The PhD program equips students with knowledge and skills to develop and apply statistical methodology to the fields of healthcare and life sciences. Our PhD program empowers students to become experts in developing and utilizing statistical methods for medical research and health sciences, through modern didactic coursework and real-world team science. Graduates of our PhD program obtain rewarding career opportunities in academia, pharmaceuticals, government agencies, and healthcare institutions. Graduates can also influence healthcare policy, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the understanding of complex biological processes, making a significant impact on public health.
Specific requirements outlined on this page regarding credit hour totals apply to the cohort matriculating in 2026. Course titles, numbers, and credit hours change over time. For degree audit concerns, contact the Graduate Program Manager (GPM), who will coordinate with the Office of the 溏心vlog免费B站 Registrar in consult with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) as needed.
Core Courses (30 credit hours)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS 6311 | Modern Biostatistics Methodology I | 4 |
| BIOS 6312 | Modern Biostatistics Methodology II | 4 |
| BIOS 6341 | Fundamentals of Probability | 4 |
| BIOS 6342 | Contemporary Statistical Inference | 4 |
| BIOS 6351 | Scientific Writing and Presentation in the Health Sciences | 2 |
| BIOS 7352 | Statistical Collaboration in the Health Sciences | 3 |
| BIOS 8345 | Advanced Regression for Independent Data | 3 |
| BIOS 8346 | Advanced Regression for Correlated Data | 3 |
| BIOS 8361 | Advanced Probability and Stochastic Processes | 3 |
Modifications may be made with written approval from the DGS as part of an individualized academic plan.
Electives (24 credit hours)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EPID 8311 | Epidemiologic Theory and Methods I | 4 |
| BIOS 6321 | Clinical Trials and Experimental Design | 3 |
| BIOS 7323 | Applied Survival Analysis | 3 |
| BIOS 7330 | Regression Modeling Strategies | 3 |
| BIOS 7337 | Bayesian Data Analysis | 3 |
| BIOS 7365 | Probabilistic Machine Learning and Statistical Modeling | 3 |
| BIOS 7375 | Causal Inference | 3 |
| BIOS 7393 | Independent Study in Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOS 8366 | Advanced Statistical Computing | 3 |
| BIOS 8376 | Advanced Randomized Controlled Trials | 3 |
| BIOS 8377 | Statistical Methods for Neuroimaging | 3 |
Each of EPID 8311, BIOS 6321, and BIOS 7323 is strongly recommended unless a similar graduate-level course has been taken at another institution. A maximum of two graduate courses in other fields can qualify with written approval from the DGS; students are responsible for covering tuition associated with electives not receiving DGS approval.
Research
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS 8999 | Non-candidate research | 0-12 |
| BIOS 9999 | PhD dissertation research | 0-12 |
Students must earn 72 credits toward their degree; research credits fulfill remaining credit requirements beyond those of didactic coursework, typically starting in Year 3. Contact the GPM and/or DGS for questions regarding research credits.
PhD Theory and PhD Series 1 Applied Comprehensive Exams
Students are expected to take the PhD theory exam upon completion of BIOS 6342, and the PhD series 1 applied exam upon completion of BIOS 6312. Possible final outcomes include PhD-level Pass, MS-level Pass, and Not Passed. Students who do not pass at the PhD level on a first attempt must take the exam again the following year or switch tracks; failure to pass at the PhD level on a second attempt results in dismissal from the program (however, if both exams are passed at the MS level, the student can switch to the MS track). See the page on comprehensive exams for more details.
PhD Series 2 Comprehensive Exams
Students are expected to take the PhD series 2 applied exam upon completion of core courses. (Students who matriculated in 2024 or earlier are required to take and pass the PhD series 2 theory exam). Students must pass the PhD series 1 applied exam at the PhD level to be eligible to take the PhD series 2 applied exam. Possible final outcomes include Pass and Not Passed. Students who do not pass an exam on a first attempt must take it again the following year; failure to pass on a second attempt results in dismissal from the PhD program/a switch to the MS track. See the page on comprehensive exams for more details.
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Teaching Assistantships
Students are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for at least four approved courses. This requirement can be reduced with DGS approval on a case-by-case basis. See the Teaching Assistantships page for more details.
Doctoral Qualifying Exam
Students are required to complete a Doctoral Qualifying Exam, at which point they become PhD candidates. PhD candidates may earn a non-thesis MS-in-passing upon passing the Doctoral Qualifying Exam. See the Doctoral Qualifying Exam page for more details.
Doctoral Dissertation
PhD candidates are required to complete and submit a doctoral dissertation that details original research and methodological contributions that advance the knowledge of the discipline and defend their dissertation in an open forum. See the Dissertation page for more details.
My experience in the Biostatistics program at Vanderbilt was enriching and comprehensive. I was exposed to a broad spectrum of education in statistics-from robust theoretical foundations to practical, real-world applications. The faculty's wide-ranging interests ensured that I was never far from someone who was at the top of my field of interest. Most significantly, the relationships formed with fellow students have evolved into a valuable network. Many have become esteemed faculty members, while others have secured prominent positions in industry or government.
This page is for information only and subject to change without notice. Official degree requirements are listed in the听Graduate School catalog.