Welcome Letter

Welcome to the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics at Georgetown University. We are an academic department that specializes in biostatistics, bioinformatics and biomathematics. This three-fold powerhouse (we like to call it Bio3) is unique.  It is the common thread connecting health data science and biomedical research. Faculty members are passionate about teaching and conducting breakthrough studies on topics including methods for the design and analysis of clinical and preclinical studies, proteomics, functional genomics, and cancer prevention and control. Please peruse our pages to find information about our nationally recognized faculty, and topics ranging from our research in biostatistics, bioinformatics and collaborations with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center to our Master of Science (M.S.) program and our Doctorate (Ph.D.) program in Biostatistics.

The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area is a fast-growing biotechnology and biomedical research center as well as a hub for government and commerce.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is located here in Washington, DC.  HHS is composed of 27 Institutes and Centers, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are major employers of biostatisticians and epidemiologists.  HHS has been vital to improving the health of the nation.  Just down the street from Georgetown University are abundant opportunities to collaborate with the scientists at NIH and regulatory scientists at the FDA to be a part of the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Our Master’s of Science program in Biostatistics is the gateway to a fulfilling career. Students will gain knowledge on cancer biostatistics, bioinformatics and epidemiology. I have never seen a Biostatistician who is jobless – except by choice. Our graduates hold positions in academic research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and the biotechnology industry. They can also join private-sector research and consulting firms or lobbying agencies, or begin a Ph.D. program in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Biomathematics, Epidemiology, or other biomedical fields. Our MS curriculum includes a rigorous foundation of general core methodology, data science, a unique Practicum exploring real world quantitative issues in biomedical research, and a bi-weekly seminar series with nationally recognized speakers in the fields.

Our Ph.D. program in Biostatistics trains students to become outstanding biostatisticians to advance the field of biostatistics.  A distinguishing feature of the program is its integration within the world-class biomedical research enterprise at Georgetown University, the Georgetown University Medical Center, and its renowned Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Students will not only acquire powerful modern statistical methods and computational tools, but will be educated in cognate areas of biological and health sciences such as genetics, epidemiology, and biology.

We encourage you to apply if you have a passion for science and a love of learning.  Both M.S. applications and Ph.D. applications are being accepted for the next Fall semester.

We hope you enjoy touring the Bio3 Department website. If you have a question about the program, a general comment, or just want to say hello, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you!

Ming T. Tan, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics