PhD Program

Description Of The Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biostatistics and data science prepares individuals to be leaders in academics and research, ready to apply and develop novel solutions, lead collaborative teams, and teach the next generation of data scientists.

Ph.D. applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

• Baccalaureate Degree in a relevant scientific discipline


• GPA ≥3.0


• Three letters of recommendation


• Personal statement


• Your statement should include previous professional or research experience, current professional interests, and long-term career goals. Please also explain how you became interested in the degree program and how it will help you to achieve your goals. The Personal Statement should adequately explain these areas, but should not exceed two pages


• Prior coursework in mathematics courses such as advanced calculus and Linear algebra are required.


• All candidates for admission are encouraged to have:


• Proficiency in a statistical package or programming language
• Some background in the natural\biomedical sciences.


• A GRE score >300 (or >1000 for tests taken before 8/1/11) on the combined verbal and quantitative sections is preferred


• Students whose combined verbal and quantitative scores meet the above standards will be granted full admission to the School of Population Health. Students whose combined verbal and quantitative scores are < 300 (new GRE) or < 1000 (old GRE) will be considered for conditional admission based on the recommendation of the Program Director. To obtain full admission the student must, within three academic semesters of admission, attain a GPA of >3.0, or retake the GRE and score >300. Conditional students who fail to meet the criteria listed above will be dismissed from the program.