Biostatistics, B.S.

Student Handbook

Biostatistics is a major for students interested in using data to understand and address health problems.  Biostatisticians use analytic skills and critical thinking to work with data and find answers to some of the world’s most pressing health questions such as: How safe or effective are drugs hitting the market today?  What are the major risk factors for autism?  How do neighborhood environments interact health behavior to affect cardiovascular disease?

• Students explore the principles of mathematics, computer programming, statistics and public health as they learn how the field of biostatistics addresses current and emerging public health problems. 
• Biostatisticians collaborate with researchers, policy makers, health care administrators and communities as they manage, analyze and interpret data to inform critical health decisions.
• Biostatistics students gain skills that make them marketable for diverse, competitive-paying STEM jobs such as data analysts, data managers and research associates.
• Saint Louis University is one of the few universities to offer an undergraduate degree in biostatistics and the only Catholic, Jesuit University to offer this program.

Additional degree options include:

• Accelerated Program for high achieving students who wish to earn a B.S. in Biostatistics in four years and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Health Data Science with one additional year of study; students apply to this selective program during their fifth semester of study
• Pre-med track for students interested in going to medical school
• Medical Scholars track for students in the Medical Scholars Program
• Honors Courses for students in the Honors Program

Curriculum Overview

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

A core curriculum of humanities, science, math, social science, language, and fine arts coursework, combined with general electives fills out the remainder of the 120 credits required for graduation. Many students use electives to pursue double majors or minors.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Saint Louis University has a strong service component. Students can embody the institution’s Jesuit mission by using the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. Service learning provides valuable field experience and helps biostatistics students connect with the St. Louis community.

Students can volunteer with health care providers and agencies that serve underprivileged communities, assist faculty with research projects, and apply to national internships and summer programs in data science.  Students can also become members of the Public Health Club 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 government, industry, and academia. 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.

Admission Requirements

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 course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission 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 Saint Louis University.

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 Saint Louis University
  • 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 postsecondary 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.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

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

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

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.

Continuation Standards

• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
• Minimum grade of “C” in all B.S. in Biostatistics major courses
• Minimum grade of “C-” 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 enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

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.

Program Notes

Minimum of 120 credits including requirements listed above & cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 to graduate and/or remain in good standing with the program.

Approved English Literature Courses

See Arts & Sciences core BS requirements full listing. 

Not ENGL 3850 Foundations Rhetoric & Writing (3 cr) through ENGL 3870 Technical Writing (3 cr), or ENGL 4100 History of the English Language (3 cr) through ENGL 4120 Language Studies: Topics (3 cr).

Approved Fine Arts Courses

See Arts & Sciences core BS requirements for full listing.

Approved Social Sciences

Any courses from Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Forensic Science, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Communication

 Communication Sciences & Disorders

Education

 Social Work