Program information

In addition to the information on this page, please review the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Collaborative Program in Biostatistics Program page before you apply to the program.

MSc in Biostatistics

The program prepares MSc graduates for positions that require expertise in data management, study design, and statistical modelling.

After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in statistical theory
  • Apply statistical theory to problems in the medical, biological, and agricultural sciences
  • Collaborate on research teams
  • Address problems involved in the collection and management of data
  • Participate actively in the drawing of conclusions from data analysis and in the presentation and writing of research reports and papers.

PhD in Biostatistics

The program prepares PhD graduates to assume faculty or other research-oriented positions in academic institutions or to take leadership positions in organizations that conduct health-related research.

After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Develop new statistical methods using existing theory or apply existing statistical methods to address problems in the medical, biological, and agricultural sciences
  • Collaborate on research teams
  • Take a leadership role in study design, data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of study results
  • Be proficient in both the oral and written presentation of research results.

Admission requirements

MSc

  • A four-year BSc or BA degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines: mathematics, statistics, applied statistics, biostatistics, quantitative psychology, or any other discipline with a strong background in mathematics or statistics
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 75% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
  • Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English

PhD

  • Thesis-based M.Sc. in a relevant program - mathematics, statistics, applied statistics, biostatistics, quantitative psychology, or another discipline with a strong background in mathematics or statistics
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 75% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
  • Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English

To be eligible for admission as a PhD student, an applicant must have taken the following courses (or equivalents) during his/her MSc program: CHEP 800.3 (Epidemiology I), STAT 850.3 (Mathematical Statistics and Inference), and PUBH 842.3 (Current Topics in Biostatistics and Statistical Applications).

Tuition

Thesis or project based program

Graduate students in a thesis or project based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program. https://grad.usask.ca/programs/biostatistics.php#Tuitionandfunding

Application process

Find a supervisor

Find a potential research supervisor from the list on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies program page. Read about the work each supervisor is currently doing and, if you think you'd like to work with them, contact them and describe your research interests and past academic experience. If they are accepting students, they will instruct you to begin a formal application.

Submit an online application

Faculty of the Collaborative Program in Biostatistics

The Biostatistics Program is a collaborative venture of the School of Public Health, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The core faculty involved in this graduate program are listed on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Biostatistics Program Page.

Contact us

For further information on the Biostatistics program, please contact:

thesis.admissions@usask.ca