BROWN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctoral Program in Biostatistics
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Doctoral Program in Biostatistics at Brown University aims to train students to conduct independent research in the theory, methodology, and application of statistics to critical problems in biomedical research, including biology, public health, and clinical medicine. The program emphasizes developing new quantitative methods and their underlying theory, applying innovative statistical approaches to complex scientific problems, and fostering leadership in interdisciplinary research across public health, medicine, biology, and social sciences. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of advanced biostatistical methods through coursework and examinations. This includes a strong foundation in statistical inference, general biostatistical methods, specialized domain areas, and public health principles. Additionally, students must develop competency in a substantive field of application, such as genetics, economics, or epidemiology, by completing relevant graduate-level coursework in another department.
Curriculum
The program requires completion of core coursework, demonstration of teaching proficiency, synthesis of knowledge through written exams, and readiness for original research demonstrated by a dissertation proposal defense. The culmination of the program is the completion and oral defense of a dissertation that contributes original work to the field.
- Year 1
- Statistical Inference IPHP 2520
- Bayesian Statistical MethodsPHP 2530
- Practical Data AnalysisPHP 2550
- Statistical Inference IIPHP 2580
- Linear ModelsPHP 2601
- Generalized Linear ModelsPHP 2605
- Analysis of Lifetime DataPHP 2602
- Causal Inference and Missing DataPHP 2610
- PhD Journal ClubPHP 2950
- Foundations of Public HealthPHP 2000
- Introduction to Methods in Epidemiologic ResearchPHP 2120
- Electives
- Clinical Trials MethodologyPHP 2030
- Analysis of Longitudinal DataPHP 2603
- Statistical Methods for Spatial DataPHP 2604
- Statistical Methods for BioinformaticsPHP 2620
- Statistical Learning and Big DataPHP 2650
- Advanced Topics in BiostatisticsPHP 2690
- Design of ExperimentsPHP 2590
- Simulation Models for Public Health Decision MakingPHP 2670
- Introduction to Numerical OptimizationAPMA 1160
- Recent Applications of Probability/StatisticsAPMA 2610
- Probability Theory IAPMA 2630
- Probability Theory IIAPMA 2640
- Stochastic Processes on GraphsAPMA 2821
- Convex Analysis + Minimization AlgorithmAPMA 2811
- Deep LearningCSCI 1470/2470
Frequently asked questions
- What are the financial aid and tuition details for international PhD students?
- All PhD students, including international students, are admitted with full aid. This includes full tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. No separate financial aid application is required.
- What is the application deadline for the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics?
- The application deadline for the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics is December 1, 2024.
- What are the minimum English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 is required. Official TOEFL scores should be sent to SOPHAS (code 5688) and Brown University Graduate School (code 3094).
- What academic background is required for the Biostatistics PhD program?
- A strong foundation in mathematics, including advanced calculus and linear algebra, is required, along with probability courses using calculus. While no specific major is mandated, backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, biology, engineering, pharmacology, or economics are common.
- How do I apply to the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics?
- Applications are submitted through SOPHAS, and international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). You will need to provide a resume, personal statement of purpose, and at least three letters of recommendation.
- Is the GRE required for admission?
- Yes, the GRE is required for the current admissions cycle for Fall 2026 enrollment.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA strong foundation in mathematics is required, including advanced calculus (covering multivariate calculus) and linear algebra. Probability courses using calculus are also essential. While a specific undergraduate major is not mandated, backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, biology, engineering, pharmacology, or economics are common. Prior graduate coursework, such as an M.S. in Statistics, may be advantageous.
TOEFL90
GRE is required for the current admissions cycle (Fall 2026 enrollment). International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
Fees
Tuition (international)All Ph.D. students are admitted with full aid, including tuition, stipend, and health insurance, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. Separate application for financial aid is not required.
Tuition (home)—
Living—
For general tuition and fees at Brown University, refer to the Cost of Attendance information which typically includes tuition, various student fees (activities, resources, recreation, health services, academic records), and health insurance premiums. Specific figures vary annually.
How to apply
1. Complete the SOPHAS ApplicationApply online through the SOPHAS portal. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
2. Submit TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previous institutions are required. International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Applicants are encouraged to upload personal copies of transcripts while awaiting the WES evaluation for faster processing.
3. Provide Supporting DocumentsInclude a resume, a personal statement of purpose, and at least three letters of recommendation.
4. TOEFL/IELTS ScoresInternational students (unless exempt) must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Official TOEFL scores should be sent to SOPHAS (code 5688) and Brown University Graduate School (code 3094). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 is required.
5. GRE ScoresThe GRE is required for the current admissions cycle (Fall 2026 enrollment).
Scholarships
Full Aid for PhD StudentsFull tuition, stipend, and health insurance
Frequently asked questions
What are the financial aid and tuition details for international PhD students?
+
All PhD students, including international students, are admitted with full aid. This includes full tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. No separate financial aid application is required.
What is the application deadline for the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics?
+
The application deadline for the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics is December 1, 2024.
What are the minimum English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 is required. Official TOEFL scores should be sent to SOPHAS (code 5688) and Brown University Graduate School (code 3094).
What academic background is required for the Biostatistics PhD program?
+
A strong foundation in mathematics, including advanced calculus and linear algebra, is required, along with probability courses using calculus. While no specific major is mandated, backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, biology, engineering, pharmacology, or economics are common.
How do I apply to the Doctoral Program in Biostatistics?
+
Applications are submitted through SOPHAS, and international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). You will need to provide a resume, personal statement of purpose, and at least three letters of recommendation.
Is the GRE required for admission?
+
Yes, the GRE is required for the current admissions cycle for Fall 2026 enrollment.