| FAQs |
|
Admissions
Prospective Students
Biostatistics Research
AdmissionsQuestion:
How do I apply to your program? Answer:
The Graduate
School relies solely on
electronic media for the application process. Online applications are available
under the "How to apply" link via our web page or by visiting
http://admprosapp2.admissions.unc.edu/grad/, the Graduate Schools web page. ONE
transcript should be mailed directly to the University
of North Carolina, Department of
Biostatistics CB 7420 McGavran-Greenberg, Chapel
Hill NC 27599-7420.
A second official transcript should be mailed directly to the Graduate School.
International applicants must include an official English translation if the
transcript is in the native language. Letters of Recommendation are accepted in
electronic format and submitted on line by the persons you have indicated on
your Graduate School application. You may monitor the
status of your application using the same url and login information used during
the initial application process.
(back to top) Question:
How do I know that Biostatistics is the right field for me? Answer:
If you have a strong mathematical and statistical background
with an interest in the health and biomedical sciences or if you have a
biological or biomedical degree with good quantitative skills and a strong
interest in statistics, you should consider Biostatistics as a field of study
for you. Question:
What is the difference between a PhD degree and a DrPh
degree? Answer:
The PhD program is designed to provide advanced research
oriented training in biostatistical theory and methodology whereas the emphasis
with DrPh program is advanced research training in methodology and
applications. For DrPh degree, one-year prior work experience in a public
health field is required. In Dr. Ph program advanced statistical theory courses
are optional. Question:
With only a bachelor's degree, can I apply directly to the
DrPh program? Answer:
Students with a Bachelor's degree including strong academic
performance in mathematics and statistics and one-year post baccalaureate work
experience in public health are considered for direct admission to the DrPh
program. Question:
How long does it take to complete a Master's degree program? Answer:
A typical student should be able to complete all degree
requirements for a Master's degree (MPH or MS) in two years. (See a typical Master's
degree program under "degree programs"). Question:
What is the deadline for completed application? Answer:
There are two application deadlines, the Graduate School
and the Department of Biostatistics. The Graduate School
deadline is set for January 1. This is for students who are interested in merit
based awards offered by the Graduate
School. This is on a
nomination basis only. The Department of Biostatistics deadline is reflected in
the top right corner of the Graduate
School application and is
tentatively set for March 1. The department and Graduate School
will not accept applications after the March 1 deadline.
(back to top) Question:
Must I complete all required courses in my current program
of study before I apply? Answer:
No. Proof of graduation from your program needs to be
submitted at the time of matriculation into our program. Question:
Will the university accept photocopies of GRE and TOEFL? Answer:
While photocopies of scores will be accepted for informal
evaluation, admission will not be offered until the official report arrives. Question:
What is the department code for GRE and TOEFL? Answer:
The Department of Biostatistics has no code number for the
purpose of GRE and TOEFL. The institutional code of 5816 is sufficient for
sending the scores. You may leave the department code place blank. Question:
What is the UNC institutional code for GRE and TOEFL requirements? Answer:
The institutional code for the University
of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill is 5816. You need not worry about a department code, as ETS
sends the information on tape and is downloaded into your record. The
Educational Testing Services will not send GRE scores that are older than 5
years or TOEFL scores that are 2 years old. Prospective StudentsQuestion:
What degree programs are offered in the department? Answer:
The Department of Biostatistics offers two master's degrees
(MPH and MS) and two doctoral degrees (PhD and DrPh). Question:
What is Biostatistics? Answer:
Biostatistics is a discipline primarily concerned with the
advancement of statistical science and ultimately, by its application, to
improve health. To achieve these goals the Department of Biostatistics offers
training programs to develop and apply innovative statistical methods to
problems of human health and disease, including basic biomedical sciences. Question:
What types of jobs can I get with a doctoral degree in
Biostatistics? Answer:
A degree in Biostatistics provides different career paths
depending on the level of training. Our alumni with a PhD or DrPh degree accept
faculty positions or senior positions in government (Centers for Disease
Control, National Institutes of Health) or in industry (pharmaceutical
companies or other private research facilities such as Research Triangle
Institute, Family Health International, etc). Question:
When will I know the status of my application? Answer:
You may track the status of your application via Applicant
Central as often as you wish. The admission decision is made only after the
application is considered complete. We will contact you informally about the
decision. However, the final decision on admissions is made by the Graduate School. The formal letter regarding the
admission decision will come from the Graduate school. Question:
As an International student, can I get financial support? Answer:
All students, irrespective of their resident status
(domestic or international), are eligible for financial support, but such
support is not guaranteed with admission. International applicants are strongly encouraged to begin
the application process early and to investigate non-university funding sources
thoroughly. All international students must submit a completed financial
statement form and required supporting documents specified by the Office of
International Student and Scholar Services with the application. Additional
information for international students is available from the UNC international
center. Question:
How can I find out about financial support? Answer:
The financial support available to students can be of
different types. The Graduate School offers merit
scholarships, and the department supports students through graduate
research
assistantships. Both domestic and international students are eligible
for these
types of awards. The Department of Biostatistics also offers National
Institutes of Health non-service traineeships to a limited number of US
citizens and permanent visa (green card) holders (financial support
page). There are additional funding sources available for both
domestic and international students for which students can apply
directly: Carolina Population Center
and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Question:
What are the average GRE/GPA scores of admitted students? Answer:
The five-year (1996-2000) average GRE scores for those who
were offered admission are: Verbal 552, Quantitative 733, Analytical 683.
Average GPA of admitted students during this period is 3.4. Question:
What is the GRE requirement for admission? Answer:
All students should take the GRE within the last five years
prior to the application deadline. A minimum score in the 50th percentile is
recommended in the verbal and quantitative parts of the examination. Although
the 50th percentile score varies from year to year, the department's minimum
required scores are generally around 470 for the verbal and 570 for the
quantitative part of the examination. Question:
Do you admit students in spring semester? Answer:
The Department of Biostatistics generally does not admit
students in spring semester. Question:
Who can I contact if I have questions about the application
or to receive additional information about the program? Answer:
You may send an email to admissions@bios.unc.edu, write or
call the department registrar (link address). Question:
What research areas are emphasized in the training program? Answer:
The Department of Biostatistics offers experience in a broad
range of research areas, including general biostatistical methodology (both
analytical and computer intensive) as well as methodological research relating
to specific areas. These areas include clinical trials, cardiovascular disease,
cancer, AIDS and other infectious diseases, statistical genetics, demography
and population studies, environmental studies, medical imaging, nursing, and
many other areas of public health and medical research. (See program
concentrations, faculty research projects and faculty publications). Question:
How many applications does the Department of Biostatistics
receive each year for the graduate program? Answer:
The department typically receives around 200 applications
for approximately 30 openings within the two Master's program and the two
doctoral programs. This number has increased each year. Biostatistics ResearchQuestion:
What are the research concentrations in the UNC-CH School of
Public Health Biostatistics Department? Answer:
|
|
| Last updated November 07, 2006 |
