The simplest cell contains infinitely intricate mathematics.

The study of biostatistics at Emmanuel challenges you to combine biology and statistics in answering questions about biological systems and human health. You will graduate prepared to address new challenges arising from advances in biomedical science; collaborate with investigators in institutions such as cancer research centers and medical schools on the design, analysis, and interpretation of studies; and make a difference in the world of health sciences.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Biostatistics

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL2123 Genetics
  • CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I* (SI-L) (NSL) AND CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II* (SI-L) (NSL)  OR CHEM1103 Chemical Perspectives* (SI-L)
  • MATH2101 Linear Algebra (QA) (QR) 
  • MATH2103 Calculus III (QA) (QR)
  • MATH2113 Statistics with R (QA) (QR)
  • MATH3103 Probability
  • MATH3105 Advanced Statistics
  • MATH4101 Programming in SAS

and one elective to be chosen from the following courses:

  • BIOL2115 Determinants of Health and Disease
  • BIOL2119 Current Topics in Biological Research
  • IDDS2201 Data Analytics
  • MATH2111 Mathematical Modeling for Social Justice (QA) (QR) (SJ)
  • MATH4194/95 Research Internship I & II**

*Qualified students may replace CHEM1101 and CHEM1102 with CHEM 1103

**MATH4194 counts as a 3000-level math elective for a B.S. in Biostatistics if the entire two-semester internship sequence (MATH4194 and MATH4195) is completed. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (MATH4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 12 required biostatistics courses.

  1. Understand a common set of core ­mathematical concepts/skills/problems/theorems/ways of thought needed to study mathematical statistics 
  2. Understand foundational principles of biology
  3. Understand chemical structure of ­components of living systems (DNA, proteins, lipids, etc.) 
  4. Understand descriptive and inferential statistics, probability theory, methods and techniques 
  5. Be able to apply statistical methods and techniques to current biological topics and research
  6. Be able to use technology and software programs (SAS, R) to ­analyze data and effectively communicate statistical results to others, especially non-statisticians.

What can I do with a degree in biostatistics?

A degree in biostatistics can lead to various career opportunities in the field of public health and medical research. Some potential job titles and career paths include:

  • Biostatistician: Biostatisticians work on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from medical and public health research. They collaborate with researchers to design studies, determine sample sizes, analyze data, and communicate findings.
  • Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists study the spread and distribution of diseases in populations, identify risk factors, and develop strategies for prevention and control. They use biostatistical methods to analyze data and communicate findings.
  • Data Analyst: Data analysts in biostatistics work on gathering and analyzing health data to identify trends and patterns, and make recommendations to healthcare professionals and policymakers.
  • Clinical Trials Statistician: Clinical trials statisticians work in the pharmaceutical industry or in academic research to design and analyze clinical trials for new drugs or medical devices.
  • Public Health Analyst: Public health analysts use biostatistical techniques to evaluate public health programs and initiatives, and to develop strategies to improve health outcomes in communities.
  • Health Policy Analyst: Health policy analysts work with policymakers and stakeholders to evaluate health policies and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Overall, biostatistics offers a wide range of career options in both the public and private sector, particularly in the fields of public health and medical research.

Biostatistics graduates possess a unique set of skills that are highly valued in various sectors, particularly in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, public health, and research. Here are some of the most in-demand skills for biostatistics graduates:

  • Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in applying statistical methods to analyze and interpret complex biological and health data. This includes knowledge of probability, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing.
  • Data Management: Skills in managing large datasets, including data cleaning, data transformation, and ensuring data quality. Familiarity with databases and data warehousing is also valuable.
  • Statistical Software Proficiency: Expertise in using statistical software packages such as R, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and Python for data analysis and modeling.
  • Programming Skills: Knowledge of programming languages like R, Python, SQL, and other relevant languages to automate analyses, manage data, and develop statistical models.
  • Clinical Trials Design and Analysis: Understanding of the design, implementation, and analysis of clinical trials, including randomization, blinding, and endpoint analysis.
  • Survival Analysis: Knowledge of techniques for analyzing time-to-event data, which is critical in many medical and biological studies.
  • Epidemiology: Familiarity with epidemiological principles and methods for studying the distribution and determinants of health and disease conditions in populations.
  • Data Visualization: Ability to effectively visualize data using tools like ggplot2 (in R), Tableau, and other data visualization software to communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Research Design: Skills in designing robust and ethical research studies, including cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify patterns, interpret results, and solve complex problems using statistical approaches.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate statistical concepts and results to non-statistical audiences, including researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. This includes both written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Public Health and Medical Terminology: Understanding of medical and public health terminology to effectively collaborate with healthcare professionals and interpret health-related data.
  • Ethics and Compliance: Awareness of ethical considerations and regulatory requirements in biostatistics, particularly in clinical research and public health studies.
  • Project Management: Skills in managing research projects, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of statistical analysis and reporting.
  • Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics: Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics techniques for predictive modeling and big data analysis.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, often including biologists, epidemiologists, clinicians, and other researchers.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reliability in data analysis and reporting.

These skills equip biostatistics graduates to tackle complex data challenges and make significant contributions to public health, medical research, and various other fields where data-driven decision-making is crucial.

The Right Major, at the Right Place

“During the accepted students’ day, everyone was just so nice that I felt like it was the right fit for me." -Kira Glasmacher ’24

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

As a biostatistics major, the doors of Boston’s research and healthcare organizations are open to you. Gain experience in data preparation, analysis, and presentation, and make professional connections at institutions such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and more.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

For your capstone experience, you will utilize skills and statistical knowledge from previous courses—and the data of your choice—to complete the Programming in SAS course (MATH4101). After performing analysis on your own data sets, you will write a paper summarizing the statistical methods used and the results you received.

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