Program Overview

Biostatistics PhD Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Biostatistics PhD program is a highly collaborative unit that is integral in the design of numerous research projects within MCW and its affiliates. In this program, students receive in-depth training on the use of state-of-the-art software and consulting opportunities. Additionally, students benefit from an expansive network of faculty, both during their tenure and as they seek a career upon completing their course of study.

Why Join the Biostatistics PhD Program at MCW?

In modern clinical and basic science, investigators face challenges in the design of experiments, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of data. The Division of Biostatistics at MCW trains students to meet and solve such challenges. The division has an ideal research environment for Biostatistics through numerous collaborations with the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS), Human and Molecular Genetics Center, among others.

About the Program

The Division of Biostatistics offers a PhD degree program designed for students with strong undergraduate preparation in mathematics and trains students in biostatistical methodology, theory, and practice. Emphasis is placed on sound theoretical understanding of statistical principles, research in the development of applied methodology, and collaborative research with biomedical scientists and clinicians. In addition, students gain substantial training and experience in statistical computing and in the use of software packages.

Curriculum

The Biostatistics PhD Program Sample Plan and Graduate Programs in Biostatistics Student Handbook are available. The program includes:

• Preliminary Examination: a written examination in August of the first academic year, consisting of two parts - Applied Statistics and Theory of Statistics.
• Readings & Research: students take BIOST 295 Readings & Research for 3 credit hours each with two different members of the faculty.
• Qualifying Examination: a tailor-made examination for each student, organized, administered, and evaluated by their advisory committee.
• Paper Submission: students submit at least one methodology paper to peer-reviewed journals.
• Final Examination: a public defense of the dissertation.
• Dissertation Research Requirements: students begin their dissertation research during the third year, and the dissertation must be an original contribution to scientific knowledge.

Required Courses

The program includes the following required courses:

• BIOE 10222 Ethics and Integrity in Science (1 credit)
• BIOE 10444 Research Ethics Discussion Series (1 credit)
• BIOS 04214 Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials (3 credits)
• BIOS 04220 Research Seminar (1 credit)
• BIOS 04221 Biomedical Applications and Consulting (3 credits)
• BIOS 04222 Statistical Consulting (3 credits)
• BIOS 04224 Biostatistical Computing (3 credits)
• BIOS 04231 Statistical Models and Methods I (3 credits)
• BIOS 04232 Statistical Models and Methods II (3 credits)
• BIOS 04233 Introduction to Statistical and Machine Learning (3 credits)
• BIOS 04275 Applied Survival Analysis (3 credits)
• BIOS 04285 Introduction to Bayesian Analysis (3 credits)
• BIOS 04295 Reading and Research (1-9 credits)
• BIOS 04313 Advanced Statistical Computing (3 credits)
• BIOS 04363 Advanced Statistics I (3 credits)
• BIOS 04365 Linear Models I (3 credits)
• BIOS 04384 Statistical Genetics (3 credits)
• BIOS 04385 Advanced Bayesian Analysis (3 credits)
• BIOS 04386 Theory of Survival Analysis (3 credits)
• BIOS 04399 Doctoral Dissertation (1-9 credits)
• BIOS 04231/MTHSTAT 761* Mathematical Statistics I (3 credits)
• BIOS 04232/MTHSTAT 762* Mathematical Statistics II (3 credits)
• BIOS 24150 Bioinformatics in Omics Analysis (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Elective courses available include:

• BIOETH 201 Medical Ethics (2 credits)
• BIOETH 222 Ethics and Integrity in Science (2 credits)
• BIOETH 232 Ethics, Policy and Genetic Technology (2 credits)
• BIOPHYSICS 215 Medical Physics (1 credit)
• CELLBIO 150 Introduction to Cell Biology (1 credit)
• CELLBIO 152 Human Development (1 credit)
• CELLBIO 207 Introduction to Neuroscience (2 credits)
• EPI 201 Clinical Epidemiology (3 credits)
• EPI 256 Research Methods in Epidemiology (3 credits)
• EPI 272 Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease (1 credit)
• EPI 274 Cancer Epidemiology
• PHARM 202 Survey of Pharmacology (3 credits)
• PHY 202 General Human Physiology (6 credits)
• PHY 285 Mathematical Biology (3 credits)

Tuition and Fees

All full-time PhD degree-seeking students in good academic and professional standing receive a financial support package, including:

• Full tuition coverage
• $36,355/year (academic year)
• Complimentary health insurance

Faculty

The Biostatistics PhD Program Faculty page provides information about the faculty members.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Biostatistics PhD program should have:

• Completed an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a closely related field
• Completed courses in advanced calculus, matrix/linear algebra, and scientific programming with a minimum grade of B in each
• A strong interest in Biostatistics and biomedical applications
• An overall grade point average of 3.0 or better
• A 3.0 grade point average or better in mathematics and science
• Scores in the 80th percentile or higher on the Quantitative component of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Applicants who studied overseas or via an online U.S.-based institution are required to take a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Alumni

The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in industry and academia, with recent alumni employed at institutions such as Yale University, Abbvie, and Eli Lilly.