Programs
Biostatistics PhD
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The objectives of PhD in Biostatistics program are to train students in the theory and methodology of biostatistics and prepare them for careers as biostatisticians in universities, academic medical centers, government, and private industry.
Program Overview
Students will complete a core curriculum in applied and theoretical multivariate statistics. In addition, two elective courses are required in an applied setting such as epidemiology, health services research and health economics.
After coursework is completed, students will pass a candidacy exam and complete and defend a dissertation. The program is generally able to be completed in four years of full-time study.
Biostatistics PhD Curriculum
Required Biostatistics/Statistics Courses
(All of the following are required.)
PHS 523 Multivariate Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 524 Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 526 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 527 Survival Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 528 Bayesian Methods (3 credits)
PHS 583 Asymptotic Tools (3 credits)
(Choose two of the following.)
PHS 518 Scientific Communication (2 credits)
PHS 535 Quality of Care Measurement (3 credits)
PHS 536 Health Survey Research Methods (3 credits)
PHS 550 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
PHS 551 Advanced Epidemiological Methods (3 credits)
PHS 570 Health Economics & Economic Evaluation (3 credits)
(Choose one of the following.)
PHS 516 Statistical Genetics (3 credits)
PHS 554 Statistical Methods in Public Health I (3 credits)
PHS 555 Statistical Methods in Public Health II (3 credits)
PHS 517 Mining Genomic Data (3 credits)
Special topics course in statistics/biostatistics (3 credits)
A Research Ethics course, PHS 500 or BMS 591 (1 credit)
A candidacy exam taken after completion of the first year, based on the coursework in PHS 523, PHS 524, PHS 526, PHS 527 and PHS 528
A comprehensive examination upon completion of the coursework
PHS 600 Thesis Research, allowed beginning at the end of the second year
A PhD dissertation (PHS 601)
A final oral examination
This is an example course sequence for a full-time student.
Year 1, Fall
PHS 523 Multivariate Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 526 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 550 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
Year 1, Spring
PHS 527 Survival Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 528 Bayesian Methods (3 credits)
PHS 524 Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credits)
PHS 500 Research Ethics for Clinical Investigation (1 credit)
Year 2, Fall
PHS 583 Asymptotic Tools (3 credits)
PHS 554 Statistical Methods in Public Health I (3 credits)
Additional EPI or HSR course (3 credits)
Year 2, Spring
PHS 555 Statistical Methods in Public Health II (3 credits)
PHS 600 Thesis Preparation (6 credits)
Years 3 and 4
Biostatistics PhD students may take elective courses during their third and fourth years in the program.The primary focus in these two years will be on the research and writing of the dissertation.PHS 600 (Thesis Research) allows the student to register for 1 to 9 credits of research each semester.
Year 2, Spring
PHS 555 Statistical Methods in Public Health II (3 credits)
PHS 600 Thesis Preparation (6 credits)
Students admitted to the Biostatistics PhD program receive a financial assistance package that includes a stipend and tuition.
More information regarding assistantships can be found on the Penn State Graduate School website.
The program pays the stipend and tuition for the first 18 months. Subsequently, the adviser for the dissertation research is responsible for the stipend and tuition. To ensure that students will be able to complete their dissertation research in this laboratory, the departmental chair guarantees this support.
Non-Tuition Costs
Medical insurance is required for all students, with the University paying 80 percent of the cost of medical, dental and vision coverage.
Penn State University dissertation and other fees also apply. See details on the University's graduate school tuition and fees.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Biostatistics PhD program, please contact Program Manager Justine Shultz at jes5437@psu.edu.
Student Support
Dedicated offices support your health and well-being, while services such as a health sciences library assist in your learning journey. We are committed to enhancing students' experience and development.