Master of Science in Biostatistics and Data Science

Turn complex health data into evidence that changes decisions.

Build applied statistics, computing, and communication skills – and collaborate with investigators across clinical, academic, pharma, government, and research settings.

Three students in professional attire seated on a couch forming a star with their fingers.

36 credits

approximately 20 months; in person; Galveston

Is this the right degree for you?

Two graduate paths in biostatistics. Pick the one that matches your goal.

Master of Science

You're on the Right Page

For research roles, data science, clinical trials, biomedical analytics, or PhD preparation. Heavier on statistical methods, computing, and research design.

Continue with the MS 

Master of Public Health

Looking for a public health focus?

For health departments, nonprofits, program evaluation, and applied public health work with biostatistics training.

Compare Both Paths 

At a Glance

Modality

In person

Length

36 credits; approximately 20 months

Est. Cost

Approximately $16.5K in-state

Cohort Feel

3–5 students

Faculty Access

9 faculty

Contact

Ask admissions 

Who this degree is for

Students who want deeper quantitative training for research- or data-intensive work in the health sector – and who want to analyze clinical, biomedical, population, EHR, claims, omics, image, or device data.

Great Fit If You Come From

  • Math / Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Health Sciences
A group of people sit in a close circle and in a park.

Two tracks, one degree

Choose by the methods and data you want to work with. Many skills cross over.

Biostatistics Track

Study design & statistical modeling

  • Mixed models
  • Survival analysis
  • Causal inference
  • Clinical trials

Data Science Track

Computation & biomedical data integration

  • Machine learning
  • Deep learning
  • NLP / LLMs
  • Visual analytics
  • EHR / Epic
  • Wearables & imaging

Crossover: AI, machine learning, statistical computing, and shared data sources such as EHR, claims, surveys, omics, devices, All of Us, and clinical trials.

What you could do with this degree

Academic medicine

Biostatistician, statistical analyst, research staff, PhD preparation.

Pharma & biotech

Clinical-trial analytics, regulatory evidence, biomarker and omics work.

Government / agencies

FDA, NIH, public-sector research, and data-intensive programs.

Clinical Research Organizations

Trial support, analysis plans, reporting, and subcontracted research.

Health data teams

EHR analytics, visualization, machine learning, and biomedical informatics.

PhD preparation

Statistics, biostatistics, data science, or related fields.

After you earn this degree, you'll be able to...

Design statistical approaches for studies led by health-science investigators.
Work as the quantitative member of a collaborative research team.
Write programs that manage, clean, analyze, and report complex data.
Produce publication-ready reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Translate statistical results for non-statistical audiences.
Apply statistical theory and methods to real research questions.
Faculty member and graduate pose together in academic regalia during a commencement ceremony.

You Belong Here

A small, faculty-connected community.

The MS is intentionally personal – people know your name and notice when you need support. Build real relationships with faculty and learn alongside peers from many backgrounds.

  • 3–0
    per cohort
  • ~0
    faculty mentors
  • 0+
    SPPH students

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree – no specific major required.
  • Evidence of quantitative readiness, such as college math/statistics, AP statistics, or analytical work.
  • No calculus or linear algebra required for admission.
  • Holistic review – statement, letters, fit, and preparation beyond GPA alone.

Funding

  • Scholarships may be available to eligible students.
  • Graduate assistantships may be available.
  • Federal work-study opportunities may be available for eligible students.
  • Summer internships with the Office of Biostatistics may be available.

Testimonial

  • Professional headshot of Alex Tan
    Alex Tan, MS in Biostatistics and Data Science Candidate
    "The small-cohort environment means you never feel lost in the crowd. It fosters a very collaborative atmosphere, especially when tackling challenging courses like Probability Theory and Deep Learning together. The faculty support has been exceptional and highly personalized."

Common questions

Expand All Collapse All

  • How is the MS different from the MPH?

    The MS is an academic, research-focused degree for students who want deeper training in statistical theory, research methodologies, computing, data science roles, and PhD preparation. The MPH is a professional/practice degree focused on practical public health applications, public health practice, policy, and applied data analysis.

  • Do I need to pick a track before applying?

    You should have a sense of whether Biostatistics or Data Science better matches your goals, but students who are unsure should ask the program team for guidance. Biostatistics is a stronger fit for study design and statistical modeling; Data Science is a stronger fit for computation, biomedical data integration, machine learning, NLP, imaging, and other large-scale data work.

  • Do I need calculus or linear algebra?

    No. Calculus and linear algebra are not required for admission. Applicants should show quantitative readiness through prior math or statistics coursework, AP statistics, analytical work, or related preparation.

  • What kinds of data will I work with?

    Students may work with clinical, biomedical, population, EHR or EMR, claims, survey, omics, image, wearable, device, All of Us, and clinical-trial data, depending on their coursework, track, and project interests.

  • Is funding available?

    Funding may be available, but it is not guaranteed. Please reach out to spphadmissions@utmb.edu for more details. 

Ready to turn data into evidence?

Request information and an advisor will help you weigh the MS, the tracks, and funding.