specific to a major or degree. There are no programmatic accrediting agencies for biostatistician programs at this time. However, if a student completes a public health biostatistics degree, the program could be accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Institutional accreditation is through one of the regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. They are:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Duke University – School of Medicine

The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Duke University’s School of Medicine offers a master’s in biostatistics. This two-year degree provides a strong foundation in human biology and statistical principles. 

Because this program is housed in the School of Medicine, students will have the unique opportunity to gain exposure to cutting-edge research and the newest techniques in biostatistical analysis. To adequately prepare students for work in this field, the three primary components of this program are analysis, biology, and communication. 

While students for this program can come from various backgrounds, most students have a strong understanding of biology, math, and science. This program is tailored to students looking to further their careers, work in healthcare, and have a passion for improving health. 

• Location: Durham, NC 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Harvard College – T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard College offers several degree options in biostatistics, including a doctorate. The PhD program can prepare students to work at the forefront of biostatistics practice or research. All students in this program will work alongside faculty leaders in this field. 

Projects completed will include using large bio datasets to perform complex analyses to make discoveries in health trends. These discoveries, in turn, can potentially affect population health and well-being.  

The rigorous curriculum covers innovative probabilistic and statistical theory, leadership skills, using modern statistical and computational methods to analyze data, collaborating techniques, and how to teach biostatistics effectively. Admission to this program is highly competitive. However, once admitted, all students receive full funding for the five years it takes to complete their degree.  

• Location: Boston, MA
• Duration: Five years
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

New York University – School of Global Public Health

Students can complete either a master’s of science or public health in biostatistics at the New York University School of Global Public Health. Both degree programs take two years to complete. The master’s of science has a greater focus on epidemiology, while the master’s of public health requires students to have a well-rounded education in public health policy along with biostatistics. 

Both programs offer students the opportunity to complete their studies in a full-time or part-time format, depending on what suits their needs. The full-time program takes two years, while part-time students typically take four. Students must complete an in-depth thesis research project to graduate from either program. 

• Location: New York, NY 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Boston University – School of Public Health

At the Boston University School of Public Health, students can earn a master’s of applied science in biostatistics in just one year. Since this is an applied science degree, hands-on skills are strongly emphasized, which translate directly to the workforce. Students will complete practical training in this field, including an internship or employment. At the culmination of the training, students will write a comprehensive research paper on their completed work. 

Admission to this program is competitive, and students are expected to have already completed a year of calculus education and one formal course in linear algebra. Other requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores. International students will also need to provide proof of English proficiency. 

• Location: Boston, MA 
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

University of Washington – School of Public Health

There are two options for aspiring biostatisticians at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Both options are master’s of sciences in biostatistics degrees, but one degree has a thesis option while the other is a capstone. The capstone route takes 18 months and the thesis track takes 24 to 36 months. Graduates for the thesis track are better suited for work in research, while capstone graduates are ideal candidates for top-level jobs in biostatistics.  

Regardless of the path chosen, all students will complete the same core coursework. These include classes in foundations of public health for biostatistics, computational skills for biostatistics, introduction to biomedical data science, and writing and presentation skills for biostatistics. Each year more than 140 students apply to this program and only approximately 50 are admitted, so students should ensure they have the necessary qualifications to be competitive when applying. 

• Location: Seattle, WA 
• Duration: 18 to 36 months
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

University of California, San Diego Extension

For professionals who just need biostatistics training, the University of California, San Diego Extension Department offers a four-course online certificate in biostatistics. Students who complete this certificate will learn the application of statistical techniques to analyze clinical data. 

Classes must be taken in sequence, starting with general concepts and moving to more advanced techniques. If a student has already taken a course at a previous institution, they may transfer the coursework. Alternatively, if a student already has a skill being taught in a course, they can apply for an alternate course to gain more skills. 

The four classes required for this certificate are biostatistics, SAS programming I:

DATA step and PROC fundamentals, biostatistical methods I: linear regression and ANOVA, and biostatistical methods II: logistic regression and survival analysis. The first two classes may be taken concurrently, but the last two must be taken separately. 

There are no prerequisite education requirements for this certificate, although students are encouraged to have a strong background in math. 

• Location: San Diego, CA 
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

University of Nebraska Medical Center – College of Public Health

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health offers three online options for aspiring biostatisticians. They include a master’s of public health, a master’s of science, and a graduate certificate. These programs vary in length but can all be completed through distance learning and at the student’s own pace. The faculty who teach in the online program are the same as those who teach on-campus, so students receive the same high-quality education. Certificates and diplomas will have no mention of online education. 

Graduates of these programs are assisted with job placements in research institutes, for the government, or in related industries. All three tracks require students to complete a SAS programming course, an industry-standard statistical analysis software that adequately prepares them to enter the workforce. 

• Location: Omaha, NE 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

University of Minnesota – School of Public Health

The online certificate in applied biostatistics at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health is designed for professionals who work with large biomedical data sets without formal training. This certificate trains students to analyze the data, draw conclusions, design studies, use statistical software tools, and communicate the findings to colleagues and supervisors.  While most of the classes are offered online, all students must complete a one-week on-campus course. 

