Program Overview

Program Details

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biostatistics is a residential program designed for students with strong quantitative abilities and an interest in applications of math, statistics, and computer programming to health-related issues.

Minimum Credit Hours

• 47 credit hours are required for the program.

Designation

• The PhD in Biostatistics is a STEM Designated degree for the purpose of applying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Application Deadline

• The application deadline is December 2, 2025.

Expected Duration

• The expected duration of the program is 4-6 years.

Learning Environment

• The program is residential.

Admissions Information

Who Should Apply

• Students with strong quantitative abilities and an interest in applications of math, statistics, and computer programming to health-related issues should apply.

Prior Degree Required

• An acceptable bachelor’s degree with mathematics training at least including advanced calculus (real analysis) and linear algebra is required.

Letters of Recommendation Required

• 3 letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional; academic preferred) are required.

Interviews

• Interviews are not required.

Visit Opportunities

• Opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and current students virtually and in person are available.

How To Apply

I. Complete UNC Graduate School Application

1. The Graduate School Application is a common application system for UNC Chapel Hill programs.
2. Application Fee: Information on UNC Graduate School Fee Waiver Requests is available.
3. Faculty Interest(s)/mentor(s): List faculty with whom you’d like to work; this information can be helpful to the admissions committee.
4. Applicant information, including North Carolina residency information.
5. Area(s) of interest: Select all applicable areas of interest from the dropdown.
6. Educational history: Upload a copy of your most recent transcript(s), including your current term grades, if applicable.
7. Community standards: You will be asked about honor code, crime, academic sanction, military discharge, etc.
8. Upload your personal statement: A statement of purpose that should include why and or how you became interested in Biostatistics.
9. Upload your resume or CV.
10. Enter names of recommenders: UNC will then send them an email with instructions for submitting a letter on your behalf.
11. Report test scores, if applicable: GRE scores are neither required nor typically recommended for applicants. International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS standardized test scores.
12. Document submission: Check the legibility of uploads.

II. Application Review Process

1. Department reviews application and recommends a decision.
2. UNC Graduate School reviews department recommendation and renders a final decision.

III. Costs and Funding

• When estimating costs, please visit the UNC Cashier’s Office and use the Graduate and Professional Program Tuition and Fees link.
• Gillings departments and concentrations consider both domestic and international applicants for funding.
• Applicants will be reviewed for eligibility for UNC Graduate School scholarships and fellowships.
• Funding offers through the department, such as research assistantships, are possible but not guaranteed.

During and After The Program

• For more information on our curriculum and graduate school/career outcomes, please see our Student Handbook.