by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, biostatistics was the 382nd most popular major nationwide with 1,275 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 40 over the prior year, a growth of 3.1%.
This year's Best Biostatistics Schools ranking compares 71 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom biostatistics rankings further below.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents is a required skill for biostatistics majors. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times are all required skills for careers related to this major.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific biostatistics careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Biostatistics degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in biostatistics to the highest biostatistics degree, a . The type of biostatistics degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to biostatistics, with approximately 34.1% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for biostatistics workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 34.1% |
| Master’s Degree | 27.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 16.7% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 14.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 2.3% |
59.4% of biostatistics workers have at least a master's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in biostatistics careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the biostatistics career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your biostatistics degree? Biostatistics careers are expected to grow 20.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biostatistics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | 294,000 | 25.9% |
| Medical Scientists | 136,100 | 13.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Statisticians | 49,800 | 33.9% |
| Biological Scientists | 41,800 | 8.0% |
As you might expect, salaries for biostatistics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for biostatistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers biostatistics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Health Specialties Professors | $122,320 |
| Medical Scientists | $96,420 |
| Statisticians | $92,600 |
| Biological Scientists | $83,600 |
With over 165 different biostatistics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased biostatistics school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Biostatistics that might interest you.
One of 4 majors within the Biomathematics & Bioinformatics area of study, Biostatistics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Bioinformatics | 1,156 |
| Computational Biology | 209 |
| Biomathematics | 169 |
| Biometry/Biometrics | 148 |
