Advance your career in biostatistics by choosing the program that best fits your goals. Both the MS and MPH degrees in Biostatistics at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) equip you with essential skills, but each has a distinct focus to suit different career paths.
Program Comparison
The table below provides a quick comparison of the two programs:
| Aspect | MS in Biostatistics | MPH in Biostatistics |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | Academic | Professional/Practice |
| Focus Area | Statistical theory and research methodologies | Practical public health applications |
| Capstone/ILE | Methodology-focused Capstone with presentation | Applied ILE without presentation requirement |
| Career Trajectory | Research, PhD preparation, data science roles | Public health practice, policy, data analysis |
| Curriculum | 36 credit hours, 4 semesters | 43 credit hours, 5 semesters |
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MS in Biostatistics
Focus: Deep dive into statistical theory and methodologies for biomedical research.
Ideal for: Those aiming for research-intensive roles or considering a PhD in the future.
Program Highlights
Academic Degree: Emphasizes advanced training in statistical theory and computational methods.
Curriculum Focus: Research methods, data management, and advanced statistical techniques.
Capstone Project: Methodology-centric, involving simulations or real data analyses, culminating in a presentation before a committee.
Career Pathways:
- Data Scientists at tech giants like Google and Facebook.
- Biostatisticians in pharmaceuticals and academic institutions.
- Financial Analysts in investment banks and major corporations.
- PhD Preparation: Strong foundation for doctoral studies in related fields.
For more information, visit the MS in Biostatistics program page.
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MPH in Biostatistics
Focus: Practical application of biostatistics to improve public health.
Ideal for: Those seeking to protect and enhance community health through data analysis.
Program Highlights
Professional Degree: Training geared towards public health practice and application.
Curriculum Focus: Practical aspects of public health with skills to analyze and interpret data.
Integrative Learning Experience (ILE): Application of advanced biostatistical methods to address biomedical questions, without the need for committee presentations.
Career Pathways:
- Clinical Data Analysts in medical centers.
- Statistical programmers in pharmaceutical companies.
- Healthcare Analysts in consulting firms.
- Policy Analysts in government and international organizations.
For more information, visit the MPH in Biostatistics program page.
Our Strengths
Our degree programs offer strengths in Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) and Health Informatics, emphasizing data-driven insights, and innovation in healthcare. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, individual faculty attention, and opportunities for community involvement.
Opportunities
- Internship with various organizations, including the FDA, CDC, private pharmaceutical companies
- Work with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data, longitudinal survey data, and claims data
- Work with Biostatistician on consulting projects
- Research and practical experience with community organizations
Financial Support
- Graduate Assistantship
- Federal work study opportunities
- Summer internship with the Office of Biostatistics at UTMB
Where Our Alumni Work
- Merck
- Children’s Hospital
- Colorado
- Castle Bioscience
- University of Minnesota
- Baylor College of Medicine
- UTMB
- PhD student in Biostatistics