MS and PhD Programs in Biostatistics Application Requirements.
Please be advised that all applications for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biostatistics must be completed with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS). DO NOT apply through SOPHAS. Please review the following for application requirements.
Applicants who have not met the following requirements will not have their applications reviewed for admission.
Application deadline
For fall application deadlines, contact the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. There is no spring admission for the MS or PhD in Biostatistics programs.
Prerequisites
Education:
Bachelor’s degree attainment or work in progress. No specific undergraduate major is required. A bachelor’s degree must be conferred before beginning classes at SPH.
In addition:
- One year of calculus including multivariate calculus
- One full semester of linear algebra
Online courses can be used to fulfill prerequisite courses if they: 1) are taken from an accredited university or college, 2) are letter-graded, and 3) carry the same credits as in-person courses at the institution.
Experience:
None required.
Click here for program information about the MS in Biostatistics and the PhD in Biostatistics.
Standardized Test Scores
International applicants must submit an English language proficiency exam. The following English proficiency tests are accepted:
TOEFL: 100 Overall Score, most recent internet-based test only. “MyBest” scores not accepted.
IELTS: 7.0 Overall Band Score
Cambridge English Qualifications: 185 Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency Exams
Duolingo: 130 Overall Score
TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.
Personal Statement
A statement of purpose is very important to admissions decisions. It can take many forms but should provide insight into your motivations for pursuing graduate school and your background. Some helpful topics to discuss may include:
- Your motivation for pursuing graduate education.
- Research areas that interest you.
- Your goals and long-term interests.
- Anything in your background that you would like to highlight.
- A description of a time when you were able to overcome academic or personal challenges.
- Anything in your academic record that might require special explanation.
Academic Transcripts
Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended to the
online application. If you are admitted, you will be required to send in official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation in the Fall.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation for the PhD. Two letters of recommendation for the MS in Biostatistics. Please use online recommendation system where applicable.
CV or Résumé
A current curriculum vitae or résumé is required and should be uploaded directly to the applicant’s GRS application.
Training Grant Statement (if applicable)
Applicants eligible and interested in the Interdisciplinary Training Grant in Biostatistics should submit an additional one- to two-page statement (to be uploaded to GRS application).
Application
All applications for admission are to be completed online through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. To begin your application, please visit the
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences site. All supplemental materials should be sent to:
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Boston University
705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112
Boston, MA 02215, USA
Requirements for International Applicants
- Students from abroad must submit official English translations of all academic records. If admitted, students from abroad must also complete an International Student Data Form. Students must also submit results from an English language proficiency exam.
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements of English proficiency are not eligible for admission. This requirement is waived only if the student has received, or expects to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in any of the following countries prior to enrollment in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.
- Please review Boston University’s International Applicant Checklist and follow the guidelines here regarding submitting your International Student Visa Documents.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
MS Program
PhD Program
Department of Biostatistics
Contact
Program-specific questions: biostat@bu.edu
General application questions: grs@bu.edu