Online Master of Science in Biostatistics
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Master of Science in Biostatistics, Online
The online master's in biostatistics (MSBST) is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who aspire to start or advance their career in biostatistics, statistics or data science.
UofL’s online program provides a master’s-level education in the field of biostatistics, with a specific focus on medical, dental, nursing and healthcare applications of statistical analysis. This program is intended for professionals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and want to start or advance their career in the statistics field.
Offered by the School of Public Health & Information Science, the online MS in Biostatistics helps statistical analysts in Kentucky and beyond advance their career and make a significant impact within the healthcare industry.
The School of Public Health and Information Sciences has consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for academic excellence and student support.
Online Master of Science in Biostatistics
100% Online, no GRE required for admission – apply today and start driving progress in your field!
Master of Science in Biostatistics
100% Online
The Big Picture
The online Master of Science in Biostatistics at the University of Louisville is designed for analytically driven professionals who want to turn complex data into meaningful insights that improve health outcomes.
Ideal for learners with a background in math, statistics, data science, biology or other related fields, this program prepares you to apply advanced statistical methods to real-world biomedical and public health challenges.
Through state-of-the-art coursework in designing research studies and applying modern statistical analysis, you’ll be equipped with the expertise needed to meet the growing industry demand for skilled statisticians who can effectively drive evidence-based decisions in their organization and community.
Online MS Biostatistics Degree Highlights
- Apply advanced statistical methods to real-world biomedical, public health and industry data
- Build hands-on expertise in SAS, R and modern statistical computing used by today’s employers
- Learn from expert research faculty committed to applied, data-driven problem solving
- Earn one of the nation’s few fully online biostatistics master’s with broad applicability
- Join other quantitative thinkers from diverse academic backgrounds seeking career advancement
- Complete your degree fully online in as few as three semesters
No math background? UofL’s online Biostatistics master’s has been designed to allow you to build upon your background, even with a bachelor’s degree in any field and with some exposure to quantitative analysis methods.
You can start the program with summer online Math Tools courses to prepare for the mathematical rigor requirement.
College Credit You Can Transfer to UofL's Online MS in Biostatistics
Students who have studied at other accredited institutions and wish to complete their degree at the University of Louisville can transfer up to 6 graduate credit hours into our online program.
To help you determine the best way to transfer your credits, we offer a pre-evaluation of credit so you can apply it to match your long-term goals. View UofL's Graduate Transfer Policy.
"Statisticians and individuals who are trained in quantitative methods are going to be the invisible force for doing an impeccable job to advance the [data] industry today."
Dr. KB Kulasekera
Program Director, MS in Biostatistics
Are you ready to learn how to turn data into decisions that improve lives? Take the next step with UofL Online.
How to Apply to UofL’s Online MS in Biostatistics Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the online MS in Biostatistics degree at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start |
| April 1 | Summer | May |
| June 30 | Fall | August |
Note: Any application completed after the deadline is considered for admission for the next admission term. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time. Summer admission is only for students seeking provisional admission to the MS with the requirement to complete our Math Tools sequence in remedial calculus.
How to apply for the online MS in biostatistics
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
What are the admissions requirements for the online MS in biostatistics?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- Transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution in biostatistics, statistics, mathematics or a related discipline with competency in college level calculus, up to and including multivariable calculus (partial differentiation and multiple integration)
- Students lacking the necessary background in calculus may be conditionally admitted to the MS program under Provisional Probation status and required to complete remedial coursework in calculus, offered by the Department in the UofL's summer term Math Tools courses. Students have one opportunity to satisfactorily complete all remedial courses assigned to them and all remedial courses must be completed prior to the student's first Fall semester in the program.
- A statement of purpose describing the applicant’s background and interest in biostatistics.
- Two letters of recommendation.
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Concerned you don’t have the required mathematics background? Don’t let that hold you back!
- Apply today and kick-off your program with our online Math Tools courses to prepare for the mathematical rigor necessary to complete the M.S. in Biostatistics degree.
- While completing your Math Tools courses, you can begin working toward your master’s by earning a Certificate in Biostatistics online. The certificate can be completed in tandem with the Math Tools courses (there is no calculus requirement for the certificate program)—with all certificate credits applied toward your degree!
Online MSBST for international students
The master’s in biostatistics program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements. All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our online learning enrollment counselors through an information request submission.
How much it costs to earn an online MS in biostatistics degree at UofL
Academic Year Tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Contact a member of our enrollment team to get more information today!
What you learn in the online MS in biostatistics
Online courses
The MS in Biostatistics degree is a 30 credit hour program that requires 25 credit hours in core courses, 5 credit hours in electives and 3 credit hours in public health education. All courses are asynchronous (on your time) and delivered in standard term length.
The online Master of Science in Biostatistics curriculum at the University of Louisville provides advanced training in statistical theory, modeling and computation for biomedical and public health applications. Core coursework emphasizes probability theory, mathematical statistics and biostatistical methods, alongside intensive instruction in statistical computing and data management.
Students progress into advanced topics including clinical trial design, survival analysis, categorical and multivariate data analysis and data mining, developing the skills needed to analyze complex data sets, evaluate research findings and support evidence-based decision-making in research and industry environments.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
View Course Requirements
Graduate Certificate Credits Transfer:
Students can pursue the online Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics and move into the master's program upon completion of the certificate program. If a student chooses to pursue the online Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics degree after enrolling in or completing the Biostatistics Certificate program, then all relevant coursework completed within the preceding five years with a grade of B or better may be applied towards the coursework for the MS in Biostatistics degree.
