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PhD in Biostatistics

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Overview

Step into the world of advanced health research with the Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics at OU Hudson College of Public Health. Your journey towards becoming a trailblazer in biostatistics starts here.

The Hudson College of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). The PhD in Biostatistics program may be completed by full or part-time students and is offered in Oklahoma City.

Curriculum

This 90-credit hour program is your path to becoming a leader in the field, using advanced statistical methodologies to decipher health trends and translate complex data into actionable insights. Courses like Applications of Microcomputers to Data Analysis, Problems in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods will equip you with the skills to interpret and communicate statistical analyses, making a tangible impact in various settings from health departments to pharmaceutical companies. The program culminates in a dissertation defense, marking your contribution to the body of knowledge in the field. 

Course Requirements

Required Coursework 30 credit hours minimum
Dissertation Research 20-25 credit hours
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS 90 credit hours (includes maximum of 40 credit hours from Master's degree)

Prerequisites: Students applying to the PhD in Biostatistics must have completed a Master’s degree program (MPH or MS) in Biostatistics or a related field. Up to 40 credit hours from the Master’s program may be counted toward the PhD with approval. 

Depending on student’s background, the student may also be required to enroll in additional elective courses that cover topics students ordinarily complete in their MS or MPH curricula that are prerequisites for doctoral level courses. These may be completed after enrolling in the PhD program, and include the following courses: 

BSE Required Courses (19 credit hours)

  • BSE 5001 Problems in Biostatistics and Epidemiology
  • BSE 5013 Applications of Microcomputers to Data Analysis
  • BSE 5113 Principles of Epidemiology
  • BSE 5163 Biostatistics Methods I
  • BSE 5173 Biostatistics Methods II
  • BSE 5193 Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods
  • BSE 5663 Analysis of Frequency Data 

Any MS or PhD student who has not previously completed the core MPH courses or earned an MPH degree will be required to complete an overview course in public health. At the first opportunity students should enroll in: 

  • BSE 5033 Foundations and Overview of Public Health (3 credit hours)

 

Required Courses
The student must earn at least 30 credit hours in coursework at the University of Oklahoma after admission to the PhD program. The student is required to take the following courses as either a PhD student or in completing the MS or MPH degree:
Graduate College: Responsible Conduct of Research Training
     BSE 5111 Scientific Integrity in Research		 1 credit hour

NOTE: Further training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is required after four years, so students in their 5th year are required to enroll in the Advanced RCR course: BMSC 6011 Integrity in Scientific Research II

BSE Required Courses:
General/Epidemiology Courses (5 credit hours)
BSE 5153 Clinical Trials
BSE 6192 Grant Writing
Theory Courses (6 credit hours)
During first year of doctoral coursework:
BSE 5703 Principles of the Theory of Probability
BSE 5733 Principles of Mathematical Statistics I
Theory Courses (6 credit hours)
Following the first year of doctoral coursework:
BSE 5743 Principles of Mathematical Statistics II
BSE 6553 Linear Models
Applied Biostatistics (12 credit hours)
BSE 5653 Non-Parametric Methods
BSE 6563 Longitudinal Data Analysis
BSE 6643 Survival Data Analysis
BSE 6663 Multivariate Biostatistics

 

Electives
The student must complete at least six additional credit hours of elective coursework in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. This coursework must be approved in advance by the student’s advisory committee. The following courses do not satisfy this requirement: BSE 5980, 6950, or 6980.

 

Dissertation
The student must enroll for at least 20 credit hours in Research for Doctoral Dissertation (BSE 6980). No more than 25 credit hours in BSE 6980 may be applied toward the minimum 90 credit hours required for the degree.

