Skip to main content

Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate

School of Public Health

Student presents her data during the WVU Public Health NIOSH Research Day in April 2024

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 WVU School of Public Health Applied Biostatistics Graduate Certificate is for individuals who lack formal training in biostatistics and who would like to gain skills needed to understand and apply standard statistical techniques. This program is especially useful for clinical and translational researchers, as well as public health practitioners.

Cost:

$894 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

5 Courses / 15 Credits

Duration:

One to two years

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Term: Fall

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

Request Info How to Apply

Program Overview

Understand & Apply Standard Statistical Techniques

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.

Curriculum

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.

Certification Code - CG32

Required Courses

  • BIOS 501: Applied Biostatistics I, 3 credit hours
  • BIOS 502: Applied Biostatistics I Lab, 1 credit hours
  • BIOS 503: Applied Biostatistics II, 3 credit hours
  • BIOS 604: Applied Biostatistics III, 3 credit hours
  • BIOS 605: Applied Biostatistics Capstone, 2 credit hours
  • EPID 601: Public Health Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
Total: 15 Credit Hours

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

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 Process and How to Apply

  • 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.
  • Students currently enrolled at WVU should also submit the online application, but need to contact Associate Professor Christa Lilly, PhD, prior to application.
  • Request an official transcript from each college or university attended.
    • It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
    • Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be mailed directly to: WVU Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 6510, Morgantown WV. 26506-6510.

Program Contact:

Christa Lilly, MS, PhD
Associate Professor, Epidemology and Biostatistics
(304) 293-6515

Please allow 48 hours for a response

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Since certificates are considered non-degree-seeking programs, they don't qualify for financial aid. However, many certificate programs allow you to transition into a full degree, at which point financial aid can be applied.

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. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Connect with an Admissions Coach

Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-6841 jessica.carr1@mail.wvu.edu

Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Placeholder

Careers and Employment

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 Paths

  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Medical Scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Biostatistician
  • Statistician
  • Clinical Data Manager
  • Bioinformatics Technician
  • Bioinformatics Scientist

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

Request Information

Connect with Admissions Coach