University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The programme focuses on statistical theory and practical methods used in medical and biological research. Core topics typically include probability theory and mathematical statistics, regression and generalized linear models, survival analysis, longitudinal and correlated data analysis, and Bayesian methods. Students also study subjects in applied areas such as clinical trials design and analysis, epidemiological methods, and high-dimensional data or bioinformatics depending on supervision and electives.

Instruction combines coursework, computing and project-based work. Practical training emphasises statistical programming (for example in R or Python), data management, reproducible research, and collaboration with health researchers. Students may complete a thesis involving original research under a supervisor or a project-based option that applies biostatistical methods to an applied health dataset; opportunities for practicum placements or collaborations with health organisations and research centres are commonly available.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, biostatistics, computer science, epidemiology, or a closely related quantitative discipline. A strong foundation in calculus, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics, plus experience with statistical computing, is expected.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in quantitative coursework.
• Letters of reference from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s quantitative ability and research potential.
• A statement of research interests describing relevant experience and areas of intended study.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

Admission decisions also consider availability of suitable supervisors and fit with departmental research strengths. Specific minimum GPA thresholds and documentation requirements are set by the university and should be checked on the programme website.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in biostatistics have a wide range of career options. Typical roles include biostatistician or statistical programmer in pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations (CROs), analyst or methodologist roles in public health agencies and hospitals, data scientist positions in healthcare technology firms, and research statistician posts in academic and clinical research units. The training also prepares students for doctoral study in biostatistics, statistics, epidemiology or related fields.

Employers often value the programme’s combination of theoretical rigour and applied experience, particularly for positions that require design and analysis of clinical trials, evaluation of population health data, or development of statistical methods for complex biological datasets.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan offers an environment suited to interdisciplinary health and statistical research. Students benefit from collaborative links with the College of Medicine, public health researchers and provincial health organisations, which can provide applied datasets and practicum opportunities. The university’s research infrastructure and computing resources support advanced statistical training and methodological development.

The programme’s cohort sizes tend to be modest, allowing close supervision and mentorship from faculty with expertise in clinical trials, longitudinal methods, Bayesian modelling and applied epidemiology. Its location in Saskatoon also provides opportunities to work on population and Indigenous health projects that are regionally important, while maintaining connections to national and international research networks.