Master of Statistics in Biostatistics Overview
The Master of Statistics in Biostatistics (MSTAT) degree prepares students for biostatistical consulting roles, focusing on study design, project management, data analysis, and reporting.
Graduates typically find positions in public health organizations, healthcare systems, universities, medical schools, governmental health agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Many also pursue PhD programs.
The program is designed for those with a bachelor’s in mathematics, statistics, or related fields, with coursework in calculus, statistics, programming, matrix algebra, and biology. However, applications from varied backgrounds are also considered.
Depending on the completed undergraduate coursework the MSTAT Biostatistics program can take two to three years to complete.
Program Foundation
- The basics of applied statistics
- The fundamentals of numerous problems in the areas of health
- An ability to apply statistical knowledge to health-related data
- An ability to understand the problems and deal with the personalities of health care personnel
- An ability to use computers to good advantage
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must meet academic minimum requirements for admission. The requirements listed are the minimum set by the Graduate School of the University of Utah and do not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Also, each academic department or program defines additional requirements. Applicants are evaluated with respect to university and departmental requirements and with respect to the pool of available applicants.
The minimum academic requirements for graduate admission are the following:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university,
- At least a 3.00 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA*
*If the candidate has a GPA below 3.0 they must submit a justification letter. This letter should detail why the candidate's GPA is lower than 3.0 and why they feel that they are prepared to pursue the public health degree in spite of their lower GPA. This letter is different than the Statement of Purpose and will be included with the candidate’s application file. - Meeting the academic department's admission standards and receiving a recommendation for admission to their program.
Additional Biostatistics Track Admissions Criteria
Prerequisites for the biostatistics track include minimum requirements, plus the following:
- One semester of undergraduate statistics (applied or theoretical, such as Math 3070-3080)
- Two (2) semesters of undergraduate calculus
- Evidence of Multivariate calculus (if applicants do not meet this criterion they may be admitted on probation, and required to complete this prerequisite within the first year of admittance)
- Knowledge of matrix algebra (such as Math 2270)
- Recommendation for applicants to have experience with programming language (e.g., C, C+++) or statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Matlab, Stat, Python).
Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide
Application Fees
- Applicants must complete both a SOPHAS application and a Slate (University of Utah) application and upload all required documents to be considered for admission. We cannot waive SOPHAS or Slate application fees. You can apply for a fee waiver for SOPHAS if you feel you qualify.
- SOPHAS
- Official transcripts for US/Canadian applicants
- Unofficial transcripts & WES, ECE, or other accredited transcript evaluation for international applicants
- GRE scores or demonstrated quantitative ability
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Official transcripts for US/Canadian applicants
- Slate
- Unofficial transcripts
- English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL/IELTS)
Required Documents
- Transcripts & Transcript Evaluation: Applicants must upload to SOPHAS and Slate a transcript from each institution they earned credit.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Required for each master's applicant; the recommendation letters should come from persons familiar with the applicant's academic and professional capabilities, achievements, work experience and/or personal qualities—not family or friends. There is no specific format for these letters.
- Statement of Purpose: The statement is not to exceed 1,000 words.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Resumes and CVs should be professional and up-to-date.
- Program Prerequisites Outline: Required for master’s applicant; in the Slate Application there is a section that requires the applicant to enter which courses they have taken to fulfill the MSTAT, Biostatistics program prerequisites. The worksheet asks for the semester and year the course was taken, the number of credit hours, letter grade and institution which the course was taken.
Other Requirements
- College Algebra: Transcripts should reflect completion of College Algebra (1050) or higher (e.g., Algebra II, Calculus, calculus, or Statistics) with a grade of B or better. A course in Statistics or Epidemiology is highly recommended but not required.
- General Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is not required but is recommended for applicants who have not completed College Algebra (1050) or higher with a grade of B or better or earned a terminal degree (M.D. or Ph.D.) in the U.S. Scores no older than five years will be accepted. Please provide code 4932 (University of Utah Division of Public Health SOPHAS) to ETS to have them send your scores to your SOPHAS application. MCAT scores may be substituted only if the applicant has been accepted into the University of Utah Medical School and plans to seek the MD/MPH or MD/MSPH. The medical school letter of acceptance must be attached to MCAT scores.
- English Proficiency for International Students: Please see the Office of Admissions website for details on demonstrating English Proficiency and sending your test scores.
- Personal Interview: May be required, including international applicants. Telephone interviews may be conducted and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Initial Faculty Mentor: Review the research areas of faculty to identify those working in your area(s) of interest. Please identify these faculty members and describe your research interests in your statement of purpose. Applications will be reviewed by the nominated faculty members as part of the admissions process.
Resident Tuition
Non-Resident Fees
WICHE
The Division of Public Health’s MPH, MSPH, PhD and Certificate programs are approved for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Students receiving WICHE are eligible for resident tuition rates PLUS 10%. Please visit the WICHE website for more information.
Students are admitted to the MSPH program in the fall semester each year. For guaranteed consideration, please submit your application by February 1, 2025, for priority consideration or June 1, 2025, for final consideration. Applications received by February 1, 2025, will be considered by February 15, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are responsible for monitoring the progress of their applications to ensure all required documents, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other information is received by the deadline. The SOPHAS and Slate online applications allow applicants to track their application status by logging back into the system with their PIN and password and clicking “check status” in SOPHAS or “check your application” in Slate.
You must submit an official transcript from each institution from which you have earned college credit (except the University of Utah) to the Office of Admissions. Please see the Office of Admissions website for details on how to submit official transcripts. If you fail to submit official transcripts, you will be unable to register for classes.
Due to the competitiveness of the program, the division requires a $100 non-refundable seat fee to hold your spot. In addition to holding your seat the deposit will be used in partial support of student activities. Please send response sheet and make the seat payment by the set deadline outlined in your admissions letter. Pay seat fee here.