Health decision sciences. The concentration in health decision sciences offers integrated educational training in decision sciences within the context of health problems. This program draws on courses offered by the Departments of Biostatistics and Health Policy and Management. A related 80-credit SM program with an area of interest in health research is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Management. The consulting requirement may be met by obtaining practical experience under the tutelage of a faculty member.
Students also choose from a variety of elective courses.
The program is designed for students who have a master's degree in one of the mathematical sciences or a doctorate in a quantitative field. Applicants must have a mathematical and statistical background sufficient to achieve a level of proficiency after one year of study comparable to that attained in the 80-credit program. As courses must be taken out of sequence to complete the program in one year, considerable background in probability and statistical inference is needed. The requirements for this degree are essentially the same as for the 80-credit program. The 25-credit core must be completed, although students who have taken equivalent course work elsewhere may petition to substitute more advanced courses.