Biostatistics, PhD
Train in statistical theory, clinical trial design, longitudinal and survival data analysis, and health data science alongside researchers across health disciplines. Elevate your career in biostatistics, contribute to pioneering research, and drive advancements in public health research and applications.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Biostatistics, PhD degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in biostatistics offers a comprehensive and specialized education in the novel development and application of biostatistical methods to the health and biomedical sciences. This innovative program equips you with advanced skills in designing research studies, analyzing data and implementing biostatistical solutions to address applicable health challenges. Collaborating closely with health researchers and professionals from various disciplines, you develop expertise in crafting impactful strategies for improving health outcomes and advancing medical research.
Emphasis is placed on designing and analyzing randomized controlled clinical trials, intervention studies and biostatistical models. Collaborations within ASU's College of Health Solutions foster a dynamic environment for cross-disciplinary learning and research. You're encouraged to engage with a wide spectrum of health-related fields, including behavioral science, biomedical informatics, kinesiology, nutrition and population health.
By working closely with health researchers, you gain valuable hands-on experience in problem-solving, data analysis and collaborative research. This approach not only enhances your technical skills but also cultivates effective communication and teamwork abilities, which are vital for thriving in diverse health care environments.
Why earn your biostatistics PhD at ASU?
You study within reach of metropolitan Phoenix's fast-growing healthcare and biotechnology ecosystem, where you can partner with experts across multiple colleges and research centers.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
84 credit hours, a qualifying exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (18 credit hours) Electives (42 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information This program requires a qualifying exam and a written comprehensive exam. Submission of a written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense are required. It is expected that the prospectus and defense be completed no later than the end of the fourth year.
BST 601 Biostatistical Theory and Inference (3)
BST 602 Applied Multi-level and Longitudinal Data Analysis (3)
BST 603 Survival Data Analysis (3)
BST 606 Applied Clinical Trial Design and Analysis (3)
BST 608 Applied Meta-analysis (3)
BST 609 Categorical Data Analysis in Health Sciences (3)
BST 792 Research (12)
BST 799 Dissertation (12)
Elective coursework should be selected in consultation with the program advisor. Students may also work with their program director to identify suitable elective alternatives.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply fundamental biostatistical theory and methods to solve health-related applications
- Conduct advanced data analysis using biostatistical methods in clinical trials and public health intervention studies
- Conduct independent original research to solve a health-related challenge and present their findings in a written dissertation and oral defense
Apply fundamental biostatistical theory and methods to solve health-related applicationsAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in applied statistics, applied mathematics, quantitative psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information All applicants must have completed and passed an undergraduate statistics course (e.g., HCD 300, STP 226, ECN 221, PSY 230), a linear algebra course (e.g., MAT 242, MAT 342, MAT 343), and a calculus course (e.g., MAT 210, MAT 251, MAT 270) before admission. If the requisite coursework is not completed before admission, it must be completed before matriculating. Contact information of two references is required. References are contacted via email to submit a letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation preferably are written by instructors, research mentors or supervisors who can speak to the applicant's aptitude for research and graduate-level coursework. The statement of purpose should be one to two pages and indicate the applicant's interest in the program, knowledge of the field and career plans. Applicants are encouraged to connect with program faculty who are potential research mentors and include this information in their statement, if available at the time of application. Preference is given to students with extensive quantitative background and computation skills, and health-related experience. An oral interview with the program faculty is required. Strong applicants are contacted to schedule an interview in person or via videoconference before acceptance.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this biostatistics PhD degree prepares you for
Graduates with a doctorate in biostatistics can be employed in academic institutions, government agencies and industries as:
- biostatisticians
- data scientists
- professors
- senior data analysts
- statisticians
These positions are all classified as "Bright Outlook occupations" from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which defines them as the occupations expected to grow rapidly in the next several years with large numbers of job openings. They are new and emerging occupations with potentially high salaries.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Health Systems Transformation
|
HLTHN 401
chsgrad@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
