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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD in Biostatistics

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD in Biostatistics

Programs Overview

The PhD in Biostatistics is designed for students with strong quantitative skills and a background or interest in the biological, medical, or health sciences. The program is ideal for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of biostatistics through advanced course work, research, analysis, and collaboration. To the extent possible, the curriculum can be tailored to each student’s individual background and interests.

Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

Curriculum

Other Degree Requirements

All PhD students must participate in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunities (TATTO) program.  This includes a three-day summer teacher training workshop (normally taken in the summer before the second year in the PhD program), serving as a teaching assistant during the second and third years in the program and practical experience in statistical consulting.   

All students are required to complete 12 credit hours of elective courses in biostatistics; at least 6 of these credits must be in 700-level courses.  Enrollment in the invited speaker’s seminar series (BIOS 790R) is required for the first two years of coursework in which 2 credit hours will count toward elective hours. In addition, students are required to complete 6 credits of elective courses (at the 500-level or above) outside of biostatistics; at least 2 of these credit hours must be in epidemiology for students who lack prior training in epidemiology. Students must maintain an average GPA of at least B- and a minimum of 54 credits must be taken as graded.

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.

Admissions

Application Timeline

You are encouraged to begin your application process early, especially if you’re submitting credential evaluations. The 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.

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 offer additional financial support for 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

Contact

Get in Touch:

Contact Name

Angela Guinyard, assistant director of academic programs