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.
Students seeking a doctoral degree from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine must meet the school's general admission requirements and submit materials per the application requirements. 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.
Please visit the university course catalog for:
The PhD program requires a minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate degree credits, with at least 30 credits of doctoral study at Tulane SPHTM. Up to 42 credits may be applied from the MPH or equivalent master’s degree. These credits will be reviewed and those that do not fulfill the PhD competencies may not be accepted. If a prerequisite course or equivalent has not been fulfilled, the student must take the course in addition to the 30 credits of advanced doctoral study, but may count toward the total 72 credits.
The advisor works with the students in identifying the course of study in the doctoral program. If the doctoral student does not have a prior public health degree, they must obtain a grounding in public health. See Doctoral Student Handbook.
Prerequisite Coursework (from prior master's degree)
Students who do not have these prerequisites are required to take these or equivalent courses.
AND
Required Courses (at least 19 credits)
Elective Courses (minimum 11 credits)
Selected from courses offered within the department, school, or university in consultation with an academic advisor. Additional credits may be needed to obtain a total of 72 credits. No more than 12 credits of special (independent) studies may be applied toward the doctoral degree.
* Pending approval of the SPHTM Curriculum Credit
Research Ethics
Students are required to take online research ethics training via CITI or another equivalent training program in research ethics. This certification must remain current throughout the program duration.
Comprehensive Exam
Students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination that demonstrates general knowledge of biostatistical methods and research applications.
Prospectus
Students must prepare and defend a prospectus of proposed research.
Dissertation
Students must conduct original biostatistics research and defend a dissertation based on that research.
Department Chair: John Lefante, PhD
Program Director: John Lefante, PhD
Administrative Program Coordinator: Farhana Chaudhry
Email: bios@tulane.edu
Phone: (504) 988-2042
You can learn more in a webcast.
