MS in Healthcare Policy & Research - Biostatistics & Data Science track

Preparing Students for the Data-Driven Challenges of Today's World

Our Master’s track in Biostatistics and Data Science provides top-class training in biostatistics and analytic data science techniques.

Our coursework offers students a foundation for data analytic careers in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, biomedical sciences, academics, and general data analytics.

Real-World Skills

We provide comprehensive hands-on training in statistical concepts and programming. During the Master’s track in Biostatistics and Data Science, students will:

• Use the newest applications to solve modern data challenges.
• Gain invaluable real-world exposure under the guidance of experienced biostatisticians and data scientists.
• Build experience in the field through a faculty-mentored research project.
• Take advantage of NYC’s proximity to leading educational institutions and some of the largest pharmaceutical hubs in the country.
• Create close professional relationships with a diverse faculty, through low student-to-faculty class ratios.
• Exposure to specializations such as health services research, cost-effectiveness, and comparative-effectiveness.

Unique Expertise

Our track in Biostatistics and Data Science is unique as it focuses on data mining and machine learning techniques yet retains the rigor of a traditional Biostatistics program.

Students from all over the world join this track with backgrounds in science (e.g., statistics, mathematics, biology, etc.), engineering, health, and medicine.

Graduates are prepared for challenging careers in the public and private biomedical, healthcare, insurance, and pharmaceutical sectors, both in academia and the industry.

The Master’s track in Biostatistics and Data Science has close ties to other programs within the Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University, the Department of Statistics and Data Science at Cornell University, the Cornell Tech campus in New York City, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Full-time students can complete the M.S. track in Biostatistics and Data Science in 12 months, and part-time students in 18 - 24 months. Students must complete at least 34 credits to graduate.

Pixabay / Pexels

Curriculum

Fall Term

• Biostatistics I with R Lab (4)
• Categorical and Censored Data Analysis (1.5)
• Data Science I (R and Python) (3)
• Introduction to Health Services Research (3)
• Introduction to Operations Research in Health Policy (3)
• Master's Project I and Professional Development (1)
• Statistical Programming with SAS (3)
• Study Design (1.5)

Spring Term

• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (3)
• Big Data in Medicine (3)
• Biostatistics II — Regression Analysis (3)
• Design and Analysis of Biomedical Studies (3)
• Health Data for Research (SAS) (3)
• Master's Project II (2)
• Pharmaceutical Statistics (3)

Summer Term

• Causal Inference with Machine Learning (3)
• Data Management (SQL) (3)
• Data Science II - Statistical Learning (3)
• Hierarchical Modeling and Longitudinal Data Analysis (3)
• Master's Project III (3)
• Study Design and Comparative Effectiveness (3)

Admissions Information

Admission to graduate degree programs in Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine requires that applicants hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Biostatistics & Data Science Prerequisites

Students should possess solid quantitative and programming backgrounds. For example, an undergraduate major in one of the following fields: statistics, mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering would make a good candidate. Students from other majors are also highly encouraged to apply but should have at least two college-level semesters of calculus, some linear algebra, and strong programming experience.

Application Requirements

• Online Application
  • Application fee: $75
  • Applications received by December 1/February 1 may receive a fee waiver. Please contact us once you are ready to submit your online application materials.
• Personal Statement
  Your personal statement should be no more than 2 - 3 pages in length and outline the following items:
  • Your interest in the field you are applying to
  • Any previous operational and/or research experiences you have in this field or a related area of study
  • Your career goals and how this degree will help you achieve them
  • Any skills, previous experiences, and/or other information that is not readily identified in the other items you submit that would make you an ideal candidate
• Resume/CV
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  • These letters can be from current/former academic mentors, current/former supervisors, and/or any other individuals who can speak to your capability to succeed in a program like ours, as well as your academic, research, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Once you designate your recommenders in the online application, the system will automatically contact them and provide instructions on how they can submit their letters.
  • All letters must be on official school and/or company letterhead.
• College Transcripts
  • College transcripts should be submitted for all previous colleges attended (undergraduate, graduate, and professional)
  • Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance, however, students may submit unofficial transcripts with their initial application
  • For international candidates: Transcripts that meet any of the following criteria must be translated by World Education Service (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE):
    • The transcript is not in English
    • International student's transcript is not on a 4.0 scale
    • Domestic student's transcript is not on a 4.0 scale
• GRE/GMAT scores (optional)
  • Scores are not required for admission.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores are required for all international students, who have not pursued a degree at an institution that teaches their curriculum in English.
  • To submit your scores, please use Institution Code: 2119

Submitting Materials

Application review is contingent upon the receipt of all supplementary materials listed above. For questions or concerns, please e-mail us at [email protected].

Official transcripts and test scores may be sent electronically to [email protected].

Deadlines for Fall 2021

• Application opens: October 2, 2020
• Deadline for fee waiver and consideration for merit scholarships: December 1, 2020/February 1, 2021
• Ultimate deadline: March 15, 2021