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.
A student applying to a master's program must:
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
You must have a 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
Upload your resume or C.V. in the application system.
The system will ask you to upload a statement of purpose. Include the following information:
If your background is not in mathematics, please explain in your statement.
Submit the name and email address for a letter of recommendation. If you’re applying for a graduate assistantship and/or partial tuition waiver, you’ll need two letters of recommendation.
Letters will be uploaded by the individuals writing them.
Letters should address your academic ability and the ability to communicate mathematics.
You’ll need a minimum of the following mathematics courses:
If your transcripts do not clearly show you have this background, please explain in your statement of purpose.
Term | Application Deadline |
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Fall (August) | March 1 for financial consideration (graduate assistantships, tuition waivers) |
Fall (August) | July 1 |
Spring (January) | October 1 |
Summer (May/June) | April 1 (funding is unavailable) |
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
Graduate assistants receive
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
Name | Office | Phone | |
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Dr. Maochao Xu | Stevenson 309C | mxu2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7674 |