Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Location(s): On Campus

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Overview

The doctoral program prepares students to understand the mathematical and theoretical basis of statistical methodology; collaborate on the design of research studies in the health sciences; provide advice on the proper collection, entry, storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data; and take primary responsibility for the analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data in a research study using state-of-the-art statistical methods and software. Doctoral students are also prepared to carry out original methodological research in statistics and apply the resulting methodology to health-related research problems.

Doctoral students entering Fall 2021 or after will be placed in one of three pathways to complete their degree requirements. Students who enter the program with a BS or MS in fields other than Biostatistics will be placed on Pathway 1. Students on Pathway 1 will be awarded both MS and PhD degrees in Biostatistics after they successfully defend their PhD dissertations. Students who enter the program with an MS in Biostatistics from other institutions will be placed on Pathway 2. Students who enter the program with an MS in Biostatistics from Augusta University will be placed on Pathway 3.

All current Biostatistics doctoral students (entered prior to Fall 2021) who fulfill the requirements of Pathway 1 will also be awarded both MS and PhD degrees in Biostatistics after they successfully defend their PhD dissertations.

augusta.edu/programs/biostatistics-phd

Program Contact

Dr. Santu Ghosh
706-721-0804
gradstudies@augusta.edu

Progression and Graduation Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy curriculum is not lock-step; students do not graduate as a class at the end of the specific semester.
The maximum duration of the program is seven years.
STAT 9300 must be taken every semester after admission to candidacy until dissertation requirements are met.
The PhD program is designed to be completed in four to five years. The curriculum for the program includes: (1) formal coursework, (2) preliminary and comprehensive exams, and (3) original research conducted under the supervision of a faculty mentor that leads to a successfully defended dissertation, as specified by the policies of the School of Public Health and The Graduate School.

Program Information

Program Length: 4-5 Years, with a maximum of 7 Years
CIP Code: 26.1102
Program Code: DPHIL_BIO

Degree Requirements (Pathway 1 and Pathway 2)

Major Courses: 40 Hours

Concentration Courses: 54 Hours Minimum

STAT 8890 - Readings and Research (1 to 12 Credit Hours) (taken for 18 hours minimum)
STAT 9300 - Dissertation Research (1 to 12 Credit Hours) (taken for 36 hours minimum)

Electives: 21 Hours

Select from the following:

Degree Total: 115 Hours

Degree Requirements (Pathway 3)

Major Courses: 16 Hours

Concentration Course: 54 Hours Minimum

STAT 8890 - Readings and Research (1 to 12 Credit Hours) (taken for 18 hours minimum)
STAT 9300 - Dissertation Research (1 to 12 Credit Hours) (taken for 36 hours minimum)

Electives: 12 Hours

Select from the following:

Degree Total: 82 Hours

Term-by-Term Pathways

To outline and visualize the path from start to finish in this program, refer to the suggested Term-by-Term Pathway options below:

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics Pathway 1 (Program Pathway)
This pathway follows standard PhD curriculum; eligible for the MS on the way to the PhD; requirements are completed for the MS degree when student officially enters candidacy. Both the MS and PHD will be awarded together upon completion of PHD degree requirements. Students must complete 2 full semesters after entering candidacy before they can defend their dissertation. If students complete the MS degree requirements (officially enter candidacy) but do not complete the PHD degree, then they are awarded the MS degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics Pathway 2 (Program Pathway)
This pathway follows the standard PhD curriculum; not eligible for a MS on the way to the PhD as they already have a MS-Biostatistics degree elsewhere. Must complete 2 full semesters after entering candidacy before they can defend their dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics Pathway 3 (Program Pathway)
This pathway follows abbreviated PhD curriculum (since already completed AU PhD courses as part of AU MS degree program); MS thesis cannot be used as PhD proposal. Must complete 2 full semesters after entering candidacy before they can defend their dissertation.

Information for:

Resources

Learning
Like No Other