Acquire a foundation in statistical theory, inference, and applied methods.
Apply advanced coursework, hands-on data analysis experience, and interdisciplinary research opportunities, to develop innovative statistical methodologies, interpret complex health data, and contribute to solutions for public health challenges. Graduates are prepared to lead novel data-driven research.
Perfect for those interested in
- Applying statistical methods to solve problems in biology, medicine, or public health
- Researching and developing new statistical methods
- Working on collaborative research teams
- Using statistical models to assess health outcomes and improve healthcare delivery.
Career Paths
Graduates from this program will work as:
- Data scientists and analysts
- Statisticians
- Consultants
- Manager
Program Overview
See all Epidemiology and Biostatistics graduate student resources.
Acquire a foundation in statistical theory, inference, and applied methods. Apply advanced coursework, hands-on data analysis experience, and interdisciplinary research opportunities, to develop innovative statistical methodologies, interpret complex health data, and contribute to solutions for public health challenges. Graduates are prepared to lead novel data-driven research.
The Ph.D. in Biostatistics offers two pathways depending on the student’s prior qualifications. For students with a relevant master's degree (MS/MPH in Biostatistics), the program requires 48 total credits: 36 course credits and 12 dissertation credits. For students without a relevant master's degree, the program requires 60 total credits: 48 course credits and 12 dissertation credits.
The program’s curriculum includes core coursework in applied biostatistics, theoretical statistics,epidemiology, and public health data science.
The total credits will be 60 for students without prior MS/MPH degree in biostatistics (48 course credits + 12 dissertation credits). The table below provides the list of 11 core courses for students without a relevant master degree (33 credits).
Sample Full-Time Course Sequence for Students entering without relevant master’s degree
First Year
First Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EPIB650 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| EPIB610 | Foundations of Epidemiology | 3 |
| EPIB697 | Public Health Data Management | 3 |
First Year
Second Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EPIB651 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| EPIB680 | Linear Model | 3 |
| SPHL600 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
Second Year
First Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| STAT700 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| EPIB652 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| EPIB655 | Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 |
Second Year
Second Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| STAT701 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| EPIB653 | Applied Survival Data Analysis | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Selected with Advisement | 3 |
Take the Comprehensive Exam at the end of Year 2
Years 3 to 5: Take 4 elective courses (12 credits) and 12 dissertation credits
Sample Full-Time Course Sequence for Students entering with relevant master’s degree
The total credits for PhD in Biostatistics will be 48 (36 course credits + 12 dissertation credits) if students have a prior MS/MPH degree in biostatistics.
First Year
First Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| STAT700 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| EPIB652 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| EPIB610 | Foundations of Epidemiology | 3 |
First Year
Second Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| STAT701 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| EPIB680 | Linear Model | 3 |
| SPHL600 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
Second Year
First Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EPIB655 | Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Selected with Advisement | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Selected with Advisement | 3 |
Second Year
Second Semester Credits (9)
| COURSE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EPIB653 | Applied Survival Data Analysis | 3 |
| EPIB899 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Selected with Advisement | 3 |
Take Comprehensive Exam at the end of Year 2
Years 3 to 4: Take 12 dissertation credits.