FAQs

Online MS Frequently Asked Questions

What prerequisites are required in order to be considered for the MS Online program?

We strongly prefer our students to have taken courses in calculus and linear algebra, but do not automatically disqualify students based on these courses. That being said, we do require some sort of college-level mathematics background because our first semester biostatistics courses will utilize advanced mathematics concepts. We would strongly advise any student interested in pursuing a graduate degree in biostatistics to take as many of these mathematics courses as possible prior to beginning our program.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

Yes. The graduate school requires submission of GRE scores for all applicants except those with a previous graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. These applicants may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Admission Test at the program’s discretion.

Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination required for international applicants?

UF requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The university’s TOEFL code is 5812.

Minimum scores acceptable for admissions are:

  • TOEFL: 550 (paper test); 80 (internet based)
  • IELTS: 6
  • MELAB: 77
  • Please note: The TOEFL ITP is not accepted for admission purposes.

International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if enrolled for one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to your anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or if you are from one of these countries.

Florida law requires all non-U.S. students who are going to be graduate teaching assistants — even if exempted from the IELTS, MELAB and TOEFL requirement — to prove adequate command of the English language.

What is the cost of enrollment in the MS Online program?

Tuition for the Biostatistics Methods and Practice concentration costs $750.00 per credit hour (regardless of residency status) plus miscellaneous fees paid directly to UF (these usually average about $36 per credit hour). Approximate cost for the 36-credit concentration is $28,296.00.

Tuition for the Health Data Science concentration costs $448.73 per credit hour (Florida residents) plus miscellaneous fees paid directly to UF (about $82 per credit hour) and $950 per credit hour (out-of-state residents) plus miscellaneous fees paid directly to UF (about $36 per credit hour). Approximate cost for the 36-credit concentration is $19,106.28 for Florida residents and $35,496 for out-of-state students.

Are there any assistantships or funding available for MS Online students?

We do not currently have any scholarships or assistantships available within the department for MS level students, but we encourage those students to explore financial aid and third party funding.

How long does the MS Online program take a student to complete?

That depends on the pace that the students take the courses. It is a 36-credit program and most students take at least two courses (six credits) per Fall and Spring terms. If taken full time, the program is designed to take two years to complete. Students must be enrolled in at least three credits in the Fall/Spring terms to remain active in the program.

Is there admission for this program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms?

At this time, we are only accepting applications and admitting for the Fall terms. Incoming students begin taking classes in August. We may change this policy in the future as the program expands.

When is the application deadline for Fall admission?

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted no later than July 15 in order to be considered for admission. Applications will be reviewed and considered for admission as soon as a complete application is submitted through the online portal (this includes transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and GRE/TOEFL scores.) 

How do I apply to the MS Online program?

Information about this process can be found at our application instructions page.