Valparaiso University

What you'll study

This programme builds a strong foundation in calculus, linear algebra and probability, then moves into core statistical theory and applied methods with an emphasis on biological and health applications. Typical topics include mathematical statistics, regression and generalized linear models, experimental design, survival analysis, multivariate analysis and categorical data methods. Students also gain significant training in statistical computing and data management using languages and tools such as R, Python and statistical software packages.

• Core mathematics: calculus sequence, linear algebra, probability theory.
• Core statistics: mathematical statistics, statistical inference, regression analysis, experimental design.
• Biostatistics-focused topics: survival and time-to-event analysis, longitudinal data analysis, epidemiologic methods, clinical trials design and analysis.
• Data science and computing: programming for data analysis, database management, reproducible research and applied modelling.
• Capstone and practicum: a senior capstone project or practicum that typically applies statistical methods to a real dataset from biology, health sciences or an external partner.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong preparation in mathematics. Recommended prior study includes precalculus or calculus and courses that demonstrate quantitative reasoning. Admissions will consider an applicant's overall academic record, strength of mathematics coursework, personal statement and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements. Students transferring from other institutions will typically need to provide official transcripts and have completed equivalent college-level mathematics to place into upper-division statistics courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a biostatistics emphasis are prepared for roles that require the design and analysis of studies in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, public health and life sciences. Typical entry-level positions include:

• Biostatistician or statistical analyst in hospitals, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies
• Data analyst or data scientist in healthcare organisations and public-health agencies
• Clinical trials analyst or study coordinator for medical research
• Research assistant supporting epidemiological and translational research

Many graduates also continue to graduate study in biostatistics, statistics, epidemiology or public health to access senior analytic and research roles.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is beneficial for students mastering quantitative material and completing applied research projects. The university encourages interdisciplinary work, enabling statistics students to collaborate with departments such as biology, nursing and public health for applied experience. Students can pursue internships and practicum placements with regional hospitals, public-health agencies and industry partners, and they benefit from access to computing facilities and guidance on preparing for graduate study or careers in the health and life sciences sectors.