A: Students in biostatistics and data science programs often come from a variety of backgrounds. Our primary preference that we seek in applicants is experience with college level calculus, and/or a background in statistics or applied mathematics. Additionally, while not required as a pre-requisite, we do prefer our students to have some familiarity with computer programming languages, such as Python, Java, C, or others. Beyond this, students with backgrounds in public health, medicine, health sciences, biology, etc. are ideal. This program specifically teaches students how to use Python and R.

What time are classes normally held? Your course schedule will vary each semester, but courses generally offer afternoon or evening. There might be coursework occasionally scheduled outside of this time for a specific purpose – as an example, there is an elective course that involves healthcare providers, and this can only be done during their opening hours, which are in the afternoon.

Also, we sometimes intentionally keep coursework during the early evenings to ensure that students are able to work or pursue research/internship opportunities during the day.