Biostatistics and Data Science MD/MPH Program Requirements

The MSPH program in Biostatistics emphasizes applied data analysis in the areas of public health and medicine, by preparing students to analyze data in a wide range of settings, including industrial health surveillance and research programs; local, state, and federal government agencies; pharmaceutical research divisions; university research programs; and consulting firms. Students learn to assist in selecting research design appropriate for the goals of the research, estimate sample size requirements, establish and maintain databases, select and conduct the appropriate statistical analysis, and communicate the results of the analysis orally and in writing fields of public health. Coursework concentrates on developing these statistical skills through the use of actual data sets and computerized statistical software packages.

Program Competencies

For MSPH in Biostatistics:

  • Incorporate knowledge of the core areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health systems management, and the behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of health in addressing and solving problems.
  • Select and conduct appropriate statistical procedures for evaluation of public health intervention and surveillance programs.
  • Contribute to the design of public health programs by estimating the required sample size and power for program monitoring.
  • Incorporate knowledge of databases and information systems in data collection and study management of public health intervention and surveillance programs.
  • Interpret and effectively communicate statistical analysis results orally and in writing to public health investigators, collaborators, and members of general community.
Admission Requirements

Students applying to the Master of Science in Public Health in Biostatistics program must meet the school's general admission requirements.

Degree Program Requirements

The MSPH degree in Biostatistics for MD/MPH students requires a total of 42 credits, including 10 transfer credits for successful completion of public health relevant coursework at the Tulane School of Medicine (SOM).

SPHTM Foundational Requirements (15 credits)

  • SPHL 6020 Foundations of Public Health (3)
  • SPHL 6050 Biostatistics for Public Health (3)
  • SPHL 6060 Epidemiology for Public Health (3)
  • SPHL 6070 Health Systems Policy and Management (3)
  • SPHL 6080 Design Strategies for Public Health Programs (3)

MSPH in Biostatistics - Required Courses (15 credits)

  • BIOS 6040 Intermediate Biostatistics (3)
  • BIOS 7060 Regression Analysis (3)
  • BIOS 7080 Design of Experiments (3)
  • BIOS 7150 Categorical Data Analysis (3)
  • BIOS 7300 Survival Data Analysis (3)

Elective courses (2-3 credits)

Selected from courses offered within the department, school, or university in consultation with an academic advisor.

Other Elective Credits (10 credits)

MD/MPH students receive 10 credits transferred from the Tulane SOM for successfully completing specific coursework with public health relevance.

Practicum (SPHL 9980)

All BIOS MD/MPH students must complete a 200-hour field practicum during the MD/MPH Rotation, for which they will register in the SOM during their T3 or T4 year.

Integrative Learning Experience (SPHL 7950)

All students must complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) (formerly culminating experience) that demonstrates the synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. Students in the MSPH in Biostatistics conduct a public health analysis., typically between the end of T2 and T4 year.

Contact Us

MD/MPH Director: Adam Maese

MD/MPH Senior Program Coordinator: Rachael Ruiz Currier

MD/MPH GBDS Faculty Advisor: Yao-Zhong Liu, MD,  PhD

Email: mdmph@tulane.edu

Phone: (504) 988-7055