This Bachelor’s in Statistics with a focus on Biostatistics at CUNY provides training in mathematical statistics, data analysis and computing for applications in public health, medicine and life sciences. It suits students who enjoy quantitative problem solving and want to apply statistical methods to biomedical or public-health problems, or progress to graduate study in biostatistics, epidemiology or data science.
What you'll study
This programme combines a solid foundation in probability and mathematical statistics with specialised courses and applied training in biostatistics. Study typically covers core statistical theory, computational methods and domain-specific applications in health and biology. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of lectures, computer labs, project work and a practical capstone or internship.
- Core mathematics and statistics: single-variable and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, statistical inference.
- Applied and computational skills: regression and GLMs, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, experimental design, resampling and bootstrap methods, Bayesian methods.
- Biostatistics-focused modules: introductory and advanced biostatistics, analysis of clinical trials, epidemiologic methods, bioinformatics statistics and analysis of genomic data (where available).
- Programming and data tools: practical training in R and statistical computing; exposure to SAS, Python or other scientific computing tools commonly used in health research.
- Research and practical experience: data-oriented projects, collaboration with faculty research, capstone practicum or internship with hospitals, public-health agencies or research labs in the New York City area.
- General education and electives: CUNY general education requirements and elective modules allow breadth in sciences, social sciences or complementary areas such as computer science and public health.
Entry requirements
Entry is typically at the undergraduate level and requires a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in mathematics. Successful applicants normally have studied algebra, geometry and precalculus or calculus; A-levels, IB higher-level maths or equivalent tertiary foundation mathematics are advantageous.
- Strong performance in secondary-school mathematics is expected; prior experience with calculus and elementary probability/statistics is recommended.
- Many students strengthen their application with coursework in biology or chemistry if they wish to focus on biostatistics applications.
- CUNY assesses applications holistically; preparation through college-preparatory programmes, community college transferable credits or bridge courses can support readiness for the major.
- International applicants must satisfy general CUNY admission and English-language proficiency requirements.
Career prospects
Graduates with a statistics degree emphasising biostatistics are in demand across public health, healthcare and the life sciences. Career paths commonly followed include:
- Biostatistician or data analyst in hospitals, clinical research organisations and pharmaceutical companies.
- Analyst roles in public-health agencies, governmental health departments and non-profit health organisations.
- Positions in biomedical research labs, genetics/genomics data analysis and bioinformatics teams.
- Data science and analytics roles in healthcare technology, insurance and health informatics companies.
- Further study leading to careers in academic research or higher-level quantitative roles — common next steps are a Master’s in Biostatistics, an MPH with quantitative focus, or a PhD in statistics/biostatistics.
Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)
CUNY offers access to a large, diverse urban university system with opportunities to engage with clinical and public-health institutions across New York City. Students benefit from faculty who are active in applied research, connections to nearby hospitals and public-health agencies for internships, and collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams.
- Applied opportunities: easy access to internships, practica and research placements in a city with extensive biomedical and public-health employers.
- Practical training: emphasis on computing and real data analysis prepares students for workplace tools and methods used in biostatistics and health data science.
- Supportive pathways: clear articulation and transfer options between community colleges and CUNY four-year colleges, and pathways to graduate programmes in public health and biostatistics.
- Diverse learning environment: a wide mix of students and perspectives that reflect real-world public-health contexts and populations.
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