The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a Major in Biostatistics prepares individuals to understand the mathematical and theoretical basis of statistical methodology; collaborate on the design of research studies in the health sciences; provide advice on the proper collection, entry, storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data; and take primary responsibility for the analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data in a research study using state-of-the-art statistical methods and software.
PhD students are also prepared to carry out original methodological research in statistics and apply the resulting methodology to health-related research problems.
PhD in Biostatistics program has the following three tracks:
(1) This track follows a standard PhD curriculum; eligible for an MS on the way to the
PhD; requirements are completed for an MS degree when the student officially enters
candidacy. Both the MS and PhD will be awarded together upon completion of PhD degree
requirements. Must complete 2 full semesters after entering candidacy before they
can defend their dissertation.
(2) This track follows the standard PhD curriculum; not eligible for an MS on the way to the PhD as they already have an MS Biostatistics degree elsewhere; can transfer up to 9 credit hours from an MS degree if approved per standard transfer credit hour policy consideration.
(3) This track follows an abbreviated PhD curriculum (since already completed AU PhD courses as part of AU MS degree program); MS thesis cannot be used as PhD proposal. The students who are on this track must complete 2 full semesters after entering candidacy before they can defend their dissertation.
