UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Biostatistics Graduate Programs (MS & PhD)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Interdisciplinary and inter-departmental programProgram Type
- 34 faculty from 10 departmentsFaculty Expertise
- Prepares for careers in bioinformatics, clinical trials, and epidemiologyCareer Paths
- MS without dissertationMS Program Feature
- Financial support available for PhD studentsPhD Funding
The Graduate Group in Biostatistics (GGB) at UC Davis offers interdisciplinary graduate programs designed to equip students with strong foundational knowledge and practical skills in biostatistical core disciplines and theory. The programs focus on state-of-the-art data analysis techniques, providing substantial exposure to biological and epidemiological sciences, alongside a robust background in theoretical modeling, statistical techniques, and quantitative/computational methods. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in fields such as bioinformatics, environmental toxicology, medical research, drug development, and public health statistics. The Ph.D. program aims to enable students to address critical problems in genomics, medicine, agriculture, and environmental health by developing innovative quantitative models and advanced statistical methodologies. The M.S. program focuses on preparing students for advanced data analysis in life sciences problems through coursework and a comprehensive examination, without a dissertation requirement.
Careers
Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in a variety of fields.
- Bioinformatician
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Clinical Trials Analyst
- Data Scientist in Life Sciences
- Drug Development Specialist
- Environmental Health Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in a biological science with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrated research experience. Upper division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, or genetics are encouraged.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- Specific TOEFL/IELTS score requirements are not provided on the program pages. Prospective students should verify the exact requirements with the Graduate Admissions office.
- What is the tuition and fee structure for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
- Tuition and fees are not specified for the Biostatistics program. For the MSBA program, there is an estimated course fee of $65,560 for 44 units. Prospective students should consult the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for specific costs.
- How can international students secure financial support for the Biostatistics programs?
- Financial support is primarily available for PhD students through fellowships, Teaching Assistant (TA), or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions. MS students can apply for TA or GSR positions each quarter, but support is not guaranteed. International applicants are strongly advised to seek external funding.
- When is the application deadline for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
- The application opens in September. The priority deadline for PhD applications is December 15, and the final deadline for MS applications is March 15. The program starts in the Fall quarter.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the Biostatistics program?
- Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers as Bioinformaticians, Biostatisticians, Epidemiologists, Clinical Trials Analysts, Data Scientists in Life Sciences, Drug Development Specialists, and Environmental Health Scientists.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeBachelor's degree in a biological science with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology, genetics, or immunology are encouraged.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including participation in an independent research project or post-baccalaureate research experience.
TOEFL/IELTSNot specified on program pages. Prospective students should verify specific requirements with the Graduate Admissions office.
The Graduate Group in Microbiology strongly emphasizes the PhD program. MS admissions are typically only considered for applicants with government-sponsored fellowships, their own funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment of financial support. International students are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries, as only exceptional international students without financial support may be considered for admission.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fees are not specified for the Biostatistics program. The MSBA program has an estimated course fee of $65,560 for 44 units. Prospective students should consult the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for specific costs.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fees are not specified for the Biostatistics program. Prospective students should consult the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for specific costs.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified for the Biostatistics program. Prospective students should consult the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for this information.
Financial support is primarily available for PhD students through fellowships, Teaching Assistant (TA), or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions. MS students may apply for TA or GSR positions each quarter, but financial support is not guaranteed.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application via the UC Davis Graduate Studies application portal.
2. Contact Potential Faculty Mentors (PhD)PhD applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members with whom they wish to conduct research to inquire about lab availability and discuss research interests.
3. Submit Supporting DocumentsEnsure all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores (if applicable), are submitted by the deadline.
4. Apply for Financial Aid/ScholarshipsPhD applicants can apply for fellowships and assistantships as part of the admissions application. International applicants are strongly advised to seek external funding.
Scholarships
Biostatistics FellowshipsVaries
Teaching Assistantship (TA)Stipend + Tuition Waiver
Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)Stipend + Partial Fee Remission
Internal FellowshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in a biological science with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrated research experience. Upper division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, or genetics are encouraged.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
Specific TOEFL/IELTS score requirements are not provided on the program pages. Prospective students should verify the exact requirements with the Graduate Admissions office.
What is the tuition and fee structure for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
+
Tuition and fees are not specified for the Biostatistics program. For the MSBA program, there is an estimated course fee of $65,560 for 44 units. Prospective students should consult the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for specific costs.
How can international students secure financial support for the Biostatistics programs?
+
Financial support is primarily available for PhD students through fellowships, Teaching Assistant (TA), or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions. MS students can apply for TA or GSR positions each quarter, but support is not guaranteed. International applicants are strongly advised to seek external funding.
When is the application deadline for the Biostatistics Graduate Programs?
+
The application opens in September. The priority deadline for PhD applications is December 15, and the final deadline for MS applications is March 15. The program starts in the Fall quarter.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the Biostatistics program?
+
Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers as Bioinformaticians, Biostatisticians, Epidemiologists, Clinical Trials Analysts, Data Scientists in Life Sciences, Drug Development Specialists, and Environmental Health Scientists.