Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) with Concentration in Biostatistics

^{(Effective Fall 2026 - for all students who entered UCSD in FA26 and later)}

Biostatistics involves statistical processes and methods applied to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data relating to human biology, health, and medicine. The Concentration in Biostatistics provides students the opportunity to receive foundational training in statistical methods and data analysis related to public health issues. In addition, this concentration enables students interested in pursuing a career in biostatistics to explore the field and complete courses required for admission to graduate school, including statistical analyses, computer programming, and mathematical methods.

Please see plans.ucsd.edu for a sample academic plan.

Entry to the Major

Every Public Health Major has their own Major Entry Criteria. Please see Public Health Major Entry Requirement on our website for more details.

Lower-Division Requirements (53 units)

Public Health Sciences (1 course, 4 units)

PH 40 or PH 40R

Biology (3 courses, 12 units)

BILD 1, BILD 2, BILD 3

Computer Programming (1 course, 4 units)

CSE 6, CSE 6R, CSE 8A, CSE 8B, CSE 11, CSE 180, CSE 180R, ECE 15

Formal Skills and Quantitative Methods (5 courses, 21 units)

MATH 11, MATH 18, MATH 20A, MATH 20B, MATH 20C

Public Health Research Methods (1 course, 4 units)

PH 45 or PH 45R

Public Health Trending Topics (PH TT) (1 course, 4 units)

Select from the following: PH 70-85

Public Health Elements (PH LDE) (total of 4 units required)

Select from the following: PH 50-95, PH 98-99

Upper-Division Requirements (48 or 52 units)

Public Health Core Disciplines (5 courses, 20 units)

PH 101 or PH 101R, PH 102 or PH 102R, PH 110 or PH 110R, PH 120 or PH 120R, PH 130

Statistical Analysis Concentration Core (3 courses, 12 units)

MATH 180A, MATH 181A, MATH 181B

Public Health Perspectives (total of 8 units required)

Select from the following: PH 140-191, PH 195P, PH 198-199

Capstone Experience (2 courses, 8 or 12 units)

Option 1: PH 193 or PH 193R, PH 194 or PH 194R
Option 2: PH 196AH, PH 196BH

Additional Requirements

Students who want to declare a major in public health must first meet all Public Health Entry criteria.
PH 40 or PH 40R must be completed at UC San Diego.
All LD and UD major courses must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of AIP 197, PH 88, PH 90, PH 98, PH 99, PH 195P, PH 198, and PH 199, which may only be taken P/NP.
A minimum grade of C- is required in any course to be counted towards fulfillment of LD and UD major requirements.
No more than 4 units of AIP 197 may be used to meet UD major requirements.