PhD

Biostatistics

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 27 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 27 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 5, 2025
StudyQA ranking:5042 Duration:

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The Ph.D. degree program in biostatistics provides doctoral training in the theory of probability, statistics focusing on biostatistical methodology. The 72-credit degree program is jointly administered by the Department of Statistics in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) and its associated research facility, The Biostatistics Center. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through CCAS and by the Council on Education for Public Health through the Milken Institute SPH. Regulations and requirements for the graduate degree are compatible with policies and scholarship requirements of both CCAS and SPH. The degree is conferred by CCAS. 

At the completion of the PhD degree program in Biostatistics students will be able to:

  • Conduct biostatistical methodology research.
  •  Have extensive knowledge of the theory and principles of probability, statistical inference, and biostatistical methods
  • Apply and develop appropriate biostatistical methods for the design and analysis of biomedical studies.
  • Provide biostatistical advice as  a member of a team engaged in a biomedical research project
  •  Serve as biostatistics experts on collaborative teams of investigators

Ph.D. in the field of biostatistics degree requirements: 72 credits of coursework and research, with a minimum of 51 credits of courses and a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation research. 

Required statistics and public health core courses:  
Required statistics core courses: 27 credits  
STAT 6201 Mathematical Statistics I  
STAT 6202 Mathematical Statistics II (* Comprehensive Exam)  
STAT 6210 Data Analysis  
STAT 6213 Intermediate Probability and Stochastic Processes (* Comprehensive Exam)  
PUBH 8365 Design of Medical Studies  
PUBH 8366 Biostatistical Methods (* Comprehensive Exam)  
STAT 8226 Advanced Biostatistical Methods  
STAT 6227 Survival Analysis  
STAT 8263 Advanced Statistical Theory I  
Required public health core courses: 12 credits  
PUBH 6001 BiologicalConcepts/PublicHlth  
PUBH 6003 Prin & Practice/Epidemiology  
PUBH 6121 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology  
One of the following:  
PUBH 6299 Topics in Epi/Bio  
PUBH 6007 Social&BehaviorAppr-Pub.Hlth  
or PUBH 6006 Mgt & Policy Approaches to PH
PUBH 6006 Mgt & Policy Approaches to PH  
9 credits from the following approved elective courses:  
Approved statistics elective courses (at least 3 credits must be taken from among the first 3 courses noted below):  
STAT 6214 Applied Linear Models  
STAT 6231 Contingency Table Analysis  
STAT 8262 Nonparametric Inference  
STAT 6207 Methods of Statistical Computing I  
STAT 6208 Methods of Statistical Computing II  
STAT 6215 Applied Multivariate Analysis I  
STAT 6216 Applied Multivariate Analysis II  
STAT 6217 Design of Experiments  
STAT 6218 Linear Models  
STAT 6223 Bayesian Statistics: Theory and Applications  
STAT 6242 Regression Graphics/Nonparametric Regression  
STAT 6287 Modern Theory of Sample Surveys  
STAT 6289 Topics in Statistics  
STAT 8257 Probability  
STAT 8258 Distribution Theory  
STAT 8263 Advanced Statistical Theory I  
STAT 8264 Advanced Statistical Theory II  
STAT 8265 Multivariate Analysis  
STAT 8273 Stochastic Processes I  
STAT 8274 Stochastic Processes II  
STAT 8281 Advanced Time Series Analysis  
STAT 8288 Modern Theory/Sample Surveys  
BIOS 8998 Advanced Reading and Research (see advisor)  
Approved public health elective courses:  
PUBH 6242 ClinicalEpid&Decision Analysis (recommended)  
PUBH 6245 InfectiousDisease Epidemiology  
PUBH 8419 Measurement in Public Health & Health Services  
Consulting:  
Note: May be waived by the Biostatistics Program Director, based on written documentation of prior equivalent coursework or relevant work experience. Waiver of the consulting course increases the total number of electives by the number of consulting credits waived.  
PUBH 6258 Adv Topics/Biostat Consulting  
PUBH 6283 Biostatistics Consulting Practicum  
Dissertation research:  
12-24 credits of the following:  
BIOS 8999 Dissertation Research  

General and final examinations

The General Examination is given in two parts:

  • Part I is a written comprehensive examination based on the course content of STAT 6202 Mathematical Statistics II, STAT 6213 Intermediate Probability and Stochastic Processes (administered by faculty of the Department of Statistics), and PUBH 6266 Biostatistical Methods (administered by the faculty of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics). Students are expected to take the comprehensive examination within 24 months from the date of enrollment in the program. In addition, students are required to make up any deficiencies prior to taking the examination, e.g., by enrolling in appropriate master's-level courses as needed. A student who fails to pass the comprehensive examination may, with the approval of the faculty, repeat the examination the following year. Failure on the second attempt will result in termination from the Ph.D. program.
  • Part II, the research proposal, consists of an oral examination based on a written dissertation research proposal. As soon as feasible after successful completion of the comprehensive exam, students are encouraged to identify a dissertation advisor and a topic of research. The written dissertation proposal is then submitted to the student's Dissertation Research Committee, and the student will make an oral presentation of his or her proposal to the Committee. The Committee will determine the student's readiness to pursue and successfully complete the proposed research, in addition to the appropriateness of the specific problem for dissertation-level research.

Upon successful completion of the required coursework and both parts of the General Examination, the candidate will generally be recommended to the Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs of The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) for promotion to Ph.D. Candidacy: the dissertation research. A candidate must file an approved dissertation research plan with the CCAS before being admitted to Ph.D. Candidacy. Prior to completion of the General Examination, a student may register for at most 6 credits of BIOS 8999 Dissertation Research.

Consult with the biostatistics program director or academic advisor for the dissertation guidelines.

Professional enhancement requirement: 8 hours

Professional enhancement activities supplement the academic curriculum and help prepare students to participate actively in the professional community. They enhance practical knowledge and awareness of public health issues – either in general or in a student’s specific area of study.

Students can fulfill this requirement by attending workshops, seminars, or other relevant professional meetings, which are often held at SPH and in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Examples of conference sponsors include the National Academy for State Health Policy, the Pan American Health Organization, the American Public Health Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Area Health Education Center, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Athletic Trainer’s Association. Opportunities for professional enhancement are regularly publicized via the SPH Listserv and through the department or the biostatistics academic advisor.

Students must submit documentation of professional enhancement activities to the biostatistics academic advisor, which includes a prior approval, a description of the program agenda, and proof of attendance before applying for graduation.

  • The SOPHAS online application form
  • Official transcripts from all academic institutions from which you earned credit
  • Official and current GRE test scores (GW Institution Code: 5268)
  • Two letters of recommendation (Note: A third letter is required of doctoral applicants)
  • Applicants who hold a master’s degree are exempt from the GRE requirement (faculty have the option of requesting a GRE). However, international applicants are not eligible for this waiver. International applicants should review the Milken Institute School of Public Health Language Proficiency and International Testing Requirement.
  • Applicants to graduate certificate programs with at least four years of relevant work experience may be eligible for a waiver of the standardized exam requirement.
  • Statement of purpose
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS score

Scholarships

  • Assistantships
  • Merit scholarships
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