 

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Students are required, prior to initiation of doctoral research, to complete training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Protection of Human Research Subjects. The training includes completion of the CITI course for Human Subjects Research (Social-Behavioral-Educational Basic module) and successful completion of a one credit course in RCR approved by the Department. 
  • Students are required to attend all departmental and Hudson College of Public Health seminars during the spring and fall semesters.
  • Students are required to enroll in a minimum of six credit hours during the spring and fall semesters.
  • Students are required to achieve a working knowledge of methods, programming, and applications of computers as used in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. This knowledge may be acquired by formal class work or by experience acquired either before entering or during the course of the program. Completing BSE 5013 with a passing grade constitutes the minimum level of knowledge associated with this requirement.
  • Students are required to achieve a basic knowledge of the biomedical sciences as they relate to human health and disease. This requirement may be satisfied in one or more areas. Any coursework needed to satisfy this requirement may be taken at this or another institution, either before or after entering the program. One example of an applicable course is Principles of Pathobiology (PATH 6024).
  • Tools of research that increase research proficiency are required. Research tools include competence in the use of computerized databases, and in the oral and written presentation of research data. The faculty will validate students’ acquiring of tools of research as they assess students’ performance on (1) the written qualifying examination, (2) the general and oral examinations, and (3) the dissertation.
  • Students must pass a written qualifying examination at the end of the first year of doctoral coursework, which must include BSE 5703 and BSE 5733. The qualifying examination will consist of two parts, each roughly four hours long. One part will focus on knowledge of statistical theory and mathematical statistics, and the other will assess ability to process, analyze, and interpret data collected to answer a research question.
  • Students must pass a General Written and Oral Examination.
  • Students must complete the defense of the dissertation within five years of the end of the semester within which the General Written and Oral Examination was successfully completed. If the time expires before the dissertation is completed, the coursework must be revalidated by retaking and passing the General Written and Oral Examination.

Doctoral Student Teaching Requirements

Students are required to participate in at least 40 hours of agreed teaching activities.

Teaching experiences must be obtained in teaching epidemiology or biostatistics. The exact experiences and potential opportunities for teaching experiences should be discussed by the student and their advisor and/or advisory committee. Under the guidance of the course instructor or the faculty mentor, teaching experiences may include:

  • Teaching graduate level courses in epidemiology or biostatistics.
  • Developing course material.
  • Delivering lectures.
  • Leading review and discussion sections.
  • Writing and grading homework assignments.
  • Writing and grading exams.

Participation in teaching activities will be documented on the Annual Graduate Student Progress Report. Students are required to identify available teaching opportunities and to contact the instructor of record to arrange for their participation in the teaching activity. The total 40 hours of teaching activities may include participation in the activities listed above as well as preparation for these activities.

STEM Designation

The PhD in Biostatistics program is considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Admissions Requirements

For the general application requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Master’s degree (MPH or MS) in Biostatistics or a related field from an accredited institution. Up to 40 credit hours from the Master’s program may be counted toward the PhD with approval.
  • The applicant must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Graduate grade point average of 3.5 or above.
  • The following prerequisites:
    • Linear Algebra.
    • Calculus and Analytic Geometry I: Topics covered include equations of straight lines, conic sections; functions, limits and continuity; differentiation; maximum-minimum theory and curve sketching.
    • Calculus and Analytic Geometry II: Integration and its applications; the calculus of transcendental functions; techniques of integration; and the introduction to differential equations.
    • Calculus and Analytic Geometry III:  Polar coordinates, parametric equations, sequences, infinite series, vector analysis.
    • Calculus and Analytic Geometry IV:  Vector calculus; functions of several variables; partial derivatives; gradients, extreme values and differentials of multivariate functions; multiple integrals; line and surface integrals.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact hcoph@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page. 

How to Apply

Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology

The Biostatistics and Epidemiology (BSE) Department at Hudson College of Public Health is a data-driven, comprehensive, and innovative department that offers a rigorous and hands-on learning experience. Our department is known for its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, providing students with a unique blend of biostatistics and epidemiology education.

We are committed to making our students the best they can be, ensuring quality research, interpreting study findings, employing novel methodology, and advancing science through study design and analysis. We aim to grow the next generation of public health professionals and ensure excellence in data management coordination of analysis. Our department is a place where students can make a difference, impact health, and contribute to something meaningful. We invite you to join us in our mission to improve public health through rigorous, innovative, and collaborative education and research.

About the Department

Biostatistics & Epidemiology Faculty

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