At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 12 months (course-only option)Typical Program Length
- Option for AI and Data Science emphasisSpecialization
- Practicum placement availablePractical Experience
- Thesis option available (up to 24 months)Research Focus
- Instructors are practicing biostatisticiansExpert Faculty
The Master of Science (MSc) in Biostatistics program equips students with advanced methods in biostatistical analysis. The curriculum covers foundational topics like mathematical statistics, survival analysis, categorical data analysis, and applied Bayesian methods, alongside a variety of electives. These electives can include specialized areas such as clinical trials, predictive modeling, applied machine learning, and correlated data analysis. The program's instructors are faculty members with practical experience as biostatisticians in major research institutions affiliated with the university, including leading hospitals and cancer centers. Graduates are prepared to work as biostatisticians or data scientists within interdisciplinary research teams, meeting the high demand in academia, government, and industry.
Curriculum
The MSc Biostatistics program offers three options: a course-only option, a course-only option with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, and a thesis option. All students initially apply to the course-only program. The AI/Data Science option requires specific electives and availability of practicum projects. Transition to the thesis option is possible until the end of March of the first year for students in good academic standing.
- Year 1 (typically 12 months)
- Foundational courses in mathematical statistics
- Survival analysis
- Categorical data analysis
- Applied Bayesian methods
- Electives (e.g., clinical trials, predictive modelling, applied machine learning, correlated data analysis)
- Practicum placement (for course-only options)
- Thesis research (for thesis option)
- Year 2 (for thesis option)
- Continued thesis research and writing
Careers
Graduates are prepared for roles that offer strong career stability, good earning potential, and the opportunity to contribute to public health advancements. The field of biostatistics is growing, with significant demand across various sectors.
- Biostatistician
- Data Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Biostatistics program?
- You need at least a mid-B average in your final year of study or the last 5.0 full course equivalents at a senior level, along with completed courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, probability, and mathematical statistics.
- Does the University of Toronto offer an AI and Data Science emphasis within the MSc Biostatistics?
- Yes, there is a course-only option with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. This option requires specific electives and practicum project availability.
- What is the duration of the MSc Biostatistics program?
- The course-only option is typically 12 months. The thesis option can extend up to 24 months.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the MSc Biostatistics program?
- Tuition fees are charged per session (fall and winter) for the duration of registration. Specific amounts for international students are not listed on the program page.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing the MSc Biostatistics program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Biostatistician or Data Scientist in academia, government departments, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations.
- When is the application deadline for the MSc Biostatistics program?
- The application deadline is not specified on the program page. Please refer to the University of Toronto graduate admissions website for this information.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalentAt least a mid-B average in the final year of study or in the last 5.0 full course equivalents at a senior level.
Prerequisite CoursesCompleted courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, probability, and mathematical statistics (including statistical theory).
English Language Proficiency (ELP)Minimum requirements set by School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Specific test scores are not listed on program page, refer to SGS website.
Applicants who studied outside Canada must verify if their previous university instruction in English meets the waiver criteria on the SGS website. Applications without required ELP documentation by the deadline will be rejected. An international degree equivalency tool is available on the SGS website.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Tuition fees are charged per session (fall and winter) for the duration of registration. International students are advised of the program length for visa purposes, and may need to extend study permits if opting for the thesis track and taking longer than one year.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements. Review prerequisite courses.
2. Choose Program OptionAll students apply to the course-only option. You can apply for AI/Data Science emphasis or transition to the thesis option later if eligible.
3. Select ApplicationDetermine which application to use based on your study plans.
4. Prepare Application DocumentsGather academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if required), and any other necessary documents.
5. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application by the specified deadline.
6. Apply for Practicum/Thesis OptionIf interested in the AI/Data Science option, apply for practicum placements. If interested in the thesis option, discuss with faculty and formally transition by the end of March.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Biostatistics program?
+
You need at least a mid-B average in your final year of study or the last 5.0 full course equivalents at a senior level, along with completed courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, probability, and mathematical statistics.
Does the University of Toronto offer an AI and Data Science emphasis within the MSc Biostatistics?
+
Yes, there is a course-only option with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. This option requires specific electives and practicum project availability.
What is the duration of the MSc Biostatistics program?
+
The course-only option is typically 12 months. The thesis option can extend up to 24 months.
What are the tuition fees for international students in the MSc Biostatistics program?
+
Tuition fees are charged per session (fall and winter) for the duration of registration. Specific amounts for international students are not listed on the program page.
What career paths can I pursue after completing the MSc Biostatistics program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Biostatistician or Data Scientist in academia, government departments, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations.
When is the application deadline for the MSc Biostatistics program?
+
The application deadline is not specified on the program page. Please refer to the University of Toronto graduate admissions website for this information.