Careers

The field of statistics explores learning from large, complex data sets, and measuring and communicating the associated uncertainty in what they imply. Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to problems in biology and biomedicine.

With the explosion in “big data” arising from genomics studies, web-based social interactions, and other clinical and observational sources, the field of biostatistics is becoming more and more critical to sensible, well-informed decision-making. At present, however, the nation’s supply of well-trained biostatisticians is not keeping up with demand.

As one example, the fields of clinical and translational research are expanding, driven by changing disease patterns and emerging therapeutic approaches from the laboratory, clinical and population sciences. But there are growing concerns about the quality and safety of research in humans, as evidenced by public scandals and increasing regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The result is an increasing demand for well-trained individuals who bring specific, technical biostatistical knowledge to the design, implementation and interpretation of clinical and observational research studies.

The online Applied Biostatistics Certificate is designed for persons currently working as data managers or analysts in government, industry or academia, but who lack formal training in biostatistical methods for organizing and analyzing large clinical and observational databases.