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
Note - this program will not accept students for the 2025-26 academic year
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.
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 701 | Advanced Statistical Computing | 3.0 |
| BST 751 | Statistical Inference I | 3.0 |
| BST 804 | Applied Bayesian Analysis | 3.0 |
| BST 819 | Statistical Machine Learning for Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| BST 823 | Theory of Generalized Linear and Mixed Models | 3.0 |
| BST 825 | Probability Models and Stochastic Processes | 3.0 |
| BST 826 | Research Skills in Biostatistics I | 1.0 |
| BST 827 | Research Skills in Biostatistics II | 1.0 |
| BST 828 | Research Skills in Biostatistics III | 1.0 |
| BST 851 | Statistical Inference II | 4.0 |
| BST 867 | Statistical Collaboration | 3.0 |
| BST 869 | Linear Statistical Models | 4.0 |
| BST 870 | Generalized Linear Models | 4.0 |
| BST 875 | Statistical Collaboration Lab | 3.0 |
| EPI 570 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3.0 |
| MATH 510 | Applied Probability and Statistics I | 3.0 |
| RCRG 600 | An Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research | 0.0 |
| PBHL 501 | Introduction to Public Health ** | 0.0 |
| Dissertation | 33.0-108.0 | |
| 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 | ||
| Data Science Using R | ||
or EPI 864 | 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 Credits | 90.0-165.0 | |
- *
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.
Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.
Post Master's Student Requirements
| Required Courses * | ||
| BST 804 | Applied Bayesian Analysis | 3.0 |
| BST 819 | Statistical Machine Learning for Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| BST 823 | Theory of Generalized Linear and Mixed Models | 3.0 |
| BST 825 | Probability Models and Stochastic Processes | 3.0 |
| BST 826 | Research Skills in Biostatistics I | 1.0 |
| BST 827 | Research Skills in Biostatistics II | 1.0 |
| BST 828 | Research Skills in Biostatistics III | 1.0 |
| BST 867 | Statistical Collaboration | 3.0 |
| BST 875 | Statistical Collaboration Lab | 3.0 |
| PBHL 501 | Introduction to Public Health ** | 0.0 |
| RCRG 600 | An Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research | 0.0 |
| Dissertation | 18.0-132.0 | |
| 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 | ||
| Data Science Using R | ||
or EPI 864 | 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 Credits | 51.0-165.0 | |
- *
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.
Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.
Sample Plan of Study
Full-Time Post-Master's
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 826 | 1.0 | BST 819 | 3.0 | BST 804 | 3.0 | Written Qualifying Exam | |
| BST 867 | 3.0 | BST 825 | 3.0 | BST 823 | 3.0 | ||
| BST 875 | 3.0 | BST 827 | 1.0 | BST 828 | 1.0 | ||
| PBHL 501* | 0.0 | RCRG 600 | 0.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | ||
| Electives/Selectives | 6.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | ||||
| 13 | 10 | 10 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | Oral Candidacy Exam | |
| 3-9 | 3-9 | 3-9 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | ||
| 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) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 826 | 1.0 | BST 819 | 3.0 | BST 804 | 3.0 | Written Qualifying Exam | |
| BST 867 | 3.0 | BST 825 | 3.0 | BST 823 | 3.0 | ||
| BST 875 | 3.0 | BST 827 | 1.0 | BST 828 | 1.0 | ||
| PBHL 501* | 0.0 | RCRG 600 | 0.0 | ||||
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| Electives/Selectives | 6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0 | BST 999 | 3.0 | Oral Candidacy Exam | |
| Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 1-6 | 1-6 | 1-6 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 1-6 | 1-6 | 1-6 | 0 | ||||
| Fifth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 1-6 | 1-6 | 1-6 | 0 | ||||
| Sixth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | ||
| 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 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 869 | 4.0 | BST 751 | 3.0 | BST 701 | 3.0 | Written Qualifying Exam | |
| EPI 570 | 3.0 | BST 870 | 4.0 | BST 823 | 3.0 | ||
| MATH 510 | 3.0 | RCRG 600 | 0.0 | BST 851 | 4.0 | ||
| PBHL 501* | 0.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | ||||
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 826 | 1.0 | BST 819 | 3.0 | BST 804 | 3.0 | Oral Candidacy Exam | |
| BST 867 | 3.0 | BST 825 | 3.0 | BST 828 | 1.0 | ||
| BST 875 | 3.0 | BST 827 | 1.0 | BST 999 | 3.0 | ||
| BST 999 | 3.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | Electives/Selectives | 6.0 | ||
| 10 | 10 | 13 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | VACATION | |
| 3-9 | 3-9 | 3-9 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | VACATION | |
| 3-9 | 3-9 | 3-9 | 0 | ||||
| Fifth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-9.0 | ||
| 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) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 869 | 4.0 | BST 751 | 3.0 | BST 851 | 4.0 | VACATION | |
| MATH 510 | 3.0 | BST 870 | 4.0 | BST 701 | 3.0 | ||
| PBHL 501* | 0.0 | RCRG 600 | 0.0 | ||||
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EPI 570 | 3.0 | BST 819 | 3.0 | BST 804 | 3.0 | Written Qualifying Exam | |
| BST 826 | 1.0 | BST 825 | 3.0 | BST 823 | 3.0 | ||
| Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | BST 827 | 1.0 | BST 828 | 1.0 | ||
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 867 | 3.0 | BST 999 | 1.0 | BST 999 | 3.0 | Oral Candidacy Exam | |
| BST 875 | 3.0 | Electives/Selectives | 6.0 | Electives/Selectives | 3.0 | ||
| BST 999 | 1.0 | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 3-6 | 3-6 | 3-6 | 0 | ||||
| Fifth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 3-6 | 3-6 | 3-6 | 0 | ||||
| Sixth Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 3.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | VACATION | |
| 3-6 | 3-6 | 1-6 | 0 | ||||
| Seventh Year (Part-Time) | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | BST 999 | 1.0-6.0 | ||
| 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
Program Level Outcomes
Major Competencies
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:
- 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