Biostatistics

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

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.

The minor in Biostatistics consists of:

STAT 118	Introductory Statistics	4
STAT 227	Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis	4
STAT 229	Regression Models	4

one from:

BIOL 104	Introduction to Environmental Science	4
BIOL 113	General Biology	4
BIOL 123N	Principles of Microbiology	4
BIOL 336	Genetics	4
BIOL 346	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease	4

and one from:

SOCI 241	Health, Illness & Society	4
PSYC 203	Research Methods in Psychology	4
STAT 228	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.

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

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