Master of Science in Biostatistics

An MS in Biostatistics is a rigorous, research-driven graduate degree that trains students to apply advanced statistical methods to real-world problems in public health, medicine, finance, and beyond. The program combines deep technical training with hands-on research and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in industry, academia, and doctoral study.

Curriculum:
The curriculum combines core training in probability, regression, and biostatistical methods with advanced electives in areas like clinical trials, machine learning, and data science. Students have 12 credits of electives and can take courses across NYU’s many schools, including Tandon (engineering), Steinhardt, and others, giving them a uniquely interdisciplinary experience. Beyond coursework, the program offers:

• Journal Club: monthly student-led discussions of cutting-edge research
• Consulting Lab: hands-on collaborations with NYU Langone, social work faculty, and medical investigators, often leading to published abstracts
• Seminars and career panels: exposure to leaders from Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, biotech startups, and academic centers, as well as themed panels and series like Women in Statistics and an Industry Seminar Series.

Skills Developed:
Graduates of the NYU GPH MS in Biostatistics program leave with:

• Mastery of statistical concepts, reasoning, modeling, and inference
• Proficiency in statistical software and programming (R, Stata, and others)
• Hands-on experience in clinical trials, machine learning, and data science applications
• The ability to design studies, analyze complex datasets, interpret findings, and communicate results clearly across disciplines

We designed the MS in Biostatistics to give students both technical expertise and applied experience so they can thrive in academic, medical, industry, and government settings.

Key skills you’ll gain:

• Statistical reasoning and modeling: Training in probability, regression, and advanced biostatistical methods used in clinical trials, epidemiology, and biomedical research.
• Data management and computing: Hands-on proficiency with statistical software (R, Stata, and others) and exposure to machine learning and data science techniques.
• Study design and inference: Skills to design robust research studies, manage data collection, and interpret numeric results for scientific and policy applications.
• Collaboration and communication: Experience translating complex statistical findings into clear insights for scientists, medical professionals, and public health stakeholders.

Unique opportunities offered at NYU GPH:

• Research engagement: Unlike at many peer institutions, our MS students work directly with faculty on research projects—often leading to co-authored abstracts and publications.
• Interdisciplinary training: With 12 elective credits, students can take courses across NYU schools (such as Tandon for engineering or Steinhardt for data science) to expand their expertise.
• Professional development: Seminars, journal clubs, and consulting labs provide real-world practice in applying statistics to urgent health and biomedical challenges.

No, there are no specific concentrations or specializations within NYU GPH's MS in Biostatistics.

NYU GPH graduates build careers across a wide spectrum of fields, supported by the university’s strong global reputation and its location in New York City. Common career paths include:

• Academia and medical centers: Research and analytical roles at institutions such as Cornell, NYU Langone, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Industry: Careers in biostatistics and data science at leading organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and emerging biotech firms
• Finance: Quantitative analyst and statistician positions on Wall Street, a particularly popular route for international students
• Government and public health: Roles in data analysis, policy evaluation, and regulatory science within public agencies and research bodies
• PhD programs: Excellent preparation for advanced study in biostatistics, epidemiology, and related disciplines, thanks to the program’s strong research emphasis

Explore the impressive paths our graduates take on our Where Your Degree Can Take You page.

It takes two years to complete the master's degree in biostatistics for full-time students and three to four years to complete for part-time students.

We welcome applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent. Reviewers consider your overall GPA, coursework, grades, and any changes or improvements in academic performance.

Current undergraduates should wait to apply until after their final Fall semester grades are posted.

The GRE is not required nor reviewed as part of your application.

While having prior work experience is not necessary, having experience such as employment, volunteering, research, or internships related to public health is valued in the review process.

Learn more about our MS in Biostatistics application deadlines and requirements, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Visit our How to Apply: Master of Science in Biostatistics (MS) page for the most up-to-date application deadlines.

We encourage applicants to submit by the priority deadline because scholarships are more plentiful earlier in the application cycle. We also strongly advise international applicants to submit by the priority deadline to allow sufficient time for visa processing. 

Once an application is complete, it’s forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. We release decision notifications starting in February and afterwards on a rolling basis.

Yes, part-time study options are available.

Yes, the biostatistics master’s degree at NYU GPH has a STEM designation.

Yes, biostatistics and biostatisticians are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% growth in employment for statisticians and mathematicians from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average 4% growth rate for all occupations. The rapid expansion of data in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health has made skilled biostatisticians essential across many sectors.

Why biostatisticians are in demand:

• Data growth: From electronic health records to wearable devices and genomics, healthcare and pharma now generate unprecedented amounts of data.
• Clinical trials: Biostatisticians design, analyze, and interpret studies that guide the development of new drugs and therapies.
• Public health impact: They provide the evidence needed to fight disease, improve healthcare systems, and shape policy.
• Government and research: Agencies, universities, and research institutions depend on biostatisticians for high-quality categorical, time series, and longitudinal data analysis.
• Career outlook: The profession is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the 4% average growth for all jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Biostatisticians design and conduct experiments, develop statistical models, collect and analyze data, and interpret the results to tackle problems in public health, biology, medicine, and other related fields.

Core Responsibilities:

• Study design: Create statistically valid studies and clinical trials.
• Data analysis: Apply methods like regression and survival analysis to complex datasets.
• Interpretation and reporting: Translate findings into clear reports, presentations, and publications.
• Collaboration: Partner with researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals.
• Consulting and data management: Advise on study design, clean and manage databases, and ensure data quality.
• Innovation: Develop new methods and tools to address emerging challenges.
• Public health impact: Identify disease patterns, risk factors, and evaluate interventions.

The main difference between an MS and an MPH in Biostatistics is focus and career preparation.

An MS in Biostatistics is a highly focused, statistics-first degree designed for students interested in applying advanced statistical methods to biology, medicine, and beyond. It’s suited for careers outside of traditional public health or for students planning to pursue doctoral study. Graduates gain deep technical expertise and can “speak statistics” fluently across disciplines.

An MPH in Biostatistics integrates biostatistics training with broader public health knowledge. NYU GPH’s MPH in Biostatistics offers a deeper biostatistics curriculum than most other schools, where students often only encounter broader or general concentrations. This degree is ideal for those committed to public health careers who want strong quantitative skills along with public health training.