Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biostatistics
Turn complex health data into methods, evidence and decisions that improve lives. USC’s Ph.D. in Biostatistics in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics prepares students to develop new statistical approaches, collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and teach the next generation of quantitative scientists.
This program is built for students in biostatistics, statistics or a related field who want to pursue independent and collaborative research and contribute to the development of innovative methods for public health and biomedical science.
What You’ll Learn
Students will build advanced skills in statistical theory, research design and data analysis while learning to develop and apply biostatistical methods, communicate findings and complete original dissertation research. The program prepares graduates to work independently and collaboratively across academic, government, health care and industry settings.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Biostatistics requires 53 credit hours. Students who qualify for advanced standing may complete a 44-credit-hour curriculum.
The curriculum combines public health foundations, mathematical statistics and advanced biostatistical methods. Students complete coursework in probability and statistical inference, explore topics such as survival analysis, clinical trials, Bayesian methods, longitudinal data, spatial statistics, bioinformatics and machine learning, and participate in an advanced biostatistics seminar. The program also includes electives, supporting coursework outside biostatistics, applied experience in teaching, consulting or grant writing, and original dissertation research completed with faculty mentorship.
View the Full Curriculum in the Graduate Academic Bulletin.
The faculty and mentors in the program have been so incredibly supportive. They've encouraged me to pursue opportunities I may not have considered on my own, whether that's leadership roles, research, or professional development. They are always there to answer questions and offer guidance. The department has fostered a community where I know I can always seek advice, mentorship, and encouragement.
Where Our Grads Work
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Biostatistics are prepared for research, teaching, consulting and leadership roles in universities, research institutes, government agencies, health care organizations, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, insurance organizations and other data-driven industries.
USC biostatistics graduates have worked for organizations such as Pfizer, Novartis, Bayer and Takeda. Graduates also pursue careers in universities, research institutes and government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and state health departments.
Graduate Assistantships and Funding
All Biostatistics Ph.D. students are offered a graduate assistantship for three or four years and receive in-state tuition rates. Doctoral applicants may also be considered for several competitive fellowship and training opportunities.
A limited number of fellowships are awarded each year to highly competitive Epidemiology and Biostatistics doctoral students. The fellowship provides $10,000 per year and may be renewed for a second year.
Presidential Fellowship recipients receive $6,000 per semester for four years in addition to their graduate assistantship. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information.
The Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Scholars Program supports underrepresented doctoral students who plan to become college or university professors. The program is designed to increase the number of students who earn doctoral degrees and pursue faculty careers in higher education.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on residency, enrollment and assistantship status. Students are encouraged to review current tuition information and explore assistantships, fellowships and other financial support opportunities. Learn more from the Office of Graduate Student Services and the USC Bursar’s Office.
Meet our Faculty
Get to know our faculty and explore our faculty research areas in Biostatistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program prepares students to conduct independent and collaborative research, develop original statistical methods and teach biostatistics at an advanced level.
The standard program requires 53 credit hours. Students who qualify for advanced standing may complete a 44-credit-hour curriculum.
Applicants should have a master’s degree in biostatistics, statistics or a related area, or a master’s degree in another field combined with relevant statistical experience.
No. GRE scores are not required for applicants to the Ph.D. in Biostatistics.
The application deadline is February 15 for fall admission.
Yes. Students complete a guided practicum or independent study in teaching, statistical consulting or grant writing.
All departmental Ph.D. students are offered a graduate assistantship for three or four years and receive in-state tuition rates. Additional competitive fellowships may also be available.
Graduates pursue careers in academic research and teaching, government, health care, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, insurance, statistical consulting and other fields that rely on advanced quantitative methods.
Applicants submit their materials through SOPHAS.
Prepare to develop innovative statistical methods, lead interdisciplinary research and turn complex data into discoveries that advance public health.
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Contact Us
Please contact Dr. Robert Moran, Graduate Director for Biostatistics, at 803-777-7876 or rrmoran@mailbox.sc.edu with questions about the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program.