Biostatistics & Epidemiology Doctoral Degree Requirements

Program | Faculty | Master's | Doctoral | Courses

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

The doctoral degree program prepares individuals for teaching and research in academic institutions, and for positions of professional leadership in health and health-related agencies where research is an important function.

Doctoral applicants must have completed a master's degree or equivalent advanced degree. Epidemiological candidates generally have backgrounds in the natural, social, or behavioral sciences, and usually have demonstrated basic research competency through a required thesis or its equivalent. Biostatistics candidates generally have backgrounds in mathematics, biostatistics, statistics, or other quantitative fields and have demonstrated basic research competency through a required thesis or its equivalent. For both concentrations, preference is given to candidates with work experience in the field, but outstanding individuals with other related experience or training are accepted.

All applicants should submit a statement of interest, provide detailed information on their background and competencies, and indicate areas of preferred major and minor concentration.

Degree requirements include a minimum of 57 credits:

24 credits in major concentration of biostatistics or epidemiology

12 credits in minor concentration

3 credits in research seminar

18 credits of dissertation.

A qualifying written examination in the major and minor are taken at the completion of coursework. A subsequent oral defense of the dissertation proposal qualifies the student to begin the dissertation.

A candidate, entering with a satisfactory background without curricular deficiences, can expect to take two years for coursework and about two additional years for completion of the dissertation.