The Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics

Accelerated Predoctoral Training track

The MS/Accelerated Predoctoral Training track (MS/APT) is a highly competitive degree program that prepares students for PhD training in biostatistics and careers encompassing research, consultation, and teaching of biostatistical theory and methods. Because the Biostatistics PhD program at Columbia admits only those students who have already completed a Master’s degree in biostatistics or statistics, the MS/APT program offers a fast-paced pathway to PhD studies. This program offers admission to exceptional candidates with Bachelor’s degrees for accelerated studies, where students will be able to take many of the same courses as PhD candidates, with the expectation that these MS students will apply to the PhD program in Biostatistics within one year.

The MS/APT curriculum is geared towards students planning to take the PhD qualifying examination. It emphasizes expertise in statistical theory and its applications. It differs from the Theory and Methods track (MS/TM) in its accelerated pace (1 year to completion of degree requirements) and highly focused curriculum. The MS/APT is designed exclusively for students who want to enter PhD training within one year, immediately after completing the MS degree. In contrast, the MS/TM degree can be viewed two ways: as a preparatory program for PhD studies, or as a terminal professional degree. Therefore, students who plan careers as biostatisticians but intend to terminate their studies with the MS degree should apply to the MS/TM track. Students who are unsure as to whether they would like to begin PhD studies immediately after completing the Master’s degree should also apply to the MS/TM track to maximize flexibility.

Applicants to the MS/APT track should have completed two years of college calculus, a course in linear/matrix algebra, and study of a programming language (e.g., Fortran, C, APL). In addition, a course in real analysis is recommended. Excellent scores on the GRE (at least 700 on the quantitative portion and at least 600 on the verbal) are expected. International students must also submit TOEFL scores.

The length of the program is one year, or 10-12 months (i.e., students may start their studies in the summer semester of their first year and continue for 2 more semesters – fall and spring; or they may start their studies in the fall semester and continue for 1 additional semester – spring). Note that fellowship support is available to MS/APT students, providing full tuition plus stipend to the best applicants each year. All students in the MS/APT track who are in good standing as of January of their first year of study are expected to apply to the PhD program, administered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). MS/APT applicants to the PhD program will be given special consideration by the applicant review committee and will be ranked with highest priority in the applicant pool. Fellowship support will be continued uninterrupted to all MS/APT graduates who are accepted and continue directly into the PhD program. As part of their fellowship training and duties, PhD fellows are expected to serve as Teaching Assistants for one or two courses each year.