Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biostatistcs

Mission

The mission of this program is to advance the field of biostatistics by training students in methods research and its application through course work, seminars, workshops, independent research and dissertation writing

Description

The purpose of the Ph.D. program in Biostatistics is to train advanced students in the theory and application of biostatistical methods. Graduates from the PhD program typically pursue careers as academic researchers and teachers; in industry, especially in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields; and in other research pursuits, both public and private. Typical roles include teaching, collaborative research, and independent research in statistical methods and design. After completion of this degree, students will be able to do the following: Select appropriate statistical tests; select appropriate study designs; use statistical software to conduct statistical analyses; estimate sample size and power; use statistical theory to develop, evaluate and implement new statistical techniques; and communicate the results of statistical analyses orally and in writing.

Program Competencies: 

After completing the PhD degree in Biostatistics, the graduate will be able to:

1. Formulate appropriate linear regression models and conduct simple and multiple linear regression analysis (BIOS 6040, 7060)
2. Differentiate between various analysis of variance procedures and analyze data using these procedures (BIOS 6040, 7080)
3. Distinguish between procedures for analyzing discrete data and conduct logistic regression and other categorical procedures (BIOS 6040, 7150)
4. Estimate sample size and power (BIOS 6040, 7080, 7150, 7250)
5. Design clinical trials and conduct survival analyses (BIOS 7300, 7400)
6. Define and use the principles of probability and mathematical statistics to guide the selection and application of data analysis methods.  (MATH 6070, MATH 6080)
7. Propose research hypothesis, develop appropriate research methods and conduct independent research in statistical methods (coursework, dissertation research, working as research assistant)
8. Prepare and communicate the results of statistical studies and analysis in both verbal and written formats (Coursework, SPHL 9900 seminar series, dissertation research)
9. Demonstrate the ability to teach statistical concepts and methods (coursework, working as teaching assistant, and working as independent instructor)

Graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 60 total credits of didactic coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree is required, with at least 24 didactic credits beyond the requirements for a masters degree. At least 30 credits must be completed at Tulane University.   
• All doctoral PhD students must register for and participate in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar (1 credit/semester). A minimum of 2 credits and a maximum of 4 credits must be applied to the degree.  Students must register and attend for 2 semesters and are encouraged to attend every semester.  
• No more than 12 credits of special studies (independent studies) may be applied toward a PhD doctoral degree.

Additional Requirements

After completion of the required didactic hours of academic coursework, 60 hours minimum, the student must be registered each semester for at least two credits of Doctoral Studies until the comprehensive examination and prospectus have been successfully completed and the student’s status has been changed to doctoral candidate.

The comprehensive examination must be taken within a year after the completion of the coursework. Students have two attempts to pass the examination; the second attempt must take place within a year of the first.

After successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the student should form a dissertation committee and develop a prospectus. The committee must include a minimum of three members, with at least two being faculty in the Biostatistics Department and at least one from another department within the University. The chair of the committee must be a faculty member of the Biostatistics Department. A prospectus of the dissertation research should be publicly presented and approved by the committee at least one semester before the dissertation defense. The prospectus must follow the guidelines of the Doctoral Committee.

Following the successful defense of the prospectus, the student is admitted to PhD candidacy and can proceed to completion of the dissertation. The dissertation must follow the guidelines provided by the Doctoral Committee.  Students must register for Dissertation each semester and pay the registration fees.

The dissertation must be submitted and publicly defended with the approval by the dissertation committee, the Doctoral committee, and Executive Faculty. The PhD degree must be completed within seven years from the first semester of coursework and extensions will be given only for extreme circumstances.   

Model Course Schedule – Fall Entry

* Bios 6230 is recommended to be taken in the first semester if student does not have prior expertise in SAS

Contact:  For more information on the PhD program in Biostatistics, please contact

Susan Gautier
Phone: (504)988-2102
Fax: (504)988-1706
Email: sgautie@tulane.edu

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