Biostatistics

Student Handbook

Saint Louis University'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's guidelines for undergraduate data science programs, the curriculum trains students in the management, analysis and interpretation of data within the context of public health and health care. Students gain skills that prepare them to 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:  

• How do we predict the emergence of new infectious diseases? 
• How do neighborhood environments impact chronic disease? 
• How can medical records and insurance data be used to better understand the burden, prevention and control of health outcomes in our populations?
• How can genomic data be used to understand the role of genetics in the risk, treatment and prognosis of disease?

• 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. 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.
• 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.

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.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

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.  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.