ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø

Skip to main content

Biostatistics, B.S.


Student Handbook

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Bachelor of Science in Biostatistics degree is offered through the College for Public Health and Social Justice, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Using the American Statistical Association'sÌýguidelines for undergraduateÌýdataÌýscience programs, SLU's curriculum trainsÌýstudentsÌýin the management, analysis and interpretation ofÌýdataÌýwithin the context of publicÌýhealth andÌýhealth care. Students gain skills thatÌýprepare themÌýto enter the workforce or pursue graduate school after graduation.

What is the Field of Biostatistics?

Biostatistics is a major for students interested in using data to understand and address questions about health and wellness. Biostatisticians use analytic skills and critical thinking to work with data and answer questions currently challenging public health and health care today, such as:ÌýÌý

  • How is climate change impacting disease occurrence in our communities?
  • How do neighborhood environments impact chronic disease?
  • How can medical records and insurance data be used to better understand health outcomes and direct disease prevention?
  • How can genomic data be used to understand the role of genetics in the risk, treatment and prognosis of disease?

Why Study Biostatistics?

  • Interdisciplinary study. Students explore principles of mathematics, computer programming, statistics and public health as they learn how the field of biostatistics addresses current and emerging public health issues.
  • Community impact. Biostatisticians collaborate with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, health care administrators and communities as they manage, analyze and interpret data to inform critical health decisions.
  • Employment outlook. Biostatistics students gain skills that make them marketable for diverse, competitive-paying STEM jobs such as data analysts, data managers and research associates.
  • The Jesuit difference. ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø is one of the few universities to offer an undergraduate degree in biostatistics and the only Catholic, Jesuit University to offer this program.
  • Medallion Program. Designed for first-year students in all CPHSJ majors, this program connects first-year students with each other, their major and the college through social, academic enhancement and professional development events, as well as faculty mentoring.

Additional degree options for students pursuing a biostatistics major at SLU include:

Curriculum Overview

SLU's biostatistics curriculum contains 30 credits of major courses that cover topics in public health and biostatistics, such as statistical computing, data management, applied biostatistics, epidemiology and evidence-based public health.ÌýÌý

The biostatistics major coursework uses a health context to emphasize the development of skills in data management and analysis, preparing students to enter the workforce or attend graduate school after college.

The remainder of the 120 credits required for graduation include prerequisites to major courses (Calculus I, II, and III), the University Core curriculum and general electives. Many students use their elective courses to pursue second majors, minors and/or premedical requirements.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø has a strong field experience component. Students can embody the institution’s Jesuit mission by using the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. Service-learning and field exposure opportunities provide valuable field experience and help biostatistics students connect with the St. Louis community and the global community.

Students can volunteer with health care providers and agencies that serve under-resourced communities, assist faculty with research projects and apply to national internships and summer programs in data science. Internships can be completed on a volunteer basis or for general elective academic credit.ÌýStudents can also become members of a variety of student organizations on campus to get to know other biostatistics students and engage in additional service, networking and leadership opportunities.

Careers

The 21st century is often referred to as the era of information or big data. Skilled biostatisticians are needed to manage and analyze these data to better understand and address global public health issues.

Biostatisticians look forward to careers in healthcare, government, industry, the nonprofit sector and academia. Job examples include data analysts, data managers, database administrators, and biostatisticians.Ìý The job outlook is excellent, as the U.S. government has reported a shortage of biostatistics professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that job growth for biostatisticians is increasing more quickly than the national average.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Requirements

Begin Your Application

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit theÌýCollege for Public Health and Social Justice website.

CEPH-Seal
  1. Graduates will be able to perform computations, derivations and calculations as they relate to calculus and linear algebra.
  2. Graduates will be able to use standard statistical software to create and manage datasets and perform basic statistical tests.
  3. Graduates will be able to appropriately communicate statistical results.
  4. Graduates will be able to apply the public health model to biostatistical work.
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Prerequisites for Major Courses
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1510Calculus I4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1520Calculus II4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý2530Calculus III4
Required Biostatistics Major Courses
µþ³§°ÕÌý3000Intro to Statistical Computing3
µþ³§°ÕÌý3100Applied Biostatistics I3
µþ³§°ÕÌý3200Applied Biostatistics II3
µþ³§°ÕÌý4100Theory of Biostatistics I3
µþ³§°ÕÌý4200Theory of Biostatistics II3
µþ³§°ÕÌý4400Introduction to Applied Data Management3
·¡±Ê±õÌý4000Intro Epidemiology: Foundations & Practice3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý2100Introduction to Global Health3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý3200Evidence Based Public Health3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý4100Biological Basis of Public Health3
General Elective Courses43-46
Select an additional number of general electives to achieve the total minimum 120 credits for graduation.
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
  • Minimum grade of C in all B.S. in Biostatistics major courses
  • Minimum grade of C- in all major pre-requisite courses
  • Minimum grade of D in all core courses
  • Minimum grade of D in all remaining general elective courses counting toward the minimum 120 credits required for graduation

​

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1510 Calculus I 4
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý2100 Introduction to Global Health 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits16-17
Spring
µþ³§°ÕÌý3000 Intro to Statistical Computing 3
COREÌý1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1520 Calculus II 4
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits16
Year Two
Fall
µþ³§°ÕÌý3100 Applied Biostatistics I 3
COREÌý1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
COREÌý1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý2530 Calculus III 4
General Elective: Dignity, Ethics & a Just Society 3
ÌýCredits16
Spring
µþ³§°ÕÌý3200 Applied Biostatistics II 3
COREÌý2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
·¡±Ê±õÌý4000 Intro Epidemiology: Foundations & Practice 3
General Elective: Global Interdependence 3
General Elective: Identities in Context Attribute 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
µþ³§°ÕÌý4100 Theory of Biostatistics I 3
COREÌý2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
COREÌý3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý3200 Evidence Based Public Health 3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý4100 Biological Basis of Public Health 3
ÌýCredits14-15
Spring
µþ³§°ÕÌý4200 Theory of Biostatistics II 3
COREÌý3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
COREÌý4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
General Elective: Writing Intensive 3
General Elective: Reflection in Action Attribute 3
ÌýCredits14-15
Year Four
Fall
µþ³§°ÕÌý4400 Introduction to Applied Data Management 3
COREÌý3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 1-3
ÌýCredits14-16
Spring
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits120-125

Pre-medical and Medical Scholars students must consult with their academic advisors, and with SLU'sÌýOffice of Pre-Health and Pre-Law StudiesÌýto ensure the proper pre-medical course registrations.

Program Notes

Minimum of 120 credits including requirements listed above and cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 to graduate and/or remain in good standing with the program.

Apply for ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø

For additional questions about undergraduate admission, please contact:
Katie Linnenbrink
Administrative assistant
Tegeler Hall 300 West
314-977-3934
katie.linnenbrink@slu.edu

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý