Biostatistics, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students, through quality lecture and practical experiences and other research opportunities, for involvement in teaching and independent and collaborative biostatistical research; and trains researchers to teach and to pursue original research on analytical approaches to investigating health conditions, and to develop novel biostatistical approaches. The following objectives are premised upon having successfully met all of the objectives delineated previously that are common to the M.P.H. and M.S. degrees.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will display a mastery of advanced biostatistical techniques.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to teach topics in biostatistics in a formal classroom setting.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to consult with clients outside of the university setting and provide them with statistical assistance on a health-related problem.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to finish a dissertation and communicate the results.

Admissions

Applicants for a graduate degree in Biostatistics must have a degree from an approved college or university. Applicants must meet all requirements of The Graduate School for admission and be recommended to the Graduate School for acceptance by the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

When we make our admissions decisions, we evaluate the applicant's entire file in relation to the pool of applicants that year. We also evaluate whether the applicant's needs and goals fit well with our department's strengths and resources.

The admission criteria for all degree programs follow those of The Graduate School and the Arnold School of Public Health. Before you can be considered for admission, you must submit an Online Application via http://www.sophas.org. Your application must include:

• Completed Application submitted through SOPHAS — http://www.sophas.org
• At least two letters of recommendation for the MPH and MSPH programs and at least three letters of recommendation for the PhD program
• An updated Résumé or CV
• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken
• Official copies of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• A personal statement that addresses research or practice interests and long-term objectives

Candidates for all graduate programs in Biostatistics must demonstrate proficiency in communicating in English, working with mathematical concepts, and in thinking analytically. While we do not set absolute cut points for grade point average and GRE scores (in part because of variability in test-taking ability that may not reflect competence to do well in the programs, and the fact that the percentile scores vary by year) we value their ability to provide us with global comparative criteria. Therefore, we provide the following as a general guideline for all our programs:

• Grade point average of 3.0
• GRE Verbal score > 151 (International students whose GRE Verbal score is > 146, and whose TOEFL score is at least the minimum defined below, will also be considered)
• GRE Quantitative score > 157 for the  M.S.P.H. program and > 161 for the Ph.D. program

Committee members review the entire files carefully. Clear demonstration of competence in one or more domain(s) can supersede specific GRE score(s)

An electronic application packet should be submitted to SOPHAS as early as possible, and will not be processed until all the required credentials have been received and verified. Electronic applications can be submitted online. For information on how to apply electronically see the Arnold School of Public Health's admissions website.

International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree in an English-speaking country are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the University of Cambridge's International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 230 (computer-based) or 570 (paper-based) or 75 (Internet-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5. Proficiency in English sufficient to undertake graduate study is expected upon entry. Students who do not meet proficiency levels established by The Graduate School and the department will be expected to take additional work to raise their level of performance. Also, any transcript from a non-US institution will need to be verified by  World Education Services (WES). WES is an organization that provides international credential evaluation and checks documents for validity and accuracy. WES also offers an analysis of an individual's degrees and transcripts and will provide equivalents for each credential. For more information contact WES at http://www.wes.org or 212-219-7330.

Doctoral Admission Requirements

Departmental courses are sequenced so that students may begin their program of study in the fall or spring semester. Applications for summer admission will also be accepted.

For the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program, preference for admission is given to applicants with breadth and depth of academic preparation in Biostatistics, Statistics, or a closely related field. Applicants must have a master's degree in one of these areas, or a master's degree in some other field and experience in these areas. Applicants should also have completed with a B or greater Vector Calculus and Matrix or Linear Algebra.

Applicants whose native language is not English must: 

1. Submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. 

2. Take a diagnostic test in English when they arrive at the university.