Biostatistics sits at the heart of modern medical and public health research — it’s the science that turns clinical data into life-saving decisions. The undergraduate certificate in biostatistics is designed to give students a meaningful introduction to this field: what it is, how it differs from traditional statistics, and why it matters. Rather than a purely technical deep-dive, this certificate emphasizes the collaborative, interdisciplinary nature of biostatistics work, where statisticians partner with clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health researchers to answer questions that affect real lives. Whether you’re exploring graduate school options or simply want to broaden your scientific perspective, this certificate offers an accessible and engaging entry point into one of the most impactful quantitative fields in science today.
Eligibility requirements
- Completion of STA 2023 (Introduction to Statistics) or equivalent required
- Open to undergraduate students from all majors
Required courses
| Course | Title | Credits | Term offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHC 3094 | Basics of Statistical Software for Biostatistics | 3 | Fall |
| PHC 3710 | Collaboration Skills for Biostatisticians | 3 | Fall |
| PHC 4023 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 3 | Spring |
| PHC 4743 | Data Science in Genetics and Genomics | 3 | Spring |
To earn the certificate, students must complete all 12 credits from the above courses. Students may substitute another R-based course for PHC 3094 with program approval.
How to apply
To apply for the Biostatistics certificate, please submit the required certificate application. Select “Currently Enrolled App” to complete the required application.
Students interested in pursuing the certificate should email Kendra Hamilton with any questions.