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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology graduate program prepares
Masters level biostatisticians
to consult at the staff level with medical and health researchers. The M.S. program provides an intensive exposure
to the wide range of ideas, methodologies, and techniques needed to perform as a statistician who designs data
collection from experiments, observational studies, and clinical trials and analyzes and reports these data,
extracting information stored in various forms. The application focus is on medicine, dentistry, nursing,
allied health science, laboratory science, and other biological disciplines.
In training students to support collaborative research in the biomedical sciences,
the Master of Science program builds on, and contributes to, MCG’s growing reputation as a premier health
sciences university. Its focus on statistics applied to health professions distinguishes it from most graduate
statistics programs and prepares its graduates for rewarding careers in this increasingly important field.
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NEED FOR BIOSTATISTICIANS
The current demand for biostatisticians far exceeds the supply and the gap is
expected to continue to widen. This under supply results from a combination of
burgeoning need and a relatively flat rate of graduating doctoral- and
masters-level biostatisticians. A large proportion of the currently senior
biostatisticians were trained in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and were
supported during the early stages of their careers by National Institute of
Health (NIH) training initiatives. With this cohort approaching retirement over
the next decade and the tremendous needs and opportunities, now is the time for
training the next generation of biostatisticians.
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CURRICULUM
The two-year program comprises three parts: a core set of 30 credit hours of didactic courses that all
students take, 9 credit hours of elective courses, and a research thesis or a consulting
project. Students will chose, with the advice and approval of their advisory committees, one of these options:
Thesis Track: A formal thesis, directed by a Biostatistics faculty member, will be required.
The student will conduct their research under Thesis Research (STAT9000), for a minimum of
3 credit hours.
The thesis project for the MS program will be of two types: (i) use of established but state-of-the-art statistical
tools to analyze and report on collected data sets; or (ii) a rigorous review of statistical literature, possibly
involving a small amount of methodological research, that has potential use in complex biomedical data analysis.
A formal presentation of the thesis will be required, which will be open to public.
Non-Thesis Track: A project write-up (or project write-ups), directed by a Biostatistics
faculty member, will be required. The student will perform the project work under Biostatistical Consulting in
Research (STAT8600), for a minimum of 3 credit hours. This course is designed for students to gain practical
experience in integration of statistical theory and application in current research, systematic formulation of
problems, data formatting and collection procedures, study design,
data analysis, and the interpretation and communication of results.
It is possible that students may consult on one or two projects, depending on the complexity and scope of the
research project(s). A formal presentation will be required at the conclusion of the project(s).
An advisory committee of faculty will help plan, monitor progress, and mentor the student
through all phases of the program of study.
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Core Courses
The following are required semester-long core courses that are taught over five semesters.
Students must complete them by the spring semester of year two.
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Elective Courses
Any of the following courses may be elected by students with advisory committee approval to satisfy the electives requirement:
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Other Requirements
- All students must attend departmental and other research seminars and meetings that
are relevant to their biostatistics training.
- Students must publicize the results of their research through seminars, conference
presentations, and/or articles in refereed (peer-review) journals.
- Students with graduate assistantships are required to work with a faculty supervisor as
Research or Teaching Assistants.
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SUGGESTED CURRICULUM SEQUENCE (Full-time)
| Year in Program |
Fall Semester
|
Spring Semester
|
Summer Semester
|
|
1 |
STAT8110: Introductionto Biostatistics
STAT8510: Programming for Data Analysis
STAT8520: Statistical Theory I
SGSS8011: Responsible Conduct of Research
|
STAT8610: Applied Linear Models I
STAT8620: Statistical Theory II
Elective* |
STAT8130: Introduction to Epidemiology
STAT8270: Categorical Data Analysis
STAT8870: BiostatisticalConsulting in Research
|
|
2 |
STAT8240: Introduction to Clinical Trials
STAT8710: Applied Linear Models II
Elective*
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STAT8910: Biostatistical Consulting Project(if Non-Thesis Track)
OR
STAT8920: Thesis Research (if Thesis Track)
Elective* |
|
Program Total Credit Hours: 45 hrs
*
No more than 3 credit hours of relevant electives may be taken outside the Department of Biostatistics,
with the permission of the advisor.
