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Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

5

Courses Required

$867

Cost Per Credit Hour

15

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Understand & Apply Standard Statistical Techniques

Biostatistics is the science of developing and applying statistical methods needed to tackle research problems in a variety of fields – especially public health and medicine. The Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate, offered by the School of Public Health, is for individuals who lack formal training in biostatistics and who would like to gain skills needed to understand and apply standard statistical techniques. The certificate is designed to develop a basic understanding of standard statistical techniques, study design, data modeling and inference. This program is especially useful for clinical and translational researchers, as well as public health practitioners.

Biostatistician worker analyzing data.

Students in the Applied Biostatistics Certificate program typically take one to two classes per semester. Completion of the 15-credit-hour program usually takes two years.

Coursework begins with a traditional introduction to biostatistics in which basic principles of statistical inference and data analysis are introduced, along with a corresponding computing section that demonstrates analytic tools in a practical setting using statistical software. Later courses cover regression principles and more sophisticated data analysis techniques. All of the courses incorporate important epidemiologic concepts, and an introductory course in epidemiology is recommended early in the program.

The final capstone course allows students to utilize the knowledge gained in their coursework to analyze real data of their own in a comprehensive manner. Students work on a dedicated data analysis stemming from their own research or the work of others, culminating in a final research paper. Although there are no formal class meetings, students complete the equivalent of 30 contact hours, plus assignments, by the end of the semester. A formal report or manuscript, depending on the situation of the student, is required at the end of the semester.

The primary objectives of the program are to:

  • Describe basic concepts of probability and statistical inference;
  • Demonstrate standard techniques of database management and analysis;
  • Compare and contrast study designs common to health research;
  • Recognize the primary sources of bias observed in health research;
  • Interpret appropriate inferences from data, based on strengths and limitations of major epidemiologic study designs, as well as the results of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.

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Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

To be considered for the fall, students should submit their application by August 1. Completed applications are sent to the department for review. Students will receive an e-mail from the department regarding their acceptance.

Admissions

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred overall GPA of 3.0 (official transcripts required)
  • Essay describing previous education and experience and career objectives
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • At least two letters of recommendation
  • Computer skills are a program requirement. It is the responsibility of the student to become skilled in computer applications and to participate in the Health Sciences Center Mandatory Laptop Program.
  • Students currently enrolled at WVU should also submit the online application, but need to contact Associate Professor Christa Lilly, PhD, prior to application.
  • Complete the Online Application and indicate Applied Biostatistics Certificate and submit with the processing fee.
  • Submit official school transcripts and official GRE scores to:
    WVU HSC Admissions
    64 Medical Center Drive
    1170 HSC North
    Morgantown, WV 26506
  • International students must submit to:
    WVU Hub
    62 Morrill Way - Suite 220
    Morgantown, WV 26506

Program Contact:

Christa Lilly, MS, PhD
Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
(304) 293-6515
Email: cllilly@hsc.wvu.edu

Please allow 48 hours for a response

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

The future for graduates with a certificate in Applied Biostatistics.

Applied biostatisticians play an important role in healthcare and public health, as they are responsible for designing and analyzing clinical trials, conducting epidemiological research, and analyzing healthcare data to help inform healthcare policy and decision-making. As the demand for evidence-based medicine and healthcare continues to grow, the need for skilled applied biostatisticians is likely to increase as well. Therefore, the future for applied biostatisticians with a certificate in the field is promising.

Career outlook for Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of statisticians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for data analysis in healthcare, business, and government. Overall, the future for applied biostatisticians with a certificate in the field is likely to be bright, with many opportunities for employment and career advancement in the healthcare and public health sectors.

What can you do with an applied biostatistics certificate?

Employment opportunities for applied biostatisticians can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions.

Certificate Code - CG32

The Applied Biostatistics Certificate is designed for those individuals who lack formal training in biostatistics and would like to gain skills needed to understand and apply standard statistical techniques. It is a fully online program that is available to practitioners and/or students at WVU and elsewhere.

Course Title Credit Hours
BIOS 601 Applied Biostatistics 1 4
BIOS 603 Applied Biostatistics 2 3
BIOS 604 Applied Biostatistics 3 3
BIOS 605 Applied Biostatistics Capstone 2
EPID 601 Public Health Epidemiology 3

Total hours: 15

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some potential career paths in this field?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Biostatistics may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

  • Clinical Research Coordinator Projected Growth: 5-10%
  • Medical Scientist Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Epidemiologist Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Biostatistician Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Statistician Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Clinical Data Manager Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Bioinformatics Technician Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Bioinformatics Scientist Projected Growth: 1-5%

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Is this a synchronous or an asynchronous class?

The Applied Biostatistics (CG32) Certificate program is offered online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, making it accessible to individuals from a variety of backgrounds, locations and experiences.

What are the learning goals for this program?

  • Describe basic concepts of probability and statistical inference
  • Demonstrate standard techniques of database management and analysis
  • Compare and contrast study designs common to health research
  • Recognize the primary sources of bias observed in health research
  • Interpret appropriate inferences from data based on strengths and limitations of major epidemiologic study designs as well as the results of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses
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