Brown University’s two year, on-campus master's in biostatistics offers advanced training in rigorous statistical methods and real-world application to tackle today’s most complex health and medical challenges.
As data becomes essential for modern research and decision-making, demand for advanced expertise in biostatistics is increasing rapidly — particularly in settings emphasizing research in public health, clinical medicine, the biological sciences, biomedicine and biotechnology.
The on-campus master’s in biostatistics program prepares you with the skills to become a statistician ready to excel in modern data science environments. Our program equips you with expertise in statistical inference and modeling, proficiency with data science tools and a robust skill set in computer programming. You’ll also develop strong communication abilities and gain collaborative experience to enhance your professional capabilities.
This program offers two degree options:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and a thesis or project
- Master of arts (A.M.)*
- *For current Brown undergraduates only. For more on the fifth-year master’s program, visit here.
This program provides advanced training tailored for individuals pursuing careers as professional statisticians or data analysts in industry, government or academia. It also serves those considering doctoral studies in biostatistics, as well as established researchers seeking advanced training in the field.
Additional Resources
Learn and take advantage of the computing infrastructure at the Center for Statistical Sciences, a high-end, continuously updated computing environment featuring both Unix and PC/MAC networks. Students have access to all major software for data analysis and statistical computing. Additionally, CSS maintains a considerable collection of statistics texts and journals in the Walter Freiberger Biostatistics Library.
*Brown also offers an online Biostatistics master's degree.
Application Information
Entering students are assumed to have the necessary background including three semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra and at least one semester of mathematical probability using calculus prior to attending Brown. Students who have not taken the probability course will be strongly urged to take this in the summer before matriculation.
Applicants to this School of Public Health program should apply through SOPHAS, a centralized application service for accredited schools and programs in public health. The application opens in mid-August each year.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. Students who wish to submit GRE scores, can use the Brown University School of Public Health GRE reporting code: 7765, but they are not required. Students who do not submit scores will not be penalized in the graduate admissions review process.
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Official Transcripts:
Required
Letters of Recommendations:
(3) Required
Personal Statement:
Required
Resume/CV:
Required
Additional Materials:
Application Fee
Additional Requirements:
International Applicants
- Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Financial aid for master’s students varies, though most students are self-supported through a combination of scholarships, loans, outside funding, and/or Research and Teaching assistantships. You can find Master’s funding opportunities on the School of Public Health website.
Completion Requirements
A.M. (5th Year)
Eight courses for the Masters of Arts (A.M.) degree in Biostatistics. It is required that Fifth-Year Master’s students take two courses counting toward the Master’s degree prior to matriculating into the program. Students must apply for the Fifth-Year program through SOPHAS Express for applicants to the Biostatistics program before they complete their undergraduate studies.
It is strongly suggested that undergraduate students considering this program consult with the Master’s Graduate Program Director before their senior year of undergraduate study. Admission must be approved by the Biostatistics Department Graduate Program and by the Graduate School. While a student must be enrolled as an active undergraduate student at the time of application, admission to the graduate program can be deferred for up to two years with approval from the Biostatistics Graduate Program.
A.M. (Open Graduate Education)
Eight courses for the Masters of Arts (A.M.) degree in Biostatistics. The Open Graduate Education Program allows Brown doctoral students to pursue a master’s degree in a secondary field. Interested doctoral students from graduate programs outside the Department of Biostatistics should apply through the UFunds online system.
Sc.M.
Ten courses for the Masters of Science (Sc.M.) plus completing a thesis or a project. Up to one course from another institution can be transferred.
Alumni Careers
Learn More
Leadership
Contact and Location
Department of Biostatistics
Mailing Address
Box G-S121-7