UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Biostatistics MS and PhD
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Biostatistics program at UC Davis offers graduate studies leading to Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. This field utilizes quantitative methods to address problems in the life sciences across a wide range of areas. The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in core biostatistical theory and methods, advanced skills for data analysis, substantial exposure to biological and epidemiological sciences, and a robust background in theoretical modeling, statistical techniques, and computational methods. Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in fields such as bioinformatics, environmental toxicology, biological and medical stochastic modeling, clinical trials, drug development, and epidemiological statistics. The program leverages the expertise of the Biostatistics faculty at UC Davis.
Careers
The program prepares students for interdisciplinary careers in a broad range of fields. Graduates will be equipped to address the growing demand for professionals skilled in leveraging data and computing power for insights and decision-making.
- Bioinformatics
- Environmental Toxicology
- Stochastic Modeling in Biology and Medicine
- Clinical Trials
- Drug Development
- Epidemiological Statistics
- Medical Statistics
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Biostatistics program?
- Applicants need a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in a biological science, including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, along with demonstrated research experience and facility with a programming language.
- Are there specific prerequisites for the Biostatistics program?
- Yes, applicants must have completed one year of calculus and a course in linear algebra or one year of biological coursework. Upper division work in Mathematics, Statistics, or Life Sciences is also expected.
- How much does the Biostatistics MSBA program cost?
- For the MSBA program, students entering in summer 2025 pay $1,490 per unit. The program requires 44 units, resulting in an estimated total course fee of $65,560.
- When is the application deadline for the Biostatistics program?
- Applications typically open in September, and the deadline to apply is December 1st for Fall Quarter admission.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Biostatistics program?
- Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in fields such as bioinformatics, clinical trials, drug development, and epidemiological statistics.
- Are international students eligible for admission to the MS program?
- MS admission for international students is generally limited to those with government-sponsored fellowships, their own funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment of financial support. All MS program costs are the applicant's responsibility.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in a biological science is required. Coursework should include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology, genetics, or immunology are also encouraged.
CalculusOne year of calculus.
Linear Algebra or BiologyA course in linear algebra or one year of biological coursework.
ProgrammingFacility with a programming language.
Advanced CourseworkUpper division work in at least one of Mathematics, Statistics, and Life Sciences.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including active participation in an independent research project supervised by a faculty member and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
The Graduate Group in Microbiology (GMIC) strongly emphasizes the Ph.D. program. M.S. degrees are generally not admitted unless there are special circumstances such as 2-year government-sponsored fellowships, applicants with their own funding, or a commitment of financial support from a faculty mentor. 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. All costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant.
Fees
Tuition (international)For the MSBA program (Master of Science in Business Analytics), students entering in summer 2025 pay $1,490 per unit. The program requires 44 units for a total estimated course fee of $65,560.
Tuition (home)—
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Tuition and fees for the Biostatistics program are not specified in the provided text. For the MSBA program, course fees are fixed at the time of enrollment. Students take varying units per quarter: 6 units in summer, 12 units in fall, winter, and spring, and 2 units in the subsequent summer quarter.
How to apply
1. Contact FacultyApplicants are encouraged to contact Biostatistics faculty members with whom they wish to study to inquire about lab availability and to get acquainted with potential mentors.
2. Complete ApplicationSubmit your application electronically through the UC Davis Graduate Studies application portal.
3. Submit Supporting MaterialsEnsure all required application materials are submitted by the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Biostatistics program?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in a biological science, including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, along with demonstrated research experience and facility with a programming language.
Are there specific prerequisites for the Biostatistics program?
+
Yes, applicants must have completed one year of calculus and a course in linear algebra or one year of biological coursework. Upper division work in Mathematics, Statistics, or Life Sciences is also expected.
How much does the Biostatistics MSBA program cost?
+
For the MSBA program, students entering in summer 2025 pay $1,490 per unit. The program requires 44 units, resulting in an estimated total course fee of $65,560.
When is the application deadline for the Biostatistics program?
+
Applications typically open in September, and the deadline to apply is December 1st for Fall Quarter admission.
What are the career prospects after completing the Biostatistics program?
+
Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in fields such as bioinformatics, clinical trials, drug development, and epidemiological statistics.
Are international students eligible for admission to the MS program?
+
MS admission for international students is generally limited to those with government-sponsored fellowships, their own funding, or a faculty mentor's commitment of financial support. All MS program costs are the applicant's responsibility.