Biostatistics PhD

Major: Biostatistics
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 90.0 (post-bachelor's) or 51.0 (post-master's)

Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1102
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-2041

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics trains highly functional statistical researchers with the breadth of knowledge to contribute to many applied domains or to specialize in a single theoretical domain, with the goal of becoming independent researchers upon completion of the program. Students will receive a strong, quantitative foundational core in statistical theory while simultaneously having opportunities to apply these concepts to a wide range of health applications. An important feature of the program is deliberate exposure to more contemporary quantitative concepts in data science.

The program offers interdisciplinary instruction and research opportunities that are designed to provide a solid training in both statistical theory and in applications of biostatistical methods to a variety of relevant contexts that are central to modern interdisciplinary research, while providing practical skills to effectively contribute to the interdisciplinary research. The program will prepare students for successful careers in academia (both teaching and research), government agencies, private health-related organizations/industries and many other data-driven industries. 

Students will take a comprehensive exam that requires them to synthesize foundational coursework and demonstrate mastery of public health competencies. Students will then develop and defend a dissertation proposal and complete a dissertation of publishable quality and final defense.

Major Competencies

  • Master fundamental concepts in probability and statistical theory
  • Construct an analysis plan to evaluate a scientific question of interest
  • Critically appraise statistical methods literature
  • Communicate statistical findings effectively and succinctly using data visualization tools and appropriate summaries
  • Direct quantitative methods of collaborative investigations with researchers in public health, medicine, and other health science disciplines

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact:

DSPH Academic Advising Team
Office of Education
dsphadvising@drexel.edu

Additional information can be found on the Dornsife School of Public Health website, including admissions criteria and how to apply.

Degree Requirements

Post-Bachelor's Student requirements

Required Courses *
BST 701Advanced Statistical Computing3.0
BST 751Statistical Inference I3.0
BST 804Applied Bayesian Analysis3.0
BST 819Statistical Machine Learning for Biostatistics3.0
BST 823Theory of Generalized Linear and Mixed Models3.0
BST 825Probability Models and Stochastic Processes3.0
BST 826Research Skills in Biostatistics I1.0
BST 827Research Skills in Biostatistics II1.0
BST 828Research Skills in Biostatistics III1.0
BST 851Statistical Inference II4.0
BST 867Statistical Collaboration3.0
BST 869Linear Statistical Models4.0
BST 870Generalized Linear Models4.0
BST 875Statistical Collaboration Lab3.0
EPI 570Introduction to Epidemiology3.0
MATH 510Applied Probability and Statistics I3.0
RCRG 600An Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research0.0
PBHL 501Introduction to Public Health **0.0
Dissertation33.0-108.0
Biostatistics Thesis Research
Selectives (Choose two)6.0
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Survival Data Analysis
Applied Multivariate Analysis
Design & Analysis of Clinical Trials
Nonparametric and Semiparametric Models
Advanced Clinical Trials
Advanced Bayesian Analysis
Making Sense of Data
Data Science Using R
Data Science Using R
Causal Inference in Epidemiology: Theory
Introduction to GIS for Public Health
Probability Theory I
Probability Theory II
Topics in Probability Theory
Electives ***6.0
Total Credits90.0-165.0

*

Students are required to complete the TA Orientation and Preparation Course.

**

Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

***

Students choose from any BST, CHP, EOH, EPI, HMP, or PBHL course from the 500-999 level. Additional courses outside of DSPH may count with faculty mentor approval.

