Biostatistics

Biostatistics is a rapidly-growing field that applies statistical methods to improve public health and reduce illness. 

Students working on a white board

Use data to fuel real world change

As a biostatistician, you'll be a critical member of the research team. You'll design studies, analyze the resulting data and communicate the results.

You might design a clinical trial of a new medication, craft a study to determine the most effective way to prevent teen smoking, or help identify factors which predict a particular disease—fascinating and important projects that impact people and society.

Our students gain the confidence they need to work with very large data sets (often called "big data") using various computer techniques (with some additional computer science courses.). They use their finely honed quantitative analysis skills every day to make a difference in many fields.

Simmons also offers a Biostatistics track within the Statistics major.

Content in the current Biostatistics major will become part of the new Mathematical Sciences major beginning in Fall 2024, pending approval.

The minor in Biostatistics consists of:

STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4
STAT229 Regression Models 4

one from:

BIOL104 Introduction to Environmental Science 4
BIOL113 General Biology 4
BIOL123N Principles of Microbiology 4
BIOL336 Genetics 4
BIOL346 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease 4

and one from:

SOCI241 Health, Illness & Society 4
PSYC203 Research Methods in Psychology 4
STAT228 Introduction to Data Science 4

We encourage our students to take advantage of multiple hands-on learning opportunities, including on-site research, off-site research and internships. You'll sharpen your skills and refine your interests while building your resume and developing important mentoring relationships.

Students have recently held the following positions:

  • Intern at Boston University School of Medicine examining the correlation between patient religiosity and health outcomes
  • Intern at John Snow, Inc., to analyze survey data from project OPTIONS, a physician delivered intervention for HIV positive patients in clinical care
  • Research assistant for the C - Change program at the Health Care Research Unit of Boston University School of Medicine on the treatment of elderly patients who are on Medicare
  • Intern at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tuberculosis Division, studying the correlation between how far patients live from the closest TB clinic and the extent to which they complete their treatment program
  • Intern at EMC to become a "big data" analyst
  • Intern at Brigham & Women's Hospital examining the association between various genetic factors and multiple sclerosis.

Spotlight on Biostatistics Students and Alums

Taylor Mahoney, biostatistics major

PhD Candidate Taylor Mahoney ’15 on Her Journey as a First-Generation College Student

Before Taylor Mahoney ’15 became a PhD candidate at Boston University, she was a first-generation college student at Simmons. Read about her takeaways as she navigated college life, and the unique support Simmons provided.


Headshot of Danielle Ehrnstein with dog

Deep Dive: Special Investigator Danielle Ehrnstein ’14 Puts her Research Skills to Work

Working for a federal contractor, Ehrnstein conducts background investigations for security clearances. Learn how this former triple-major student utilizes the research skills she honed at Simmons, and the interesting places she's conducted interviews.


Headshot of Kalei Porter

Kalei Porter '20 Takes her Research to the Coral Reefs of Samoa

Kalei Porter '20 is a keynote speaker at the 2020 Undergraduate Symposium!


Headshot of Christina Howe

From a Simmons Triple Major to a PhD at Harvard

Christina Howe '17 shares her path to studying biostatistics at the doctoral level.


Computer science student Eva Lynch.

Student Accomplishments from the Division of Mathematics, Computing, and Statistics

Mathematics, computing, and statistics students excel in research and technology. Simmons is proud of our undergraduate students for engaging in impressive research projects, presenting papers, and offering their knowledge to others in the form of workshops and publications. Do you...


Tema Fodje receiving an award at Commencement

Honors Program Takes Tema Fodje '19 to Uganda

How did you choose your major? I’ve always loved chemistry and the Simmons biochemistry program gives me the freedom to explore biology, chemistry, and my interest in public health. This program also fulfills pre-med requirements, which means that I’ll be...