Emory University

What you'll study

The degree typically comprises a sequence of core and elective modules designed to build from fundamentals to advanced applied topics. Key areas of study include:

• Foundations: calculus, linear algebra and introductory probability that underpin statistical reasoning.
• Statistical theory: mathematical statistics covering estimation, hypothesis testing and asymptotic methods.
• Regression and modelling: linear and generalized linear models, logistic regression, model selection and diagnostic methods.
• Probability and stochastic processes: probability theory, random variables and basic stochastic concepts used in inference.
• Computational statistics and data science: programming for data analysis (for example R and Python), simulation, resampling methods and algorithmic approaches to large datasets.
• Advanced and applied topics: survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, multivariate statistics, Bayesian methods and experimental design, with biostatistics‑oriented electives such as epidemiology, clinical trials methodology and bioinformatics.
• Practical experience: a capstone project, independent research with faculty, or a practicum/internship that applies methods to health or biomedical datasets.

Students are encouraged to combine the major with complementary coursework or minors in biology, computer science, public health or economics to broaden application areas.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong academic record, especially in mathematics. Typical preparation includes calculus and coursework demonstrating quantitative ability. The admissions process looks at the whole application—secondary school transcripts, academic recommendations, and a personal statement that outlines interest in statistics or biostatistics and career goals. Transfer applicants will usually need to show college‑level mathematics completed with satisfactory grades. Prospective students who have taken advanced secondary courses (for example IB or AP mathematics) may receive advanced standing for initial calculus requirements; check Emory's guidance for details.

Career prospects

Graduates with a statistics degree and biostatistics experience can enter roles across healthcare, research and industry. Common career paths include:

• Biostatistician/Clinical data analyst in academic medical centres, pharmaceutical companies or clinical research organisations working on trial design and analysis.
• Public‑health data analyst for government agencies, NGOs or health departments using surveillance and epidemiological data to inform policy.
• Data scientist or quantitative analyst in finance, technology or consulting, applying statistical modelling and machine‑learning techniques.
• Research assistant or coordinator on interdisciplinary teams in biomedical research labs and hospitals.
• Graduate study in biostatistics, statistics, data science or related fields for those pursuing advanced methodological or research careers.

Why study at Emory University

Emory provides strong advantages for students interested in biostatistics: close ties between the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science and Emory's health sciences units enable interdisciplinary projects and mentoring; proximity to major public‑health organisations in Atlanta creates internship and collaboration opportunities; and faculty are actively involved in biomedical and health‑policy research that produces real‑world datasets for student projects. The university also supports undergraduate research, practicum placements and coursework that emphasises contemporary statistical software and reproducible data analysis practices.