Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at UB is a 36-credit hour program, typically completed over two years of full-time study. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, enabling students to gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure students develop a strong foundation in both bioinformatics (the application of computational tools to biological data) and biostatistics (the application of statistical methods to biological and health data). Graduates are well-prepared for advanced positions that require expertise in analyzing and interpreting large biological datasets.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical foundations, which are crucial for this data-intensive field.
Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics requires a strong background in mathematics or statistics, including at least three semesters of advanced calculus and a recommended semester of statistics. The program covers a balance of bioinformatics and biostatistics subjects. Core courses may include "Introduction to Statistical Inference," "Statistical Genetics," "Advanced Statistical Computing," "Statistics for Bioinformatics," and "Data Mining." Students are also required to take a public health course, such as "Public Health and Population Well-Being." Electives allow for specialization in areas like applied statistics, categorical data analysis, clinical experiments, multivariate data analysis, stochastic processes, survival analysis, computational biology, and database systems. The program culminates in a practical training project and a written paper about the project, which is presented and defended as a final oral exam.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at UB has a strong research focus, aiming to train professionals who can conduct methodological research and collaborate with researchers in basic, medical, and clinical sciences. Faculty within the Department of Biostatistics are actively engaged in high-impact disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Research areas span a range of topics, including statistical computing, Bayesian modeling, statistical modeling in cancer genomics and computational biology, data science, machine learning, big and high-dimensional data, dimension reduction, and statistical analyses in biomedical research. Students have numerous opportunities to gain practical training through mentored, hands-on data analyses in the context of exciting biological, medical, and health science research projects.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into the workforce in various roles that demand advanced data analysis skills in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Graduates are prepared for positions as collaborative researchers at health research institutes, government agencies, international non-governmental organizations, pharmaceutical or healthcare companies, or as consultants with contract research organizations or consulting firms. The program's emphasis on practical training through hands-on data analyses and real-world projects ensures students gain valuable experience relevant to industry needs.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing health and biological challenges that are global in scope. Analyzing vast datasets from diverse populations, understanding genetic variations across different demographics, and collaborating on international health initiatives are central to the field. The program trains scientists to collaborate with national and international health institutions. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex bioinformatics and biostatistics problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to global health and scientific advancements.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics from UB are highly competitive for specialized roles at the intersection of biology, medicine, statistics, and computer science.
Bioinformatician: Develop and apply computational tools and algorithms to analyze large biological datasets, such as genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic data, to understand biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Biostatistician: Apply statistical theory and methods to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results in public health, clinical trials, epidemiology, and basic science research.
Data Scientist (Healthcare/Life Sciences): Work with large and complex healthcare or biological datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and support data-driven decision-making.
Statistical Programmer: Develop and maintain statistical software, code, and databases for data analysis in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, or research institutions.
Clinical Data Analyst: Manage and analyze data from clinical trials to assess drug efficacy and safety, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
Genetic Data Scientist: Specialize in analyzing genetic and genomic data to identify genetic markers for diseases, understand population genetics, and develop personalized medicine approaches.
Research Scientist (Computational Biology): Conduct research that combines biological knowledge with computational techniques to model biological systems and processes.
Epidemiologist (Quantitative): Use statistical methods to study disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations, contributing to public health interventions.
Pharmaceutical Statistician: Work in pharmaceutical companies to design clinical trials, analyze drug development data, and contribute to regulatory submissions.
Consultant (Bioinformatics/Biostatistics): Provide expert analytical and statistical consulting services to academic institutions, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare organizations.
