The MS in Applied Biostatistics is designed for those wanting a competitive edge in a fast-growing professional field.
Biostatisticians play a critical role in a research team to help study design, quantitative data acquisition, management and analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings in biomedical and public health research fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biostatistics has a projected growth rate of 33% from 2019-2029. With a degree in applied biostatistics, you will be prepared for a career in public or private health organizations, government health organizations, hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and health insurance companies, among others.
Program Highlights
- You will work with faculty on cutting edge projects such as identifying causal gene and biological networks related to human complex diseases; identifying novel drug targets with integration of genomic and microbiome studies; and developing novel prevention strategies for metabolic diseases.
- You will participate in a field practical training with 200 hours of either practical research projects with CGU faculty or an outside internship experience.
- You will learn appropriate statistical approaches to analyze biomedical/public health data and gain practical experience in interpretation and communication of biostatistical concepts and pivotal aspects of student design, data management/analysis, results, and conclusions.
- You will develop solid programming and data management skills using common statistical software packages for data analysis.
Program At-a-glance
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38 units
required units
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MS in Applied Biostatistics
degree awarded
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Online
modality
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Spring, Fall
program start
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5 semesters | full time*
estimated completion time
7-9 semesters | part time
estimated completion time
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
Statistician
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QuidelOrtho
Senior Biostatistician
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Catalyst California
Research & Policy Analyst II
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Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Associate Director, Office of the Executive Director for Strategy, Planning & Outreach
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Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
Data Analyst
Faculty
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Bin Xie
Professor of Community and Global Health
Director of the Applied Biostatistics (MS) programResearch Interests
Obesity prevention; Tobacco control; Diet, physical activity, body image in adolescents; Psychological adjustment to obesity; Diabetes and cancer; Application of statistical analysis in prevention research
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Jessica Clague DeHart
Associate Professor of Community and Global Health
Research Interests
Epidemiology, chronic disease, cancer etiology, cancer survivorship, molecular and genetic epidemiology, lifestyle intervention trials, exercise, nutrition, quality of life, community-based interventions
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Rachaline Napier
Clinical Associate Professor of Community and Global Health
Research Interests
Global Health, Epidemiology
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Darleen V. Peterson
Interim Dean, School of Community and Global Health
Professor of Practice, Community and Global Health
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Director of the Certificate and Master of Public Health (MPH) programsResearch Interests
Evaluation of Health Communication Campaigns, Effects of Pro- and Anti-Tobacco and Alcohol Marketing; Public Health Education Accreditation
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Yusuke Shono
Assistant Professor of Community and Global Health
Research Interests
Application of theories and models of cognitive processes;
Measurement and validation in cognitive, behavioral, and health outcomes assessment;
Implicit cognition and health behavior;
Cognitive assessment and screening
Curriculum
Core Courses (30 units)
- Biostatistics (4 units)
- Epidemiology (4 units)
- Data Analysis (4 units)
- Research Methods (4 units)
- Categorical Data Analysis (4 units)
- Multilevel and Longitudinal Data Analysis (2 units)
- Statistical Programming with R (2 units)
- Statistical Methods in Modern Genetics and Epidemiology (4 units)
- Supervised Field Practical Training and Consultation (2 units)
Elective Courses (8 units)
- Applied Survey Data Analysis (2 units)
- Mediation and Moderation Analysis (2 units)
- Advanced Statistical Method II (4 units)
- Statistical Methods in Genome-wide Association Studies in the Post-GWAS Era (4 units)
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Academic Prerequisites | Undergraduate/graduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher from an accredited college or university. The school encourages applicants who have taken at least one undergraduate course in mathematics, statistics or biostatistics, computer science, or other related fields to apply. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 3 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 38 units |