Computer Science MS with Biostatistics Concentration

The departments of Mathematics & Computer Science and Biostatistics offer a M.S. in Computer Science with a Biostatistics concentration. The program is suited to individuals with an undergraduate degree in an appropriate discipline, e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a natural, physical or social sciences subject. Those obtaining the degree will be exceptionally well-prepared for next-generation careers in industry, government, or public health, or to enter a doctoral program in Informatics, Computer Science, Biostatistics or Statistics.

Requirements

Students must complete each of the following three areas.

  1. 32 hours of core coursework (4 courses each in CS and BIOS):
    • CS 551: Systems Programming
    • CS 554: Database Systems
    • CS 561: Software Systems
    • CS 570: Data Mining
    • BIOS 506: Biostatistical Methods I
    • BIOS 510: Probability Theory I
    • BIOS 511: Statistical Inference
    • BIOS 507: Applied Linear Models
  2. 16 elective hours at or above the 500 level (at least 4 hours in Math/CS and at least 4 hours in BIOS). These may be chosen from a broad selection including but not limited to the following):
    • CS 526: Algorithms
    • CS 557: Artificial Intelligence
    • CS 560: Computer Graphics and Visualization
    • CS 573: Data Privacy and Security
    • MATH 500: Probability
    • MATH 515: Numerical Analysis I
    • BIOS 508: Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis
    • BIOS 520: Clinical Trial Methods
    • BIOS 522: Survival Analysis Methods
    • BIOS 532: Statistical Computing
    • BIOS 550: Sampling Applications I: Computer Analysis of Complex Sample Survey Data
  3. One of the following options:
    • Thesis Option: An acceptable thesis project (variable credit, typically 4-8) to be submitted to the Graduate School
    • Course-Only Option: Completion of 8 additional elective credit hours. Courses outside the department (e.g. from the sciences, schools of medicine and public health, or the business schools) may be approved if they coincide with the degree objective of the student. Approval of electives will be by the joint Biostatistics and Math/CS Department Committee.
    • Project Option: Completion of 4 additional approved elective hours (may be outside the departments), and a faculty supervised project. The results from the project may be in the form of a report or documented software, and will be made publicly available. Satisfactory completion of the project will be determined by the student's faculty advisor.