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SUGGESTED CURRICULUM SEQUENCE (Part-time):
| Year in Program |
Fall Semester
|
Spring Semester
|
Summer Semester
|
|
1 |
STAT8110: Introductionto Biostatistics
STAT8520: Statistical Theory I
|
STAT8610: Applied Linear Models I
STAT8620: Statistical Theory II
|
STAT8270: Categorical Data Analysis
STAT8130: Introduction to Epidemiology |
|
2 |
STAT8510: Programming for Data Analysis
STAT8710: Applied Linear Models II
SGSS8011: Responsible Conduct of Research
|
2 Electives*
|
STAT8870: BiostatisticalConsulting in Research
|
|
3 |
STAT8240: Introduction to Clinical Trials
Elective*
|
STAT8910: Biostatistical Consulting Project (if Non-Thesis Track)
OR
STAT8920: Thesis Research (if Thesis Track)
|
|
Program Total Credit Hours: 45 hrs
*
No more than 3 credit hours of relevant electives may be taken outside the Department of Biostatistics,
with the permission of the advisor.
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Baccalaureate (or higher) degree in a subject with substantial mathematics content
- Computer literacy, i.e., familiarity with operating and using computers and software
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores
- Three references from individuals qualified to assess the applicant’s
prior academic performance
and potential as a graduate student in Biostatistics
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary education
- Verification of transcripts from all foreign colleges/universities must be provided by an approved
transcript evaluation service. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions or visit
www.mcg.edu/Admissions/intstud.htm
- Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted
for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum score of
550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) is required.
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COMPETITIVE APPLICANT PROFILE
The competitive applicant for the proposed M.S. program will have the following qualifications:
- Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree in the mathematical sciences, or in a closely related discipline with rigorous training in calculus and matrix algebra.
- Minimum cumulative GPA on all undergraduate and graduate coursework of at least 3.3.
- Computer literacy, i.e. familiarity with operating and using computers and software.
- Minimum GRE general test score of 1100 (sum of verbal and quantitative sections).
- For applicants whose first language is not English, a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) on TOEFL.
- A strong personal statement.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Students accepted into the program will be considered for a Graduate
Research Assistantship (GRA) Package which includes stipend support and a reduced tuition rate of $25/semester. A
limited number of GRA packages will be awarded each year, on a competitive
basis and according to the availability of funds.
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TUITION AND FEES
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Tuition
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Fees
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Books/Supplies/Other
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|
Per semester costs |
$2,523* |
$343 |
$1,000 |
* Non-residents of Georgia pay an additional $7,563 tuition per semester. Residents of Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina receive a waiver of non-resident tuition.
All students on stipend will pay a reduced tuition of $25.00 per semester. (Costs are for 2007-2008. All tuition charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term.)
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application deadline is March 1. Applications received after this date
will be considered on a space-available basis. Early
application is encouraged. Submission of all required application materials
by the deadline is strongly advised, especially for applicants who wish to
be considered for a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) package.
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HOW TO APPLY
To receive an application for this degree program, visit
www.mcg.edu/Admissions, or call or
write:
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: (706) 721-2725
Toll free: 1-800-519-3388
Fax: (706) 721-7279
E-mail:
Web site:
www.mcg.edu/admissions
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Visit our website,
www.mcg.edu/biostat, or contact:
Jennifer L. Waller, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Programs
Department of Biostatistics
1120 15th Street, AE 3031
Augusta, GA 30912-4900
Phone: (706) 721-0814
FAX: (706) 721-6294
E-mail:
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OTHER INFORMATION
Other information about the School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Biostatistics can be found at:
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PROGRAM BROCHURE
Ph.D. Program in Biostatistics
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