PhD in Biostatistics
PhD in Biostatistics
On This Page
Programs Overview
The PhD in Biostatistics is designed for students with strong quantitative skills and a background or interest in the biological, medical, or health sciences. The program is ideal for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of biostatistics through advanced course work, research, analysis, and collaboration. To the extent possible, the curriculum can be tailored to each student’s individual background and interests.
Curriculum
Required Courses
The PhD in Biostatistics requires 54 credit hours of coursework, including advanced biostatistical methods courses and electives. The curriculum for each student is personalized according to a student’s educational background and research interest.
Students are required to enroll for a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester and term. It typically takes students two-to-three years to complete PhD coursework and two years to complete their dissertation. Students who have a master's degree in biostatistics or statistics are exempt from 500-level courses.
Other Degree Requirements
All PhD students must participate in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunities (TATTO) program. This includes a three-day summer teacher training workshop (normally taken in the summer before the second year in the PhD program), serving as a teaching assistant during the second and third years in the program and practical experience in statistical consulting.
All students are required to complete 12 credit hours of elective courses in biostatistics; at least 6 of these credits must be in 700-level courses. Enrollment in the invited speaker’s seminar series (BIOS 790R) is required for the first two years of coursework in which 2 credit hours will count toward elective hours. In addition, students are required to complete 6 credits of elective courses (at the 500-level or above) outside of biostatistics; at least 2 of these credit hours must be in epidemiology for students who lack prior training in epidemiology. Students must maintain an average GPA of at least B- and a minimum of 54 credits must be taken as graded.
All PhD students are required to complete and defend a dissertation. Students are encouraged to begin exploring potential research topics as soon as they enter the program by meeting with faculty advisors.
The doctoral dissertation must meet the requirements of both the department and Laney Graduate School. In particular, the dissertation must make a new contribution to the student’s field of study or present a unique new interpretation on existing knowledge. Students are required to pass an oral defense of the dissertation proposal.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must have completed a course in multivariate calculus (typically Calculus III) and linear algebra.
The application includes:
- Application to the Laney Graduate School
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: In 500 words or fewer, tell us about your research or professional experience leading you to apply to this program. You are encouraged to share your research interest and how obtaining this degree will assist with your long-term goals.
- Transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended
- Resume/CV
- Optional GRE scores
- TOEFL scores for international students
- A statement on building collaborative and respectful graduate communities
Application Timeline
You are encouraged to begin your application process early, especially if you’re submitting credential evaluations. The program receives more than 200 applicants for an incoming class of eight. To ensure your application advances for review, you must apply in a timely manner that ensures a complete application is received by December 1.
A complete application is defined as all required documents including required test scores and letters of recommendation. Follow up with your recommenders well in advance of December 1 to ensure they have the opportunity to provide information prior to the deadline.
If your application is incomplete as of December 1, your application will not advance for review.
Admissions Tips
The department receives and average of 200 applications a year for only six to nine spaces in the PhD program. Admitted students most often have:
- Defined research interests
- Outstanding recommendations from faculty and supervisors
- A clear and concise statement of purpose
- Evidence of research/professional experience
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the interest areas of faculty within biostatistics to ensure academic interest align with faculty research areas.
Paying for Your PhD
All full-time Emory PhD students receive a generous financial support package from the Laney Graduate School consisting of a tuition scholarship and stipend. Additionally, a 100% student health insurance subsidy is provided.
This support is for the first five years of the program, conditional upon being in good academic standing. Exceptionally qualified applicants will be considered for special admissions fellowships, which offer additional financial support for up to five years contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.
Special Admissions Fellowships
In addition to the tuition scholarship, stipend and health insurance subsidy, Laney Graduate School offers special fellowships designed to address specific admission priorities. Please review these opportunities in the LGS Admissions financial support overview.
Contact
Connect with Us
While we would love to welcome every prospective student to campus, we are also excited to connect virtually and introduce you to the PhD in Biostatistics. During this session, you’ll learn more about the program, the research that drives the faculty and students in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, and the opportunities that await you at Rollins.
Biostatistics Information Session
- Date: October 29, 2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Zoom
Visit Day
The program invites a small group of applicants for a virtual visit. We anticipate notifying candidates in late January. Visit day typically occurs within the first three weeks of February.
Get in Touch:
Angela Guinyard, Assistant Director of Academic Programs