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Doctor of Philosophy – Biostatistics

Summary

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Biostatistics gives students deep expertise in the theory and practice of biostatistics and bioinformatics and positions them to play an important role in safeguarding public health and improving lives through quantitative research.

This degree is offered at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Visit the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

About

As a student in the PhD in Biostatistics program, you will:

Discuss and apply a foundational knowledge base in probability, biostatistical theory, and computation to conduct collaborative and methodologic research;
Synthesize established and recently-developed knowledge in probability, biostatistical theory, computation methods, and in public health, clinical and biological sciences;
Teach statistical theory or methodology at multiple levels;
Design and develop grants or proposals towards obtaining funding/resources for future research activities;
Collaborate and communicate effectively with research scientists in related disciplines;
Develop, implement and disseminate novel biostatistical or bioinformatics methodology to address outstanding questions in public health, clinical and biological science.

On Campus (Fall start) • Full-time (4-5 years)

Curriculum

BIOSTAT 230: Probability I
BIOSTAT 231: Statistical Inference I
BIOSTAT 232: Methods I
BIOSTAT 233: Methods II
BIOSTAT 236: Computing I
ID 100P: Foundations for Public Health
EPI 201 Introduction to Epidemiology: Methods I
BST 270 Reproducible Data Science
HPM 548 Responsible Conduct of Research

BIOSTAT 234: Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
BIOSTAT 235: Advanced Regression & Statistical Learning
BIOSTAT 238: Advanced Topics in Clinical Trials
BST 239: Health Survey Samples
BIOSTAT 240: Probability II
BIOSTAT 241: Statistical Inference II
BIOSTAT 244: Analysis of Failure Time Data
BIOSTAT 245: Analysis of Multivariate & Longitudinal Data
BIOSTAT 249: Bayesian Methods in Biostatistics
BIOSTAT 258: Causal Inference: Theory and Practice
BIOSTAT 282: Introduction to Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
EPI 511: Advanced Population & Medical Genetics

Competencies

Applying innovative probabilistic and statistical theory and computing approaches to the development of new biostatistical or bioinformatics methods, and publishing this original research in academic journals
Providing leadership in the design, conduct, and analysis of collaborative research studies in medicine and public health
Applying modern statistical and computational methods to effectively analyze complex medical and public health data, including the development of new software for nonstandard problems and simulation methods
Collaborating and communicating effectively with research scientists in related disciplines
Teaching biostatistics or bioinformatics effectively to health professionals, research scientists, and graduate students

Our Community

The Department of Biostatistics hosts a variety of extracurricular seminars, working groups, and lectures focused on specific public health problems, creating opportunities to expand their knowledge while connecting with faculty and fellow students. It also participates in Data Adventure Day, when statistics students across Harvard help introduce high school students to the discipline.

For those looking to expand their ability to present statistical analysis to others, the department offers workshops designed to help students hone their public speaking and writing skills.

In addition, the department guarantees full funding for all admitted PhD students for five years, provided they make satisfactory progress. In practice, many students require a sixth year to complete the doctoral program, and financial support for this 6th year will be available with approval of the department.

Harvard Chan School research support through the Countway Library of Medicine and academic coaching and tutoring for students seeking additional help with either an overall transition to graduate school or specific subject matter.

Beyond academics, the school is home to more than 40 official student organizations focusing on public health issues, cultural affinities, and extra-curricular interests. These groups and other offices throughout the school plan events on campus and around Boston.

Career Outcomes

With a PhD in biostatistics, you will be prepared for a high-impact career in academia or a research or leadership role in government or within the health care, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industries. You will also be positioned to play an important role in safeguarding public health and improving lives through quantitative research.

Eligibility Criteria

All candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program should have successfully completed: calculus through multivariable integration; one semester of linear algebra; and, two semesters of probability and/or statistics and/or mathematical statistics. Knowledge of a programming language, such as R, Python, SAS or Stata, is also required. Evidence that these requirements have been fulfilled should form part of the application.

In addition, all applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed two semesters of advanced calculus or real analysis, and a course in numerical analysis. Students with interests in bioinformatics are also encouraged to have completed courses in biology, computational biology, and genetics. Students with interests in bioinformatics should also have knowledge of a scripting language such as Python or Perl and some familiarity with relational databases.