The flexible, remote learning modality, which offers all courses 100% online and asynchronously, has attracted a diverse range of learners, including working professionals and full-time students and prepares students for careers in biostatistics and data science.
Where data meets healthcare
Turn numbers into knowledge
Established in 2017, the University of Florida's Online Master of Science in Biostatistics program is the nation's first fully online MS in Biostatistics program.
Program Overview
Graduating from our program opens doors to numerous career opportunities. Our students transition seamlessly into highly competitive careers across academia, industry and government, with typical positions of data managers, data analysts, data scientists, biostatisticians, research analysts, bioinformatics analysts, bioinformatics scientists in organizations including but not limited to:
- Universities and research institutions
- Government agencies (FDA, NIH, Census Bureau)
- Hospitals and cancer centers
- Pharmaceutical companies
Program Highlights
Students in our program benefit from unparalleled opportunities, including access to cutting-edge research, esteemed faculty, and powerful industry connections. Join us and transform your potential into impactful results.
- Build a solid theoretical and methodological foundation
- Learn cutting-edge data analysis methods
- Work directly with leaders in biostatistics, public health and medicine
- Connect with researchers and practitioners around the world
- No GRE required!
- Train in the innovative and interdisciplinary culture of the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the College of Medicine
Expert Faculty and Cutting-Edge Research
Our faculty are leaders in diverse areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data and data networks, causal inference, clinical trials, longitudinal data analysis, metabolomics, statistical genetics and genomics, and survival analysis. They collaborate with top researchers and practitioners at institutions like UF’s Health Science Center and various global organizations, driving critical scientific investigations funded by prestigious agencies.
Exceptional Research Centers
Our department houses renowned research centers such as:
- Research Design and Data Coordinating Center (RDDCC)
- Center for Statistical and Quantitative Infectious Diseases (CSQUID)
- Children’s Oncology Group (COG)
Curriculum
The Online MS in Biostatistics program requires 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours and a capstone project that consists of either an assessment of research or data analysis. The basic characteristic and requirements for graduation are:
- Five biostatistics and public health core courses (15 credits)
- Three concentration core courses (9 credits)
- Four biostatistics electives courses (12 credits)
- Capstone Project
Students in our program can choose to pursue one of two concentrations:
- Biostatistical Methods and Practice: This concentration is designed to facilitate students’ development of a strong methodological foundation in biostatistics and analytical skills for biostatistical applications.
- Health Data Science: This concentration is designed to emphasize methodological and computational foundations in data science and artificial intelligence with applications in public health and medicine, and to prepare students interested in becoming health data scientists.
Admissions
Eligible applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, biology, biomedical science, or other related fields.
Applicants to our program can apply for Spring or Fall admission.
- Spring Semester Admission: The application deadline for admission of Spring semester is December 1.
- Fall Semester Admission: The application deadline for admission of Fall semesters is July 15.
Cost and Financial Aid
Our program has been listed as the Top 4 most affordable among all online MS in biostatistics and online MPH in biostatistics programs by Healthcare Management in 2025. The affordable tuition and uncompromising quality of our program puts excellence within your reach.
Alumni Stories
Sabrina Khuntia
“I liked that there was a mix of public health and applied statistics courses…It gave me experience with data analysis, particularly genetic data analysis, and statistical programming languages.”
Brian LaBarre
“I enjoyed the flexibility to attend courses from home and watch lectures on my own schedule. I enjoyed connecting and working with other students in the program.”
Erick Velis
“The program prepared me well since I acquired the necessary skills that I needed to become a Biostatistician. All of my professors were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive… I am confident to say that the Biostatistics department at UF is one of the best if not the best in the nation. It was an exciting and fruitful experience that I will never forget.”
Department News
Cancer drug trial designed by PHHP faculty wins international award
Findings of the trial represent the biggest breakthrough in childhood cancer treatment in decades, and the drug has already become the new global standard of care.
PHHP announces 2025 AI Ph.D. Fellows
The program offers academic growth, professional networking, results dissemination and research support for both mentors and students.
PHHP Days 2025 celebrates college’s range of research, innovative ideas
PHHP Days higlighted the breadth of teaching, research, service and clinical work across the college.
New studies demonstrate major progress in containing Ebola outbreaks
Dr. Ira Longini and fellow scientists report continued success in containing Ebola outbreaks.
Questions? Contact us!
