Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Modern Biostatistics

The PhD Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics draws on the core disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology to support students in developing the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to assume positions of leadership with the ultimate goal of advancing the public’s health. Students accepted into the PhD program will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but effectively evaluate and improve the public’s health. All incoming PhD students take a required 36-credit core curriculum, which includes a 24-credit common core, 12-credit concentration core, and 6-credits of electives from one of five areas of concentration: Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics, Global Health Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Prevention Science, Health Care Organizations, Outcomes and Policy, and Modern Biostatistics (see descriptions below). On completion of all core requirements, students take a qualifying examination that leads to advancement to candidacy. When ready to embark upon the Doctoral dissertation, the student must choose a research advisor to have the major responsibility for facilitating, guiding, and advising the student in his or her research. Modern Biostatistics Modern biostatistics is the science of designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data from both experimental and observational studies, and making predictions. Appropriate planning and designing of a study is critical to ensure the quality and relevancy of its data to a scientific enquiry. Sound statistical analyses require consideration of multiple and perhaps previously unconsidered factors, knowledge and skills in modern statistics, computation and relevant sciences. Data mining and modern statistical learning techniques are important for knowledge discovery from large or massive data. Modern biostatistics addresses all aspects of statistics that arise from medical and health-related sciences, including challenges in nanomedicine, microarray experiments, next generation sequencing, preclinical and clinical trials, complex health policies, biomedical engineering and other new/emerging areas. It involves the application and development of statistical methods for the advancement of medical science, health care and related areas. Thus, modern biostatistical scientists develop new statistical methods, play a key role in the effective communication of quantitative information, collaborate with medical scientists in disease prevention and treatments, and contribute to the rational formulation of health policies and interventions. The concentration in modern biostatistics provides both theoretical and practical biostatistical training integrated with the core requirements in epidemiology and health sciences, facilitated by the involvement of faculty in cutting-edge biomedical and health research across the medical school and university. This concentration aims to develop students as modern biostatisticians with knowledge of the determinants of population health and/or another scientific area of applications (of the student’s choice), as well as in statistical theory, methods and computing which naturally have applications beyond a particular substantive area. This program provides unique biostatistical training designed to prepare students for today’s rewarding careers in academia, government, and industry. Modern biostatisticians are highly sought after in the job market.