Learning Outcomes

• Propose and defend good statistical design as a collaborator on a public health project.
• Promote the use of sound statistical methods to answer open questions in public health science.
• Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice.
• Develop computer programs for the management and analysis of datasets.

The graduate Certificate in Biostatistics requires a minimum of 14 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must earn a grade of at least B-minus in each certificate course and must achieve a Graduate College major program grade-point average of at least 3.00 in order to earn the certificate. The certificate is designed for students who would like to add a formal biostatistics emphasis to their graduate programs.

The program is open to students enrolled in a University of Iowa graduate degree program outside the Department of Biostatistics. It is also open to individuals who hold graduate degrees in science disciplines or professional degrees in the health sciences and are admitted to the Graduate College as nondegree students.

The certificate requires two core courses (6 s.h.) and three electives (minimum 8 s.h.). Students should work with an advisor to plan their coursework carefully because some certificate courses have prerequisites, require permission for enrollment, or are not offered every year. 

The Certificate in Biostatistics requires the following coursework.

Core Courses

Electives

Other courses may be approved as electives by the Department of Biostatistics director of graduate studies. See Certificate in Biostatistics on the College of Public Health website for more information.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

Enrollment is limited; applicants who have completed at least one of the certificate's required courses and whose research will be advanced by biostatistics training are given priority for admission. Visit the Certificate in Biostatistics on the department's website for an application form.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Biostatistics, Graduate Certificate

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Students must complete at least 8 s.h. of electives from BIOS:4510, BIOS:5130, BIOS:6210, BIOS:6310, BIOS:6420, BIOS:6650.