UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. Program in Biostatistics
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Ph.D. Program in Biostatistics at UC Davis focuses on advanced statistical modeling and inference, applicable to a wide range of fields. These include bioinformatics, biological sciences, veterinary medicine, and traditional areas like medicine, epidemiology, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach leverages UC Davis's strengths in the life sciences, with faculty bringing diverse backgrounds and methodological expertise.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 58 units, comprising 51 units of core coursework and 7 units of electives. Students must register for a minimum of 12 units per quarter, which can include required courses, electives, and research units (BST 299). A biostatistical practicum, involving an interdisciplinary data analysis project with a UC Davis faculty researcher, is also required.
- Core Statistics Courses
- Mathematical Statistics I-IIISTA 231 A, B, C
- Applied StatisticsSTA 232 A, B, C
- Computational StatisticsSTA 243
- Biostatistics SeminarBST 290
- Methods of Teaching StatisticsSTA 390
- Statistical Practice and Data AnalysisSTA 260
- Biostatistics Core Courses
- Survival AnalysisBST 222
- Generalized Linear ModelsBST 223
- Analysis of Longitudinal DataBST 224
- Electives (7 units total)
- Biostatistical & Methodological Electives (4 units)Elective from BST 225, BST 226, BST 227, BST 252, STA 250, STA 251, STA 237 A/B, STA 235 A/B
- Life Sciences Course (3 units)Upper division or graduate level course in Biology or Life Sciences
Careers
Graduates are prepared for roles addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in leveraging massive data and computing power for insights and decision-making, particularly in the health and life sciences sectors.
- Biostatistician
- Data Scientist
- Bioinformatician
- Epidemiologist
- Researcher in academic, government, or industry settings
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
- Applicants should have a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, typically in mathematics or statistics with strong mathematical ability and some exposure to life sciences. Prerequisites include one year of calculus, linear algebra, programming language proficiency, and upper-division math/statistics coursework equivalent to UC Davis courses MAT 25, MAT 125A, and MAT 167.
- How long does the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program typically take to complete?
- The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 58 units, including core coursework and electives. Students must register for at least 12 units per quarter.
- What is the tuition cost for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
- Tuition and fee information is program-specific and not detailed in the provided text. General UC Davis MSBA program costs are listed as $1,490 per unit, totaling $65,560 for 44 units for the 2025 intake.
- When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
- The application for the Ph.D. program in Biostatistics opens in September each year, and the deadline to submit all application materials is December 1.
- What career paths can graduates of the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program pursue?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Biostatistician, Data Scientist, Bioinformatician, Epidemiologist, or Researcher in academic, government, or industry settings, particularly within the health and life sciences sectors.
- Are there scholarships or financial aid opportunities for international students in the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
- International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries, as only exceptional international students without financial support may be considered for admission.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeMinimum 3.0 GPA. Typical background includes an undergraduate major in mathematics or statistics, with demonstrated strong mathematical ability. Exposure to life sciences courses is also expected.
PrerequisitesOne year of calculus, a course in linear algebra, facility with a programming language, and upper-division work in mathematics and/or statistics. Equivalent of UC Davis courses MAT 25 (Advanced Calculus), MAT 125A (Real Analysis), and MAT 167 (Applied Linear Algebra) are expected.
Deficiencies in prerequisites must be made up with a grade of 'B' or better by the end of the first academic year.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition and fee information is program-specific and not detailed for this Ph.D. program in the provided text. General UC Davis MSBA program costs are listed as $1,490 per unit, totaling $65,560 for 44 units for the 2025 intake.
How to apply
1. Contact Potential Major ProfessorProspective students are encouraged to contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests to inquire about lab availability and to establish a connection.
2. Complete Electronic ApplicationThe application becomes available on the Graduate Studies website in September each year.
3. Submit Application MaterialsEnsure all required documents are submitted by the application deadline.
Scholarships
Fellowship SupportVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
+
Applicants should have a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, typically in mathematics or statistics with strong mathematical ability and some exposure to life sciences. Prerequisites include one year of calculus, linear algebra, programming language proficiency, and upper-division math/statistics coursework equivalent to UC Davis courses MAT 25, MAT 125A, and MAT 167.
How long does the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program typically take to complete?
+
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 58 units, including core coursework and electives. Students must register for at least 12 units per quarter.
What is the tuition cost for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
+
Tuition and fee information is program-specific and not detailed in the provided text. General UC Davis MSBA program costs are listed as $1,490 per unit, totaling $65,560 for 44 units for the 2025 intake.
When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
+
The application for the Ph.D. program in Biostatistics opens in September each year, and the deadline to submit all application materials is December 1.
What career paths can graduates of the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program pursue?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Biostatistician, Data Scientist, Bioinformatician, Epidemiologist, or Researcher in academic, government, or industry settings, particularly within the health and life sciences sectors.
Are there scholarships or financial aid opportunities for international students in the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program?
+
International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries, as only exceptional international students without financial support may be considered for admission.