About this Program
Pharmaceutical and medical device clinical trials, biomedical research studies and biological field studies require statistical analysis and interpretation of results. Biostatisticians play an essential role in converting raw biomedical data into applied knowledge. They work at the intersection of public health, biomedical and biological research to design studies, shape government policy, train researchers and develop new methods for analyzing biological data.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll learn how to employ statistical techniques to answer important scientific questions. Using R software, we’ll apply different techniques for analyzing data sets from scientific and medical research. You’ll develop the ability to process, interpret and report the results of statistical analyses common in biomedical research.
Designed for
Scientists and researchers who use biostatistics in their work, along with those who want an introduction to programming in R.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Familiarity with scientific, biologic or medical terminology
- Proficiency with algebraic manipulations, logarithms and exponential functions
- Good writing skills in English
To confirm that you have sufficient math skills for this program, complete the quantitative skills pre-test before you begin your application. You should expect to spend 30 to 40 minutes completing this assessment. You'll need a score of 60% (18/30) or above to be considered for admission. Your score will be displayed automatically once you've completed the assessment.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn more, see either the noncredit programs or credit programs section of English Language Proficiency Requirements, depending on the option you’re enrolling in.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a computer (Mac or PC) with a recent operating system and a current web browser
- RStudio and R statistical software package (both are free downloads)
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
What You'll Learn
- Foundational statistical analysis tools and linear and multiple regression models
- One-way and two-way analyses of variance, including assumptions, transformations, outlier detection, dummy variables and variable selection procedures
- Methods for analyzing categorical data
- Classification and discrimination techniques and survival analysis, including product limit estimates and the Cox proportional hazards model
- Basic and advanced methods of data manipulation, analysis and graphics in R
Get Hands-On Experience
You’ll complete weekly data analysis exercises and a larger project in each course.
EARN CREDIT TOWARD A FUTURE UW DEGREE
By completing this certificate program, you can earn up to 12 graduate credits that you may be able to apply toward a future UW degree. To use these credits, you must obtain graduate nonmatriculated status before you register for the first course. Contact the master’s program you’re interested in to confirm if these courses are eligible. Note that these credits can’t be applied to the UW Master of Science in Biostatistics.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.