Post Master's Student Requirements

Required Courses *
BST 804Applied Bayesian Analysis3.0
BST 819Statistical Machine Learning for Biostatistics3.0
BST 823Theory of Generalized Linear and Mixed Models3.0
BST 825Probability Models and Stochastic Processes3.0
BST 826Research Skills in Biostatistics I1.0
BST 827Research Skills in Biostatistics II1.0
BST 828Research Skills in Biostatistics III1.0
BST 867Statistical Collaboration3.0
BST 875Statistical Collaboration Lab3.0
PBHL 501Introduction to Public Health **0.0
RCRG 600An Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research0.0
Dissertation18.0-132.0
Biostatistics Thesis Research
Selectives (Choose two)6.0
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Survival Data Analysis
Applied Multivariate Analysis
Design & Analysis of Clinical Trials
Nonparametric and Semiparametric Models
Advanced Clinical Trials
Advanced Bayesian Analysis
Making Sense of Data
Data Science Using R
Data Science Using R
Causal Inference in Epidemiology: Theory
Introduction to GIS for Public Health
Probability Theory I
Probability Theory II
Topics in Probability Theory
Electives ***6.0
Total Credits51.0-165.0
*

Students are required to complete the TA Orientation and Preparation Course.

**

Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

***

Students choose from any BST, CHP, EOHEPIHMP, or PBHL course from the 500-999 level. Additional courses outside of DSPH may count with faculty mentor approval.

Sample Plan of Study

Full-Time Post-Master's

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8261.0BST 8193.0BST 8043.0Written Qualifying Exam and Oral Candidacy Exam
BST 8673.0BST 8253.0BST 8233.0 
BST 8753.0BST 8271.0BST 8281.0 
PBHL 501*0.0RCRG 6000.0Electives/Selectives3.0 
Electives/Selectives6.0Electives/Selectives3.0  
 13 10 10 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0VACATION
 3-9 3-9 3-9 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0 
 3-9 3-9 3-9 
Total Credits 51-87
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Part-Time Post-Master's

First Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8261.0BST 8193.0BST 8043.0Written Qualifying Exam and Oral Candidacy Exam
BST 8673.0BST 8253.0BST 8233.0 
BST 8753.0BST 8271.0BST 8281.0 
PBHL 501*0.0RCRG 6000.0  
 7 7 7 0
Second Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Electives/Selectives6.0BST 9993.0BST 9993.0VACATION
 Electives/Selectives3.0Electives/Selectives3.0 
 6 6 6 0
Third Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0VACATION
 1-6 1-6 1-6 0
Fourth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0VACATION
 1-6 1-6 1-6 0
Fifth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0VACATION
 1-6 1-6 1-6 0
Sixth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0 
 1-6 1-6 1-6 
Total Credits 51-111
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Full Time Post-Bachelor's

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8694.0BST 7513.0BST 7013.0Written Qualifying Exam
EPI 5703.0BST 8704.0BST 8043.0 
MATH 5103.0RCRG 6000.0BST 8233.0 
PBHL 501*0.0Electives/Selectives3.0BST 8514.0 
 10 10 13 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8261.0BST 8193.0BST 8281.0Oral Candidacy Exam
BST 8673.0BST 8253.0BST 9993.0 
BST 8753.0BST 8271.0Electives/Selectives6.0 
BST 9993.0Electives/Selectives3.0  
 10 10 10 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0VACATION
 3-9 3-9 3-9 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0VACATION
 3-9 3-9 3-9 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0BST 9993.0-9.0 
 3-9 3-9 3-9 
Total Credits 90-144
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Part-Time Post-Bachelor's

First Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8694.0BST 7513.0BST 8514.0VACATION
MATH 5103.0BST 8704.0BST 7013.0 
PBHL 501*0.0RCRG 6000.0  
 7 7 7 0
Second Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
EPI 5703.0BST 8193.0BST 8043.0Written Qualifying Exam
BST 8261.0BST 8253.0BST 8233.0 
Electives/Selectives3.0BST 8271.0BST 8281.0 
 7 7 7 0
Third Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 8673.0BST 9991.0BST 9993.0Oral Candidacy Exam
BST 8753.0Electives/Selectives6.0Electives/Selectives3.0 
BST 9991.0   
 7 7 6 0
Fourth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9993.0-6.0VACATION
 3-6 3-6 3-6 0
Fifth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9993.0-6.0VACATION
 3-6 3-6 3-6 0
Sixth Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9993.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0VACATION
 3-6 3-6 1-6 0
Seventh Year (Part-Time)
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0BST 9991.0-6.0 
 1-6 1-6 1-6 
Total Credits 90-134
*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school

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