PhD in Biostatistics

BIOS PhD Admission Requirements

How to Apply 

The following items are required for a successful and complete application submission:

1. Degree: A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 
2. Coursework Required prerequisite coursework in:
   1. Multivariate calculus (typically Calculus III) 
   2. Linear algebra
3. Official GRE Test Scores*: Select the Emory Laney Graduate School Code 5187.
   1. GRE scores taken within the last five years.
   2. Scores in the 50^th percentile or higher are recommended
4. Official TOEFL Scores for international students. Select the Emory Laney Graduate School code 5187. More information below.
5. Application + $75 application fee
6. Letters of Recommendation: 3 are required. 
7. Statement of Purpose: in 500 to 1500 words, tell us about your research or professional experience leading you to apply to this program. You are encouraged to share your research interest and how obtaining this degree will assist with your long-term goals.
8. Resume/CV
9. Transcript (s):  From each post-secondary institution you have attended. Please upload through the online application
   1. For applicants with a post-secondary degree from a non-US institution, a course by course educational credential evaluation is highly recommended. This will assist faculty with comparing the education of an international institution to a similar education at a U.S. institution.
   2. Acceptable credential evaluations from any evaluator affiliated with NACES, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.  The most common ones are World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, and Educational Perspectives.
10. Optional diversity statement

View the full list of the Laney Graduate School admission requirements here. You can also review Biostatistics admissions data on the school’s website.

*GRE scores can be waived if the applicant has a doctoral degree from a U.S. institution in a relevant field

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please review additional requirements to support the application through the Laney Graduate School. Biostatistics requires international applicants to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

TOEFL scores should be at least 96 on the Internet-based test, 243 on the computer-based test, and 590 on the paper-based test. Students who earned a degree from an institution within the United States may be eligible to waive the TOEFL requirement.

GRE and TOEFL Scores

The Graduate School code for both test is 5187. Please note: do not use the code for the Rollins School of Public Health. Visit the Educational Testing Service site for additional information.

Finalist Interviews

A small number of finalist are required to interview with faculty. We anticipate notifying finalist mid- January for interviews via Zoom beginning late January and early February.

Admissions Applications Guidance

You are encouraged to begin your application process early especially if you’re submitting credential evaluations. The Biostatics Doctoral program receives more than 200 applicants for an incoming class of eight. To ensure your application advances for review, you must apply in a timely manner that ensures a complete application is received by December 1.

A complete application is defined as all required documents including required test scores and letters of recommendation. Follow up with your recommenders well in advance of December 1 to ensure they have the opportunity to provide information prior to the deadline.

 If your application is incomplete as of December 1, your application will not advance for review.

The program will host an information session annually in October. Please join us on October 20, 2023, at 9:00 am. Registration is required Please click here for the QR code. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Could you provide more information regarding the applicant pool and admitted students?

The Laney Graduate School maintains data for the program.  Biostatistics admissions data can be found by clicking on the hyperlink.

Question: Is the GRE required?

The Biostatistics doctoral program requires GRE scores. Scores valid from the previous 5 years through December 1 are acceptable.

Question: What is your policy regarding transcripts?

You may upload a copy of your transcript(s) issued by a registrar’s office. Ensure we are able to open the document without a password. Printed information from an institution's student information system, including advisement reports are not acceptable.

Applicants with transcripts in a language other than English: Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an official notarized translated document. You must upload the original and translated document as one file.

If you decide to submit a credential evaluation, ensure the evaluation service provides a copy of the transcript that was evaluated.

Official transcripts are required if offered admissions and at a designated time specified by the Laney Graduate Schools.

Question: I am an international student; do I need to submit TOEFL scores? Do you accept IELTS?

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL, scores for which are valid two years from the date of the exam. We must receive an official score from ETS by the application deadline.

TOEFL is waiver for applicants whose native language is not English but who have or will obtain a degree from a U.S. institution prior to beginning the program. In addition, students from countries where English is the official language (except Quebec, Canada) and language of instruction.

We only accept TOEFL.

Question: I am currently taking linear algebra or multivariant calculus. Will my application be considered?

If you are currently enrolled in either or both of the prerequisite courses, provide documentation verifying enrollment. You may be contacted to provide an unofficial transcript.

Question: Does Biostatistics accept transfer students?

Students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at another institution may apply following the normal application process. Students enrolled in a Ph.D. program are required to follow the process as stated by the Laney Graduate School.

Question: Do you accept courses from Coursera to fulfill prerequisites?

No, not at this time.

Question: Can I receive an extension to the application deadline?

The application deadline of December 1st is firm.  The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications immediately. As mentioned previously, you are encouraged to begin the application early to ensure all required aspects of the application are met prior to December 1. The application remains open for five days after the December 1st deadline. 

Paying for your PhD

All full-time Emory PhD students receive a generous financial support package from the Laney Graduate School consisting of a tuition scholarship and stipend. Additionally, a 100% student health insurance subsidy is provided.

This support is for the first five years of the program, conditional upon being in good academic standing. Exceptionally qualified applicants will be considered for special admissions fellowships, which offers additional financial support up to five years contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.

Special Admissions Fellowships

In addition to the tuition scholarship, stipend and health insurance subsidy, Laney Graduate School offers special fellowships designed to address specific admission priorities. Please review these opportunities in the LGS Admissions financial support overview.

Degree Requirements

The appropriate class schedule is determined on a case-by-case basis through a review and a discussion of the student's academic record, academic interests, and previous experience in the biological and health sciences.

Students are required to enroll for a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester and term. It typically takes students two-to-three years to complete PhD coursework, depending on the number of 500-level courses needed, and two years to complete their dissertation. Students who have a master's degree in biostatistics or statistics are exempt from 500-level courses.

Handbooks

Please review the Biostatistics PhD and the Laney Graduate School Handbooks for additional information regarding degree requirements.

PhD Curriculum

The curriculum for each student is personalized according to a student’s educational background and research interest.

Dissertation

All PhD students are required to complete and defend a dissertation. Students are encouraged to begin exploring potential research topics as soon as they enter the program by meeting with faculty advisors. 

The doctoral dissertation must meet the requirements of both the department and Laney Graduate School. In particular, the dissertation must make a new contribution to the student’s field of study, or present a unique new interpretation on existing knowledge. Students are required to pass an oral defense of the dissertation proposal. 

Past Dissertations

Bayesian Analysis for Repeated Compositional Data and Approaches for Correcting Measurement Errors in General Multivariate Linear Model

New Statistical Techniques for High-dimensional Neuroimaging Data

Likelihood Methods for Logistic Regression with Missing Data

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