The Biomathematics program at Illinois State University was developed to help students understand how biology and mathematics are intertwined and how a broad-based knowledge of each area will be critical for future graduate study and/or employment opportunities.
The Biomathematics sequence incorporates cross-disciplinary research as integral to the curriculum. Students choose a series of courses concentrated in one of three critical areas of Biomathematics (theoretical and applied statistics, deterministic and stochastic modeling, or computation and bioinformatics) and conduct thesis research within the cross-disciplinary field of Biomathematics. It is one of several Programs of Excellence awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences. There is no other Biomathematics M.S. program in Illinois, and the few existing programs in the nation typically do not exhibit the strong and balanced emphasis on coursework in both disciplines the Biomathematics program will offer.
Illinois State's Biomathematics program is a member of the Intercollegiate Biomathematics Alliance (IBA). Thanks to this membership, our graduate students have an unprecedented access to biomathematics researchers, educators, and facilities across the country. This rich and diverse body of knowledge makes it possible for our students to choose from a wide range of research problems, working with faculty members of other highly respectable institutions along with their home research advisers.