Education

Harvard University: Arts & Sciences: Biostatistics

Category Art and Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Harvard University, Medicine, Postgraduate, USA, Undergraduate
Tags Arts, Biostatistics, Harvard University, Sciences

Biostatistics involves the theory and application of statistical science to analyze public health problems and to further biomedical research. Biostatistics faculty include leaders in the development of statistical methods for clinical trials and observational studies, studies on the environment, genomics/genetics, and the decision sciences. The department’s research in statistical methods and interdisciplinary collaborations provide many opportunities for student participation.

Current departmental research on statistical and computing methods for observational studies and clinical trials includes survival analysis, missing-data problems, and causal inference. Other areas of investigation are environmental research (methods for longitudinal studies, analyses with incomplete data, and meta-analysis); statistical aspects of the study of AIDS and cancer; quantitative problems in health-risk analysis, technology assessment, and clinical decision making; statistical methodology in psychiatric research and in genetic studies; Bayesian statistics; statistical computing; statistical genetics; and computational biology.

Collaborative research activities include coordination of national and international clinical trials, participation in studies of potential environmental hazards, design of health surveys, evaluation of health interventions and medical technologies, and consultation with federal, state, and local agencies. Many of these collaborations involve biomedical scientists in other Harvard-affiliated institutions.

Degree Programs in Biostatistics

The department offers a PhD program. In addition, the department offers the AM degree to students in the PhD program who have completed the AM requirements. Students interested in a terminal master’s degree program in biostatistics should apply for the master of science (SM) program in biostatistics through the Harvard School of Public Health. The department also offers a doctor of science (SD) program in biostatistics through the Harvard School of Public Health.

The programs offered by the Department of Biostatistics provide rigorous training in the development of methodology, collaboration, teaching, and consultation on a broad spectrum of health-related problems. The department prepares students for academic and private-sector research careers in the fields of biostatistics and health decision sciences. Recent graduates have assumed faculty posts at universities, as well as positions in research laboratories, federal government centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research -institutes.