Campuses:
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Twin Cities Campus
Biostatistics Ph.D.School of Public Health - Adm
School of Public Health
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
School of Public Health, MMC 819, A395 Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-626-3500 OR 1-800-774-8636, Fax: 612-624-4498)
Email:
sph-oasr@umn.edu
Website: http://www.sph.umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Biostatistics combines statistics, biomedical science, and computing to advance health research. Biostatisticians design, direct, and analyze clinical trials; develop new statistical methods; and analyze data from observational studies, laboratory experiments, and health surveys. This is an ideal field for students who have strong mathematical backgrounds and who enjoy working with computers, collaborating with investigators, and participating in health research. Students take courses in biostatistical methods, theory of statistics, clinical trials, statistical computing, categorical data, survival analysis, and health sciences.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.70.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Prospective applicants should have taken at least three semesters of calculus (including multivariable calculus) and one semester of linear algebra. Experience with a programming language (e.g., Java, C) is helpful, but not required.
In addition to completing the SOPHAS application, students are also required to submit the following supporting documentation directly to SOPHAS:
- Statement of purpose and objectives (an essay describing past education, experience, and current professional career objectives)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (C.V.)
- Official postsecondary transcripts from all institutions attended, including previous study at the University of Minnesota (transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions to SOPHAS)
- Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the student's academic work; clinical, public health, or professional experiences; and leadership potential
Special Application Requirements:
All admitted international Ph.D. applicants are required to provide a World Education Services (WES) document verification report prior to beginning the program.
Proof of English Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions, must prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Official report of the scores should be sent directly to SOPHAS using designation code 5688 for the TOEFL or designation code SOPHAS for the IELTS. Scores must be less than two years old. The preferred minimum English language test scores for admission to the School of Public Health are listed below.
The English Language test requirement may be waived if an applicant can provide proof of one of the following:
- Completion of 16 semester credits/24 quarter credits (within the past 24 months) in an academic program at a recognized institution of higher learning in the U.S. or Canada.
- An Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. Students should have an official or attested copy sent directly to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health at the address listed above.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
27 to 35
credits are required in the major.
11 to 15 credits are required outside the major. 24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.30
is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 3 semesters must be completed
before filing a Degree Program Form.
The Ph.D. program requires seven core courses (including mathematical statistics, linear models, probability models, and Bayesian methodology), one health science elective and three elective courses in biostatistical theory and methods, a preliminary written examination on the material from some of the required courses, a preliminary oral examination, a written dissertation, and dissertation defense in a final oral examination. This usually requires three years of full-time study after the M.S. degree. Students entering the PhD program without a previous MS degree in Math/Stat will be required to take 3 additional courses.
Curriculum
Schedule 1
For students admitted to the University of Minnesota with an M.S. in statistics or biostatistics.
PUBH 8401 - Linear Models
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8412 - Advanced Statistical Inference
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8432 - Probability Models for Biostatistics
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8442 - Bayesian Decision Theory and Data Analysis
(3.0 cr)
STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1
(3.0 cr)
STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2
(3.0 cr)
Biostat Research Skills (1 credit)
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
PUBH 7420 - Clinical Trials: Design, Implementation, and Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 7465 - Biostatistics Consulting
(2.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8422 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8435 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8446 - Advanced Statistical Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8452 - Advanced Longitudinal Data Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8462 - Advanced Survival Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8472 - Spatial Biostatistics
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8475 - Statistical Learning and Data Mining
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8482 - Sequential and Adaptive Methods for Clinical Trials
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8492 - Theories of Hierarchical and Other Richly Parametrized Linear Models
(3.0 cr)
·
Any 8000-level course offered by the School of Statistics not included in the Core Curriculum
3 credits of public health electives from PubH 6000, 7000, 800 level courses offered by other divisions in the School of Public Health
Students who have not taken a course equivalent to Survival Analysis (PubH 7450) should take the course as early as possible.
Students who have not taken a course equivalent to Survival Analysis (PubH 7450) should take the course as early as possible.
-OR-
Schedule 2
For students entering the Ph.D. program with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, or biostatistics. Student in this curriculum are required to complete 3 additional courses than those students entering the PhD already with an MS degree in Math/Stat.
PUBH 7405 - Biostatistical Inference I
(4.0 cr)
PUBH 7406 - Biostatistical Inference II
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8401 - Linear Models
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8432 - Probability Models for Biostatistics
(3.0 cr)
PUBH 8442 - Bayesian Decision Theory and Data Analysis
(3.0 cr)
STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1
(3.0 cr)
STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2
(3.0 cr)
Biostat Research Skills course (1 credit)
PUBH 8412 - Advanced Statistical Inference
(3.0 cr)
Students without a prior course in real analysis are strongly recommended to take Advanced Calculus I (MATH 4603) in the fall of their first year. Students with a prior analysis course may choose to take the Real Analysis sequence (MATH 5615-16) as an elective, but are not required to do so.
MATH 5615H - Honors: Introduction to Analysis I
(4.0 cr)
or
MATH 4603 - Advanced Calculus I
(4.0 cr)
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
PUBH 7420 - Clinical Trials: Design, Implementation, and Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 7465 - Biostatistics Consulting
(2.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8422 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8435 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8446 - Advanced Statistical Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8452 - Advanced Longitudinal Data Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8462 - Advanced Survival Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8472 - Spatial Biostatistics
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8475 - Statistical Learning and Data Mining
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8482 - Sequential and Adaptive Methods for Clinical Trials
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 8492 - Theories of Hierarchical and Other Richly Parametrized Linear Models
(3.0 cr)
·
Any 8000-level course offered by the School of Statistics not included in the Core Curriculum
3 credits
3 credits of a Public Health elective from 6000, 7000, 8000 level courses offered by other divisions in the School of Public Health.
Survival Analysis Course
Students who have not taken a course equivalent to Survival Analysis (PubH 7450) should take the course as early as possible.
Students who have not taken a course equivalent to Survival Analysis (PubH 7450) should take the course as early as possible.
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 7445/PubH 8445 |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 8475/ Stat 8056 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Math 4606/Math 5615/Math 5616 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 7445/PubH 8445 |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 8475/ Stat 8056 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |