Mathematics BS / Biostatistics MS

Major: Mathematics (BS) / Biostatistics (MS)
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 227.0
Co-op Options: One Co-op (Five years); No Co-op (Five years);

 

About the Program

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Dornsife School of Public Health offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Science in Biostatistics. Participants can earn both a BS degree in Mathematics and a MS degree in Biostatistics in five years.

In this accelerated degree program, students participate in the undergraduate program for four full years (with or without one co-operative experience). After two years of undergraduate study, students begin their graduate studies in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program. The third and fourth year are a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses. After the successful completion of their fourth year, students receive their BS. When students successfully complete the remainder of their graduate studies (typically two graduate quarters), they will receive the MS degree.

Students in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program complete 47.0 graduate quarter credits to meet the requirements of the master's program.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the Mathematics web page.

Admission Requirements 

Application to the BSMS program begins after a student has completed at least 90 credits and no more than 120 credits. A freshman student can be designated as a BSMS Provisional Admit but is not officially accepted into the BSMS program until the student completes at least 90 credits and meets the admissions criteria.

Acceptance to the Drexel MS in Biostatistics is conditional upon a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA, a 3.5 GPA in math, and a minimum grade of B in Linear Algebra and Calculus courses. Applicants who meet the GPA and grade criteria will be evaluated by the MS in Biostatistics admissions committee in order to be considered for admission.

Students must verify their intent to continue or enroll in the accelerated program with their advisor by the end of the spring term of year one. Students must submit a SOPHAS Express application to the graduate Master of Science in Biostatistics program during their third year.

Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
UNIV S101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV S201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum
Engaging the Natural World **6.0-8.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories **6.0-8.0
Understanding Society & Human Behavior **6.0-8.0
Cultivating Global Competence **6.0-8.0
Perspectives in Diversity **3.0-4.0
Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course3.0-4.0
Undergraduate Free electives45.0
Computer Science Sequence
CS 150Computer Science Principles3.0
or CS 164 Introduction to Computer Science
CS 171Computer Programming I3.0
CS 172Computer Programming II3.0
Mathematics Requirements
MATH 121Calculus I ***0.0,4.0
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 123Calculus III4.0
MATH 200Multivariate Calculus0.0,4.0
MATH 201Linear Algebra4.0
MATH 210Differential Equations4.0
MATH 220Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning3.0
MATH 331Abstract Algebra I0.0,4.0
MATH 332Abstract Algebra II3.0
MATH 401Elements of Modern Analysis I3.0
MATH 402Elements of Modern Analysis II3.0
Math Major Electives
Select a minimum of 40.0 credits from the following:40.0
Combinatorics
Math Competition Problem Solving Seminar
Mathematics of Investment and Credit
Differential Equations II
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Probability and Statistics I
Probability and Statistics II
Probability and Statistics III
Mathematical Applications of Symbolic Software
Mathematical Applications of Statistical Software
Techniques of Data Analysis
Actuarial Mathematics
Vector Calculus
Complex Variables
Partial Differential Equations
Linear Algebra II
Introduction to Topology
Mathematical Finance
Introduction to Graph Theory
Cryptography
Introduction to Monte Carlo Methods
Tensor Calculus
Required MS Biostatistics Courses
BST 522Introduction to Probability for Biostatistics3.0
BST 551Statistical Inference I3.0
BST 553Longitudinal Data Analysis3.0
BST 555Introduction to Statistical Computing3.0
BST 557Survival Data Analysis3.0
BST 567Statistical Collaboration3.0
BST 569Linear Statistical Models4.0
BST 570Generalized Linear Models4.0
BST 675Statistical Collaboration Lab3.0
BST 701Advanced Statistical Computing3.0
EPI 570Introduction to Epidemiology3.0
PBHL 501Introduction to Public Health0.0
Master's Project
Select one from the following:3.0
Statistical Collaboration in Practice
Data Analysis Project
Graduate Electives
Select from the list below:9.0
Any (BST) Biostatistics 500-999 level course
Any (EPI) Epidemiology 500-999 level course
Total Credits215.0-237.0
*

Students not participating in co-op will take one additional credit of Free Elective instead of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

***

Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher.

MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission.

MATH 100, MATH 101, MATH 102, MATH 110, MATH 119, MATH 180, MATH 171, MATH 172, MATH 173, and MATH 239 do not count towards the degree unless approved by the department.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study  

4+1, 1 co-op (Accelerated program completed in 5 years)

