New master’s degree prepares students to apply analytical skills
The Department of Biostatistics and Data Science within Tulane University's Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is launching a new Master of Science program designed to complement a wide range of undergraduate degrees with practical, in-demand analytical expertise.
The Master of Science in Data Modeling and Analytics for Health is intended for students with some exposure to quantitative reasoning or data science, but it does not require a formal background in mathematics or statistics. Instead, the program is for analytically curious students interested in applying data-driven approaches to research and problem-solving.
“Every sector—healthcare, government, climate, and the pharmaceutical industry—is generating more data than it can effectively use,” said Dr. Arti Shankar, program director. “Organizations need professionals who can structure this abundance of information into models that reflect reality and aid in decision-making.”
The curriculum integrates both modern data science techniques and traditional statistical methods, including statistical analysis, data modeling, and interpretation of complex datasets. While coursework is rigorous and data-driven, the program provides structured support to help students succeed in a quantitative environment. This degree is primarily on campus, with some courses offered online.
The program will officially launch in fall 2027. Tulane undergraduates in the second semester of their junior year, from any major, may apply now to begin taking graduate-level courses in their senior year. Through the accelerated master's pathway, students can apply nine credits toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, reducing cost and time to completion. Students who begin the coursework as seniors can complete the degree in as few as three additional semesters, including summer.
Graduates will be prepared to apply advanced analytical skills across industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, health policy, and health insurance.