To apply for this program, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and have at least three years of relevant work experience. Most students complete this certificate in one year by taking one class a term, although they can take longer if necessary. All courses must be completed in a maximum of four years. 

• Location: Minneapolis, MN 
• Duration: 15 credits, typically completed in two years
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

University of Louisville – School of Public Health and Information Science

With 100 percent online courses, the master’s of science in biostatistics at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Science trains students in rigorous statistical analysis methodology without relocating or quitting their jobs. Students will learn to apply biostatistical methods to various healthcare fields, including dentistry, medicine, and nursing. Graduates can work in insurance, pharmaceutics, government, and research.

Students must complete 33 credits to earn this degree. Required courses include probability, biostatistical methods, clinical trials, public health in the U.S., and mathematical statistics. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree program, undergraduate coursework in differential and integral calculus, including multi-variable integration, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. 

• Location: Louisville, KY 
• Duration: Three semesters
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of Florida – College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine

The online master’s of science in biostatistics at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine is designed for working professionals or those who already have a bachelor’s degree but cannot travel to campus. This program aims to prepare graduates for a PhD program or for a career in biostatistics. The required 36 credits of coursework focus on a broad-based understanding of biostatistical methods and theories and how to apply those to big data analysis. 

All faculty in this program are fellows of the American Statistical Association and well-recognized researchers in this field. Candidates for this program must apply to both this degree program and the graduate school. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics or a related field, a 3.0 GPA in the last two undergraduate years, and GRE scores. International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency in the form of a TOEFL score. 

• Location: Gainesville, FL 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

The time it takes to become a biostatistician varies based on the level of education obtained. Most biostatisticians have at least a master’s degree or higher. These programs can be as short as a year or as long as seven or more. Therefore, it takes at least five years of education post-high school to enter this field, although it can be common for it to take longer.  

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

A career as a biostatistician starts with graduating from high school or earning a GED. Students should focus on psychology, math, and science classes to help prepare them for additional studies. College-level or advanced placement classes can also be advantageous regardless of the subject matter, as they can help prepare students for the rigors of college coursework.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelors’ Degree (Four Years)

A bachelor’s degree is the next step in a career as a biostatistician. Students can choose from several majors, including statistics, biostatistics, math, biology, epidemiology, or public health. This career requires a high-level understanding of math and statistics, so regardless of the major, students should take significant coursework in both areas.

Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree (One to Seven Years)

While an advanced degree is not required, most biostatisticians have earned a master’s degree or higher. Most aspiring biostatisticians complete a master’s of science or master’s of public health in biostatistics. Often, advanced degrees will include internships so students can learn hands-on how to work in this field.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience (Timeline Varies)

Once the necessary education has been completed, it is time to find work as a biostatistician. Professionals may need to start in entry-level roles, such as research associates or data analysts, to gather enough experience to take on more senior roles.

Biostatisticians work anywhere where data is used to answer healthcare, medicine, or public health questions. This can include hospitals, research centers, government agencies, insurance, and pharmaceutical corporations. Typical day-to-day duties include:

• Designing statistical studies to perform on biological data 
• Analyzing study results
• Making determinations about the study results
• Communicating results in writing or through presentations to applicable parties
• Determining new ways to gather data to answer questions that have arisen in previous studies
• Using statistical analysis software
• Collaborating with other researchers
• Writing research proposal to help secure funding

There are no certifications or state licensing requirements for biostatisticians. However, professionals in this field can join the American Statistical Association, a professional association for statisticians. Members can apply for a review to obtain a voluntary professional credential called PStat. To be eligible for this designation, candidates must have:

• An advanced degree in statistics or a related field
• Five years of work experience in statistics
• Professional competence demonstrated by work samples and a letter of support
• Strong communication skills
• Evidence of professional development
• Two additional letters of support. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) does not track salary data specific to biostatisticians, but it does for statisticians. The 29,950 professionals working under this general classification earn an average of $109,190 annually. The percentiles for wages are:

• 10th percentile: $58,690
• 25th percentile: $78,140
• 50th percentile (median): $104,110
• 75th percentile: $134,950
• 90th percentile: $163,360

Here are a few alternatives to a career as a biostatistician. 

Become a Health Data Analyst

Health data analysts analyze health-related data to draw conclusions and insights, providing senior staff with information to make data-driven decisions. Professionals in this field are often responsible for collecting, aggregating, and analyzing the data. They must be strong communicators, presenting their findings through written reports or presentations. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree 
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Become a Health Information Manager

Healthcare produces vast amounts of data, and organizations must ensure that it is secure, accurate, and accessible. Health information managers work for hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, and clinics to help them maintain and access their data. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization:  American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Become a Healthcare Risk Manager

While risk is inherent in providing healthcare services, administrators strive to reduce their exposure where possible. To help with this, they hire skilled healthcare risk managers who implement, monitor, and evaluate risk mitigation strategies within their organization. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Hospital Association

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.