Master of Public Health in Biostatistics

Mathematics preparation for the program should include at least one year of calculus:

• Mathematics 31A, B - Calculus and Analytic Geometry
• Mathematics 32A - Calculus of Several Variables

The program requires the completion of 62 quarter-credit units.

Course Requirements in Biostatistics

MPH students are required to take three core biostatistics methods courses in year one. Typically MPH students in Biostatistics meet this requirement by completing one of the three series below:

• BIOS 200A, 201B and 406
• BIOS 200A, 200B and 200C
• BIOS 200A, 200B and 406.

The difference between the biostatistics methods sequences (200A, 201B, 406 vs. 200A, 200B, 200C) is that the 200 sequence has more technical and mathematical detail while the 201B/406 sequence focuses on more practical applications. The 200 sequence is taken by MS students in the Department of Biostatistics while the 201B/406 sequence is often taken by MPH students in other departments in the School of Public Health. The decision of whether the Biostatistics 200 sequence is an appropriate fit should be made in consultation with the student's academic advisor, career goals and prior mathematical background. In order to register for the Biostatistics 200 sequence students will need a PTE (permission to enroll) number. To obtain a PTE number students should contact Roxy Naranjo (rlnaranjo@ph.ucla.edu) and the 200-course instructor.

• BIOS 200A, Methods in Biostatistics
• BIOS 201B, Introduction to Biostatistics or 200B, Methods in Biostatistics
• BIOS 406, Applied Multivariate Biostatistics or 200C, Methods in Biostatistics

In addition to the 3 methods courses above, students are required to take:

• BIOS 211A: Topics in Applied Regression
• BIOS 211B: Topics in Applied Regression
• BIOS 203A: Introduction to Data Management and Statistical Computing
• BIOS 400: APEx in Biostatistics (4 units)
• BIOS 402A: Principles of Biostatistical Consulting (2 units)
• BIOS 595: Effective Integration of Biostatistical Concepts in Public Health Research
• And 12 units of biostatistics elective courses chosen from courses in the 200 series with course numbers from 203B, M208, 213 and above or from the 400 series
• Note: carefully check course prerequisites to ensure eligibility for the courses and consult with academic advisor.

Required courses for the degree must be taken for a letter grade. 

Core Course Requirements in Public Health

• PH 200A and B: Foundations in Public Health
• PH 401: Public Health as a Profession

Applied Practice Experience (APEx)

M.P.H. students in Biostatistics are required to complete an approved public health internship, referred to as an Applied Practice Experience (APEx) or field studies, of at least 400 hours to provide practical experience applying biostatistics. APEx is usually performed during the summer between the first and second year of the program. However, requirements for satisfying APEx begin in the winter quarter of the first year of the program. Students should consult the Biostatistics 400 handbook for details.

Students should begin identifying a suitable applied practice experience in the middle of their first year. The department will help with guidance and resources for identifying applied practice experience opportunities. APEx internships must be approved in advance.

Following the APEx internship, during the fall quarter of the second year, students enroll in 4 units of Biostatistics 400 (“Field Studies in Biostatistics”).

Examples of sites where recent graduates have had applied practice experiences include the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Boston Scientific Corporation, and Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Comprehensive Examination

The M.P.H. Culminating Experience in Biostatistics has written and oral components. In the spring quarter of their second year, the student must enroll in Biostatistics 595 with the faculty advisor supervising their project, and must complete the M.P.H. Culminating Experience written and oral components. The M.P.H. Culminating Experience promotes the ability of students to select relevant design and analysis techniques, synthesize knowledge, and apply insights to address public health problems.

An M.P.H. Culminating Written Report is required.

• Should demonstrate the application of the material in the curriculum to a public health problem
• Typically motivated by APEx
• Draft must be submitted to committee at least 1-2 weeks prior to scheduling the Oral Exam
• Needs to be approved by the faculty supervising the report
• Examples of reports from recent graduates are available in the Biostatistics Library and via Box, email the Student Services Officer for the link

An Oral Presentation of the M.P.H. Culminating Report is required.

• During the oral examination the student presents his/her work to the faculty committee (minimum of three members of the biostatistics faculty including the project advisor) and answers related questions
• Must receive successful pass from the faculty committee

The Oral Presentation and Written Report may be repeated only once.

The MPH in Biostatistics is typically a two-year program (6 academic quarters), but can be completed in less time by well-prepared students.

• Biostatisticians have the potential to make enormous scientific impact in medicine, public health, life sciences, survey research, and computer science. There is tremendous variety in possible areas of application, including AIDS, cancer, genetics, imaging, bioinformatics, immunology, and public policy. Graduates of the program work in a variety of policy and management healthcare settings.

Examples of positions held by graduates include: 

• Biostatistician
• Data Analyst
• Statistician
• Data Manager
• Data Scientist
• Statistical Programmer

View a list of faculty in the Department of Biostatistics.

For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.

Please see the cost and aid section of our website for information on awards, scholarships, training opportunities, employment, summer internship funding, and need-based aid. Please note that opportunities listed under 'Summer Internship Funding' are only applicable to MPH students.

Visit the application guide to learn about our admissions process.