The program requires competency in the theory of statistics and probability, in introductory and advanced biostatistical methods and theory, and in fundamentals of epidemiologic study design. Graduates of the doctoral program will have written a doctoral dissertation which focuses on the development of a new methodology or on the innovative application of biostatistical methods to a health research problem. Such innovation or development in statistical methodology part of the student’s dissertation is expected and must entail a publication in a reputable scientific journal.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in biostatistics will have:
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The ability to develop careers in academia, research institutes, government, and industry;
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A broad understanding of current statistical methods and practices in the health issues;
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A solid theoretical training necessary for the development and study of new statistical methods;
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The ability to assume all responsibilities of a statistician in collaborative health science research; in particular, the graduate will have experience in the design, data management, analysis, and interpretation of a variety of experimental and observational studies;
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Experience in writing reports and giving oral presentations describing health science studies.
Ph.D. Admission Preferences
The entrance requirements are the same as stated for the master’s degree. In addition, completion of an M.S. program in biostatistics or statistics, in an accredited university, is generally required.
Courses
The student must complete at least 24 semester hours (from required and elective courses) and expected to finish coursework within 4 semesters (2 years).
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Required courses
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Recommended Text book
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s.h.
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Statistical Inference
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Statistical Inference;
Casella, Berger
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3
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Linear Models
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A First Course in Linear Model Theory;
Ravishanker, Dey
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3
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Categorical Data Analysis
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Categorical Data Analysis;
Agresti 3rd Edition
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3
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Bayesian Statistics
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Applied Bayesian Statistics;
Cowles
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3
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Survival Data Analysis
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Survival Analysis: Techniques for Censored and Truncated Data; Klein, Moeschberger
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3
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Longitudinal Data Analysis
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Applied Longitudinal Analysis;
Fitzmaurice, Laird, Ware
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3
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Elective courses* |
Recommended Text book |
s.h. |
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Statistical Learning and Data Mining
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An Introduction to Statistical Learning with …;
James; Witten; Hastie; Tibshirani
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3
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Advanced Statistical Modeling
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Generalized, Linear, and Mixed Models; McCulloch, et. al
Categorical Data Analysis; Agresti 3rd Edition
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3
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Statistical Analysis of Genetic Epidemiology Data
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A Statistical Approach to Genetic Epidemiology; Ziegler, Konig
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3
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Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials
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Introduction to Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials;
Cook & DeMets
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3
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Statistics for Epidemiology
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Statistics for Epidemiology;
Jewell
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3
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Introduction to Meta-Analysis
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Introduction to Meta-Analysis;
Borenstein, Hedges, Higgins, Rothstein
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3
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Applied Stochastic Processes
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Introduction to Probability Models;
Sheldon Ross
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3
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Applied Multivariate Methods
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Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis;
Johnson, Wichern
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3
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Advanced Survival Analysis
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The Statistical Analysis of Failure Time;
Kalbfleisch, Prentice
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3
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Intermediate Epidemiology
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Epidemiology: Beyond the Basics;
Szklo, Nieto
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3
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*At least 2 courses.
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
The Ph.D. comprehensive examination is offered twice yearly. If the examination is not passed in the first attempt, it may be repeated one time. The examination consists of a two-day in-class component (two 3-hour examinations on consecutive days) and a follow-up oral-exam component. The in-class component contains a closed-book set of theory problems drawn from the Ph.D. required courses (please see above). The topic areas for the oral examination include topics covered by the in-class exam, as well as topics covered in Master’s degree of Biostatistics courses. The primary focus of the oral-exam is to gauge the student’s ability in presenting the statistical solution of a real-world public health or biomedical research problem.
Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal describes the rationale for the proposed research and outlines its basic components. Prior to initiation of the research, the student defends her/his proposal via a public presentation in the department. Then, the proposal is submitted to the department’s research committee members (consisting of a dissertation advisor, department’s head, and department education and research representatives) for the final evaluation. A written approval by all committee members is required.
Dissertation Defense
The student and the dissertation committee are required to comply with the School of Public Health guidelines with regard to preparation of the dissertation and meeting deadlines for graduation. During the dissertation defense, the dissertation committee will thoroughly examine the student’s knowledge in the content area of the research.