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CS 150
Computer Science Principles
or Introduction to Computer Science
3.0
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 4.0
UNIV S101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
(UG) Engaging the Natural World ** 3.0-4.0
 Credits14-15
Winter
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
COOP 101 Career Management and Professional Development * 1.0
CS 171 Computer Programming I 3.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
(UG) Engaging the Natural World ** 3.0-4.0
 Credits15-16
Spring
CS 172 Computer Programming II 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 123 Calculus III 4.0
MATH 200 Multivariate Calculus 4.0
(UG) Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course 3.0-4.0
 Credits17-18
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
COM 230 Techniques of Speaking 3.0
MATH 201 Linear Algebra 4.0
MATH 220 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 3.0
(UG) Understanding Society & Human Behavior ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) Free Electives 6.0
 Credits19-20
Winter
MATH 210 Differential Equations 4.0
(UG) Cultivating Global Competence ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 6.0
(UG) Perspectives in Diversity ** 3.0-4.0
 Credits16-18
Spring
(UG) Analyzing Cultures & Histories ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 6.0
(UG) Understanding Society & Human Behavior ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) Free Electives 4.0
 Credits16-18
Summer
(UG) Analyzing Cultures & Histories ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) Cultivating Global Competence ** 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 3.0
(UG) Free Electives 9.0
 Credits18-20
Third Year
Fall
MATH 401 Elements of Modern Analysis I 3.0
(UG) Free Electives 9.0
BST 569 Linear Statistical Models 4.0
EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0
 Credits19
Winter
MATH 402 Elements of Modern Analysis II 3.0
UNIV S201 Looking Forward: Academics and Careers 1.0
(UG) Free Electives 9.0
BST 555 Introduction to Statistical Computing 3.0
BST 570 Generalized Linear Models 0.0,4.0
 Credits16-20
Spring
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Summer
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Fourth Year
Fall
MATH 331 Abstract Algebra I 4.0
(UG) Math Electives 9.0
BST 522 Introduction to Probability for Biostatistics 3.0
BST 557 Survival Data Analysis 3.0
 Credits19
Winter
MATH 332 Abstract Algebra II 3.0
(UG) MATH Electives 9.0
BST 551 Statistical Inference I 3.0
BST 553 Longitudinal Data Analysis 3.0
 Credits18
Spring
(UG) Free Electives 8.0
(UG) MATH Electives 7.0
BST 701 Advanced Statistical Computing 3.0
 Credits18
Summer
BS Degree Awarded  
Student converts to Graduate status  
 Credits0
Fifth Year
Fall
BST 567 Statistical Collaboration 3.0
BST 675 Statistical Collaboration Lab 3.0
PBHL 501 Introduction to Public Health 0.0
(GR) Graduate Electives 3.0
 Credits9
Winter
BST 698
Statistical Collaboration in Practice
or Data Analysis Project
3.0
(GR) Graduate Electives 6.0
 Credits9
 Total Credits223-237
*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

4+1, no co-op (Accelerated program completed in 5 years)

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CS 150
Computer Science Principles
or Introduction to Computer Science
3.0
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 4.0
UNIV S101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
(UG) Engaging the Natural World * 3.0-4.0
 Credits14-15
Winter
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
CS 171 Computer Programming I 3.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
(UG) Engaging the Natural World * 3.0-4.0
 Credits14-15
Spring
CS 172 Computer Programming II 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 123 Calculus III 4.0
MATH 200 Multivariate Calculus 4.0
(UG) Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV 3.0-4.0
 Credits17-18
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
COM 230 Techniques of Speaking 3.0
MATH 201 Linear Algebra 4.0
MATH 220 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 3.0
(UG) Analyzing Cultures & Histories * 3.0-4.0
(UG) Understanding Society & Human Behavior * 3.0-4.0
 Credits16-18
Winter
MATH 210 Differential Equations 4.0
(UG) Cultivating Global Competence * 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 7.0
(UG) Perspectives in Diversity * 3.0-4.0
 Credits17-19
Spring
(UG) Cultivating Global Competence * 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 3.0
(UG) Understanding Society & Human Behavior * 3.0-4.0
(UG) Free Electives 8.0
 Credits17-19
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Third Year
Fall
MATH 331 Abstract Algebra I 4.0
(UG) Free Electives 9.0
BST 569 Linear Statistical Models 4.0
EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0
 Credits20
Winter
MATH 332 Abstract Algebra II 3.0
UNIV S201 Looking Forward: Academics and Careers 1.0
(UG) Free Electives 9.0
BST 555 Introduction to Statistical Computing 3.0
BST 570 Generalized Linear Models 0.0,4.0
 Credits16-20
Spring
(UG) Analyzing Cultures & Histories * 3.0-4.0
(UG) MATH Electives 6.0
(UG) Free Electives 10.0
 Credits19-20
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Fourth Year
Fall
MATH 401 Elements of Modern Analysis I 3.0
(UG) Math Electives 9.0
BST 522 Introduction to Probability for Biostatistics 3.0
BST 557 Survival Data Analysis 3.0
 Credits18
Winter
MATH 402 Elements of Modern Analysis II 3.0
(UG) MATH Electives 9.0
BST 551 Statistical Inference I 3.0
BST 553 Longitudinal Data Analysis 3.0
 Credits18
Spring
(UG) MATH Electives 6.0
(UG) Free Electives 10.0
BST 701 Advanced Statistical Computing 3.0
 Credits19
Summer
BS Degree Awarded  
Student converts to Graduate status  
 Credits0
Fifth Year
Fall
BST 567 Statistical Collaboration 3.0
BST 675 Statistical Collaboration Lab 3.0
PBHL 501 Introduction to Public Health 0.0
(GR) Graduate Electives 3.0
 Credits9
Winter
BST 698
Statistical Collaboration in Practice
or Data Analysis Project
3.0
(GR) Graduate Electives 6.0
 Credits9
 Total Credits223-237
*

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.