What is Biomedical Data Science?
Biomedical Data Science is the interdisciplinary field that focuses on the effective uses of biomedical data for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and decision-making, driven by efforts to understand biology and improve human health. Biomedical Data Science involves developing and applying methods for inference, modeling, simulation, experimentation, and translation across the biomedical spectrum from molecules to individuals to populations.
Graduate Programs in Biomedical Data Science
The current explosion of biomedical data presents exciting opportunities to develop and apply computatonal and statistical approaches to advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes and the mechanisms of disease. Our programs in biomedical data science provide students with a deep understanding of computational and statistical methods and their applications in a broad range of problems in biology, medicine, and public health. Students learn how to develop and deploy tools that can make sense of large-scale biomedical data sets, work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and be leaders in the team science efforts that invariably accompany such data.
The Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics and the University of Wisconsin provide an ideal environment for studying biomedical data science, offering a broad range of relevant classes, collaborations with world class researchers in basic science and medicine, and a plethora of opportunities to contribute to leading edge studies in fields such as bioinformatics, biomedical image analysis, clinical biostatistics, clinical informatics, image analysis, machine learning, population health biostatistics, and statistical genomics.
The department features a collegial and collaborative environment. The University of Wisconsin is a prolific, world-class research institution situated on the shore of Lake Mendota. The city of Madison, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to live, offers a wealth of cultural, culinary, sporting, and outdoor activities.
Learn More about graduate programs in Biomedical Data Science at the University of Wisconsin!
Virtual Open House
Coming Fall 2023
Apply to the Biomedical Data Science graduate programs
Applications are due December 15. Applications received after the December 15 deadline for both PhD an MS will not be reviewed.
BDS welcomes applications from all students who meet the entrance requirements and have serious interest in pursuing graduate study in Biomedical Data Science. Often, applicants have undergraduate majors in statistics, computer science, math, biostatistics, or biological sciences. PhD applicants should have at least two semesters of college calculus (similar to Math 221–222), a linear algebra course (similar to Math 340), a course in programming and data structures (similar to CS 200 and CS 300). MS applicants should have a similar background.
How to apply:
- Submit the UW Madison Graduate School Application
- Personal Statement
In 1-2 pages, describe your career goals, academic background, research interests, and past and present research experience that have prepared you for the Biomedical Data Science program - Current CV/Resume
- Transcripts
Upload unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (undergraduate and graduate) even if no degree was received.
Note: International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. If accepted to the program, an official transcript will be requested. - Three letters of recommendation
The three letters should be from people familiar with your research, such as current or previous research/laboratory advisors/mentors, and who can comment on your strengths, character traits, and potential for graduate study. In the online application, list names and emails of three references who will submit electronic letters of recommendation. Using this option, references will automatically receive an email prompt to submit a letter of recommendation electronically. Let your references know ahead of time that the Graduate School will send them a request for their letter of recommendation via email. - Application Fee
The UW Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee grants to eligible students. If you are not eligible for a fee grant from the UW Graduate School, but you participated in a pipeline program designed to prepare students for graduate studies, please contact us by November 1 to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a fee waiver from BDS. - TOEFL or IELTS
If applicable, official TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Scores are sent electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Graduate School at UW–Madison. Our Institution code is 1846, and no department code is required. For international students who are not native English speakers, TOEFL score of 92 or above are required (unless exempt from requirement)
GRE scores are not required and will not be reviewed
Current UW graduate students: Apply here
Graduate Programs in Biomedical Data Science
The current explosion of biomedical data presents exciting opportunities to develop and apply computatonal and statistical approaches to advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes and the mechanisms of disease. Our programs in biomedical data science provide students with a deep understanding of computational and statistical methods and their applications in a broad range of problems in biology, medicine, and public health. Students learn how to develop and deploy tools that can make sense of large-scale biomedical data sets, work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and be leaders in the team science efforts that invariably accompany such data.
The Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics and the University of Wisconsin provide an ideal environment for studying biomedical data science, offering a broad range of relevant classes, collaborations with world class researchers in basic science and medicine, and a plethora of opportunities to contribute to leading edge studies in fields such as bioinformatics, biomedical image analysis, clinical biostatistics, clinical informatics, image analysis, machine learning, population health biostatistics, and statistical genomics.
The department features a collegial and collaborative environment. The University of Wisconsin is a prolific, world-class research institution situated on the shore of Lake Mendota. The city of Madison, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to live, offers a wealth of cultural, culinary, sporting, and outdoor activities.
