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Master of Arts in Biostatistics & Data Science

Master of Arts program in Biostatistics and Data Science will provide students with good theoretical background expected from a professional biostatistician and will equip them with a set of analytical skills used in data science. Our students benefit from involvement in statistical consulting and collaborative work at MCW. Faculty are engaged in research related to biostatistics methods and applications, cancer, cardiovascular disease, clinical trials, genomics, big data, and machine learning.  The 31-credit program which can be completed in 18 months is designed to develop excellent data analytics and communication skills. Students will leave fully prepared for current challenging work environment in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, biomedical sciences, academics, and general data analytics.  
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Message from the Director

 Ruta Brazauskas, PhDRuta Brazauskas, PhD

Associate Professor of Biostatistics
Director, MA program in Biostatistics and Data Science

ruta@mcw.edu
(414) 955-8687

Given today’s data-rich environment, it is an excellent time to acquire an advanced degree in a quantitative field. Training in Biostatistics and Data Science will provide you with knowledge applicable in a variety of fields ranging from industry to academics. The job will always be challenging and exciting. We are very proud of having created a program in Biostatistics and Data Science which maintains the rigor of a traditional academic program while providing ample hands-on experience opportunities. Our students stay actively involved in statistical consulting throughout their entire time at MCW. Program curriculum and engagement in interdisciplinary research will help you acquire superb data analytics and collaborative skills which will be invaluable in your career.

MA in Biostatistics & Data Science

About the Program

About the Program

Our program is designed to teach students how to acquire, review, analyze, and interpret health data using statistical and data science approaches. Students will learn from faculty with extensive and diverse experiences and will have opportunities for supervised and independent hands-on experience. Involvement in consulting practice and collaborative work is an integral part of the program. All students will have a faculty advisor to guide them through their capstone project and professional portfolio development. The latter will include a set of coding samples, written reports and presentations. Graduates of the MA program in Biostatistics and Data Science will be prepared to work in a variety of settings with a broad range of data analytics needs.
Admissions

Admissions

Individuals interested in the Master of Arts degree program must apply on the application webpage. The MCW Graduate School operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means that we accept applications and related materials at any time. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the priority deadline to ensure that they receive full consideration. The priority deadline for fall admission is March 1 followed by rolling admissions through a final deadline of July 1. Students are admitted once per year. No GRE is required for admission to the program.

Students should satisfy the minimum requirements for admission:

  • Baccalaureate degree - official transcripts required
  • Prior coursework in calculus (including integrals, such as Calculus II), probability and/or statistics, linear/matrix algebra, and computer programming experience
  • An overall grade point average of 3.0 or better
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Applicants who studied overseas or via an online U.S.-based institution are required to take a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and make arrangement for an official score report to be sent directly to the Graduate School. A TOEFL score is 100 or higher or a band score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS is ideal. Our Institution Code is 1519. 
Curriculum

Curriculum

Our 31-credit program can be completed in 18 months and can accommodate both full time or part time students. The curriculum will consist of 8 required courses which have been identified as an essential knowledge base for all students in the program. Also required, is an Ethics and Integrity in Science course along with at least 3- credit capstone project course. The capstone project course can be taken throughout multiple semesters but at least 3 credit hours are required for graduation. The program allows for students to choose two or more elective courses which best reflect their personal interests.

 

Required courses for the MA degree (25 credit hours):

Electives for the MA Degree (at least 6 credit hours): 

*NOTE: One of the three elective courses - either BIOST 04214, or 04285, or 04275 - is required.  

  

Typical sequence for the completion of required courses:

 Students who wish to take classes in the summer, may follow the sequence presented below:

  Sequence of Courses-including Summer

Student handbook 

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

If you have questions regarding tuition or your account, please contact the Office of Student Accounts, at (414) 955-8172 or mcwtuition@mcw.edu. Please refer to the All Student Handbook (PDF) for tuition payment policies and information.

Master’s, Certificate & Non-Degree Students
Students seeking financial aid for MPH, MS or MA degree programs, visit the Financial Aid Office website.

Current MCW Employees
Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources (PDF)

Late Fees
There will be a $100 late registration fee for anyone not completing registration by the date indicated on the schedule each semester.

There is also a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook (PDF).

Late payment fee is in addition to any late registration fee.

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Current Students

Current Students

Learn more about the current students in the Biostatistics & Data Science (MA) Program.
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Faculty

Faculty

Visit the Division of Biostatistics faculty page to learn more about our faculty members.

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Contact Us

MCW Graduate School
Health Research Center, H2200
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 955-8218
(414) 955-0084 (fax)
gradschool@mcw.edu

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