Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MS

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Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Epidemiology and Biostatistics

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Program Overview

The Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences offers a revolutionary Master of Science Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as well as a Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program, a discipline in high and exploding demand. The program can be done intensively in 11 months, or at a slower pace to finish in 1.5 or 2 years. Part-time students are welcome to do the program at their preferred pace! The program was designed after extensive interviews were conducted with a wide array of potential employers to make sure our graduates will have the edge in a marketplace that has been rapidly changing, while also prepared to continue in a PhD program. More and more, biostatisticians are expected to have familiarity with the area of application. The CWRU MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics program reflects these new needs. Students may elect to take the program part-time and complete it at their own pace.

Picture yourself saving and improving lives:

• Analyzing data from health studies to determine the optimal intervention or treatment
• Working with extensive patients health record data
• Identifying genes associated with specific diseases
• Using data to develop instruments for measuring latent constructs like psychosocial well-being

There are four tracks our students can choose from: Biostatistics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Health Care Analytics, and Social & Behavioral Science.

Students do internships at leading academic medical centers and research centers, at the National Institutes of Health and in industry. Graduates are going on to jobs at leading health institutions and getting funded PhD slots at top Universities.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
PQHS 414	Data Management and Statistical Programming	3
PQHS 431	Statistical Methods I	3
PQHS 432	Statistical Methods II	3
PQHS 453	Categorical Data Analysis	3
PQHS 490	Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods	3
PQHS 502	Introduction to Statistical Consulting	1
PQHS 602	Practicum	3
PQHS 401	Research Seminar	0
Track Required Courses/Electives		12
Total Credit Hours		31

Biostatistics (Generalist) Track:

Biostatistics (Generalist) track students will receive a carefully designed balanced training in biostatistical theories, methods, and biomedical applications. This track student will gain mastery of basic probability theory and statistical inference, learn the methods of survival and longitudinal data analysis, and still have the flexibility to choose an elective from advanced courses. The didactic methods and theory, and hands-on analytical training would lead to either the pursuit of an advanced relevant degree and/or work as a master's level biostatistician in various settings, e.g. academia, industry, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or government agencies.

Track Leader:

Dr. Abdus Sattar, PhD
Email: sattar@case.edu
Phone Number: 216.368.1501
Website: sattar.case.edu

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Biostatistics (Generalist) Track Required Courses:
PQHS 435	Survival Data Analysis	3
PQHS 480	Introduction to Mathematical Statistics	3
PQHS 459	Longitudinal Data Analysis	3
Biostatistics (Generalist) Track Electives (choose one):		3
PQHS 471	Machine Learning & Data Mining
STAT 426	Multivariate Analysis and Data Mining
PQHS 450	Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies
Total Credit Hours		12

Genomics and Bioinformatics Track:

Students will be trained to work in genomics and bioinformatics areas. In addition to the basics in biostatistics, they will learn the designs, methods, techniques, and tools that are commonly used in genetic epidemiology, statistical genomics, and bioinformatics research.  Big Data methods of data mining and machine learning are also required in this track. Target job positions are analyst, statistician and bioinformatics in genomics or genetic epidemiology research team in a research institute/university, pharmaceutical or biotech company.

Track Leader:

Fredrick Schumacher
Email: frs2@case.edu
Phone Number: 216.368.0351

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Genomics and Bioinformatics Track Required Courses:
PQHS 471	Machine Learning & Data Mining	3
PQHS 430	Basics of Probability and Statistical Theory	0
PQHS 451	A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health	3
PQHS 452	Statistical Methods for Genetic Epidemiology	3
Genomics and Bioinformatics Track Electives (choose one):		3
SYBB 411	Technologies in Bioinformatics
SYBB 459	Bioinformatics for Systems Biology
Total Credit Hours		12

Health Care Analytics Track: 

Thomas Love, PhD
Email: tel3@case.edu
Phone Number: 216.778.1265

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Health Care Analytics Track Required Courses:
PQHS 435	Survival Data Analysis	3
PQHS 430	Basics of Probability and Statistical Theory	0
PQHS 515	Secondary Analysis of Large Health Care Databases	3
Health Care Analytics Track Electives (choose two):		6
PQHS 459	Longitudinal Data Analysis
PQHS 500	Design and Analysis of Observational Studies
PQHS 450	Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies
PQHS 471	Machine Learning & Data Mining
Total Credit Hours		12

Social and Behavioral Sciences Track:

Students will be trained to work as analysts and research assistants in the social and behavioral sciences, including anthropology, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, and social work. Students will be trained in the most common study designs and analytic methods in these application areas. Such work often involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in community-practice / biomedical settings, with a focus on developmental, social/behavioral, cognitive, and/or mental health outcomes. This track is intended for students whose undergraduate work involved a major or minor in one of the social and behavioral sciences. It was created to serve the needs of social and behavioral science researchers who need research analysts trained in statistics, but with an understanding of their field and familiarity with qualitative and mixed methods as well. Target job positions are in academia, government, and research institutes.

Track Leader:

Arin Connell, PhD
Email: arin.connel@case.edu
Phone Number: 216.368.1550

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences Track Required Courses:
PQHS 459	Longitudinal Data Analysis	3
PQHS 430	Basics of Probability and Statistical Theory	0
MPHP 482	Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Public Health	3
NURS 632	Advanced Statistics: Structural Equation Modeling	3
PSCL 412	Measurement of Behavior	3
Total Credit Hours		12

Graduates from accredited universities and colleges will be considered for admission to the department. All applicants must satisfy both CWRU and department requirements for graduate admission. The MS program in Biostatistics consists of a 16-credit core curriculum, plus a 12 credit major and a 3 credit internship or practicum.