Take the next step with confidence.
Start working on your application early, ahead of deadline and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a master's in biostatistics?
A master’s degree in biostatistics positions you at the intersection of data, public health and strategic decision-making. UofL’s online MS in biostatistics equips you with the analytical rigor and applied experience to translate complex data into insights that drive research, improve patient outcomes and inform policy. Whether you are advancing within healthcare or expanding into research-driven industries, this degree prepares you to lead with evidence in high-impact environments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for statisticians is expected to grow 30% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the annual median wage was $104,110 in May of 2023 (bls.gov)
Our master’s in biostatistics opens the door to this booming industry and prepares you to provide statistical insights for the healthcare industry (the third largest employer of statisticians) and beyond.
Career Paths and Job Titles
Graduates of UofL’s online MS in biostatistics are prepared for roles such as:
- Biostatistician
- Statistician
- Data analyst or senior data analyst
- Clinical research analyst
- Epidemiology analyst
- Health outcomes analyst
- Quantitative research analyst
These roles are found across a range of organizations, including:
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Clinical research organizations and medical research teams
- Health insurance and health analytics firms
- Federal and state agencies, including the FDA, NIH and Census Bureau
- Universities and academic research institutions
- Hospitals, health systems and cancer centers
Take the first step towards a career with wide growth options like these today!
What else should I know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
Is there a specific undergraduate degree required for admission into the master of science in biostatistics?
No. Admission to the program requires an exposure to statistics -- preferably via a course at a sophomore level or above -- and a background in differential and integral calculus including partial differentiation and multiple integration. Coursework in linear algebra could be required for some electives.
Is the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) required for admission?
No. However, if you have recently taken the GRE we encourage you to submit your scores to us. Also, if you feel as though your transcript doesn't adequately reflect your quantitative training and abilities, scores from the GRE quantitative test can be a helpful addition to an application.
Is a foreign credential evaluation of transcripts from international institutions required?
Yes, we require full credential evaluations for any degree earned outside of the USA. The University of Louisville recommends you have your credentials evaluated by World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
Students must achieve a minimum score on the TOEFL exam (550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL), a score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS examination, successful passing of an exit examination for the advanced level of an Intensive English as a Second Language Program, a Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher or an Intensive demonstration of a degree awarded from an institution with instruction primarily in English, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official.
What types of information should be included in the statement of purpose?
The statement of purpose should cover your background, experiences, motivations and reason for undertaking graduate work in biostatistics. It is important that this statement describes both your strengths and weaknesses so that the admission committee can make an informed decision regarding admission.
What are possible career outcomes?
There is a very high demand for biostatistical training in many industrial sectors including the insurance, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, as well as at research institutions and various government agencies (NIH, FDA, Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics etc.). Job growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that there will be an 11% increase in the need for statisticians in the next 10 years (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/). Our graduates have secured employment at Humana, Google, UPS, NIH, Texas Children’s Hospital and several other major employers in the United States.
What are the advantages of an MS in Biostatistics over a Bachelor’s degree in statistics or mathematics?
A master’s degrees in biostatistics tends to get better attention from employers in the industrial and healthcare market than Bachelor’s degrees – and, generally, master’s graduates have opportunities to earn more. The 2020 Salary Association of Business, Industry and Government Statisticians published by the American Statistical Association shows that the median salary for an entry-level employee in industry with a Master’s degree in statistics, biostatistics or mathematical statistics was $37,000 higher for master’s graduates than bachelor’s graduates.
Can I complete the MS biostats degree part-time?
Yes. Our advisors can work with you to develop a part-time course load plan for completion of the degree, based on your learning preferences, desired pace and ability to stay on track to graduation.
Does UofL have a Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics online?
Yes, UofL’s Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics is a fully online 15-16 credit hour program (5-6 courses) that allows students the opportunity to take several biostatistics classes prior to taking the leap into a fully online master’s program. See graduate certificate courses on the UofL catalog page!
What are the advantages of taking this program before the Master of Science in Biostatistics?
Students who are interested in earning their master’s degree in biostatistics can apply the credits earned from the certificate program towards their master’s degree. While many of the courses in both programs overlap, the certificate program can be finished in less time and is an excellent choice for students who want to advance their degree and career opportunities but aren’t ready to fully commit to the online masters. Students will need to apply for the MS in Biostatistics separately when they are ready to transition into the masters in biostatistics program.
Contact our enrollment team today about other questions you might have!
Who will support me in the online MSBST program?
We know online students need robust, proactive support and we built this program to deliver exactly that every step of the way. From your first question through graduation, you'll be informed, guided and cheered on by a dedicated team invested in your success.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Doug Lorenz, Phd | Program Director & Faculty | djlore01@louisville.edu | 502.852.3635 |
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Kb Kulasekera, Phd | Department Chair & Faculty | kb.kulasekera@louisville.edu | 502.852.1827 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
Online MS in Biostatistics Infosession - Register Now!
Join our faculty and staff from School of Public Health & Information Sciences for our upcoming virtual information session for three fully online graduate programs: MS Biostatistics, MS Epidemiology and MS Health Administration.