PhD in Biostatistics

World map made of 0s and 1s, big data blue and white

The PhD program in Biostatistics educates advanced students in the theory and application of biostatistics and data science methods and prepares them to be on the forefront of leadership in these areas. Education in the advanced theory of probability and statistical inference is combined with applied methods in complex study design and analysis.

Graduates from the PhD program typically pursue careers as academic researchers and teachers; in industry, such as the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields; and in other research pursuits, both public and private. Typical roles include teaching, collaborative research and independent research in statistics, biostatistics, bioinformatics methods, design, and data analysis. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the school's admission and application requirements for entrance into doctoral programs at SPHTM. All candidates must have completed a master's degree in biostatistics or a closely related field.

The Department of Biostatistics requires the following from prospective doctoral students: one year of college level calculus, including multivariate calculus; one formal course in linear algebra.

Degree Program Requirements & Competencies–48 credit hours

Please visit the university course catalog for:

Educational teaching assistant experience

All PhD students at SPHTM are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two SPHTM courses while enrolled in the PhD program. Students should register for Teaching Assistantship Educational Experience (0 credits) during the terms they complete each TA requirement. 

All other program requirements (e.g. research ethics, comprehensive exam, prospectus, and dissertation) remain the same across the old and revised programs, as outlined in the SPHTM PhD Handbook.

Degree Program Requirements & Competencies–72 credit hours

NOTE: Students entering 2022 will be the last class with the option to graduate with 72 credit hours.

Please visit the 2022 university course catalog for:

Educational teaching assistant experience

All PhD students at SPHTM are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two SPHTM courses while enrolled in the PhD program. Students should register for Teaching Assistantship Educational Experience (0 credits) during the terms they complete each TA requirement. 

All other program requirements (e.g. research ethics, comprehensive exam, prospectus, and dissertation) remain the same across the old and revised programs, as outlined in the SPHTM PhD Handbook.

    Contact Us

    Department Chair: John Lefante, PhD

    Program Director: Sudesh Srivastav, PhD

    Administrative Program Coordinator: Farhana Chaudhry

    Email: bios@tulane.edu

    Phone: (504) 988-2042

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