Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis and IU Indianapolis School of Science

Contact Information

Department of Biostatistics, HITS 3000, IU Indianapolis

or IU Fairbanks School of Public Health, RG 6057, IU Indianapolis

or Department of Mathematical Sciences, LD 270, IU Indianapolis

School E-mail: fsphinfo@iu.edu

Program URL: fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/doctoral/biostatistics

Curriculum

Curriculum
Courses
Faculty

Degree Offered

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.), and doctoral minor in Biostatistics

MS in Biostatistics

The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health offers a Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics. The Master of Science in Biostatistics provides highly focused training in statistical theory and biostatistical methods, with an emphasis on their application in a broad array of health sciences.

Students in this program are trained to be professional biostatisticians who are well qualified for employment in government and private health agencies, industry and research institutes. The MS program also serves as excellent preparation for doctoral programs in biostatistics.

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Master of Science in Biostatistics must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, show evidence of satisfactory preparation in math and computer skills, and have an acceptable academic record.

Application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations shall be applied equitably to all individuals, applicants and students regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

US Applicants: July 1
International Applicants: April 1

Admission Criteria

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (except Indiana University)
• College Calculus I, II, Multivariate Calculus and Linear Algebra
• Competent written and oral communication skills.
• Other admission factors include strong references, work experience, and personal statement. Students meeting these requirements are not guaranteed admission.
  

Supporting Documentation

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE scores are not required for admission. To strengthen the application, GRE scores are strongly recommended if the cumulative GPA from all undergraduate institutions attended is below 3.0. Official GRE test scores taken within the past five years are acceptable. Applicants must submit GRE scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code 0167.

The admission committee does not list expected minimum scores.

• Personal Statement: The personal statement should be 750 words and can be uploaded to the Personal Statement section of SOPHAS. In your own words, describe experiences that have shaped your interest in public health and biostatistics. Discuss your past education, experience, and current professional objectives. You are encouraged to comment on your plans to use your education and training, the needs and /or challenges you perceive as important in the field, and any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in the field of biostatistics.

Your personal statement can be uploaded electronically to the SOPHAS application

• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.): For each position on the résumé or CV, provide the job title, employing agency, dates employed, and responsibilities held. Indicate any additional strengths or skills such as fluency in foreign languages, research experience, teaching experience, community service, and demonstration of leadership skills. Include professional certifications, honors, and awards.

Your résumé or CV can be uploaded electronically into SOPHAS and should not be mailed.

• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required from professional sources that can provide an unbiased critical assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Examples of professional and academic sources are academic advisors, professors, preceptors, or immediate supervisors. Examples of sources that are not acceptable include coworkers, colleagues, classmates, and relatives. Recommendation letters must be submitted electronically to SOPHAS.
• Interview The interviewees are invited at the discretion of the Admission Committee. The MS in Biostatistics admissions committee conducts interviews online for applicants who are unable to travel to Indianapolis for the interview. Note that applicants will need access to a webcam and microphone for the interview.
• 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 or Duolingo English Test. Scores must be less than two years old.

• Internet-based TOEFL: minimum score of 79
• Computer-based TOEFL: minimum score of 213
• Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score of 550
• IELTS (total band score): minimum score of 6.5

• TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code 5688
• IELTS scores can be uploaded electronically to SOPHAS and official copy sent to IU Indianapolis School Code 1325

Transcript:

U.S. transcripts

Official post-secondary transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended (must be sent directly from the institutions to SOPHAS). This includes previous study at Indiana University campuses. U.S. applicants who studied at foreign institutions as part of a study abroad experience at their U.S. college or university do not need to provide a WES evaluation of their study abroad coursework.

Applicants are required to enter all U.S. coursework. Entering U.S. coursework allows SOPHAS to calculate GPAs that institutions use in reviewing applications, provides a way for institutions to review applications using electronic review forms and also allows for a mechanism to gather aggregate information about prior coursework. SOPHAS uses official transcripts to verify the self-reported coursework. This process significantly expedites the institution review process.

For regular mail, please send your transcript to:

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471-9111

For overnight delivery only:

SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-612-2090

Applicants who have not earned a degree at the time of application submission will be required to submit an official transcript upon acceptance to the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health. This official transcript should indicate your degree earned and date of conferral. If you did not earn your degree at the time you applied to SOPHAS, please send an updated official transcript with degree earned and date of conferral to:

IU Fairbanks School of Public Health
Office of Student Services and Admissions
Attn: Shawne Mathis
1050 Wishard Blvd., 6th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46202

It is strongly recommended that all transcripts are submitted no later than April 1 to allow adequate time to verify transcripts by the May 1 deadline.

Foreign transcripts

All applicants with foreign academic credentials must provide a World Education Services (WES) ICAP course-by-course evaluation of those credentials. Because this process can take some time, applicants should submit their transcripts to WES at least one month in advance of the application deadline (Spring - September 15 | Fall - March 1).

Through special arrangements with SOPHAS, WES will deliver its credential evaluation report directly to SOPHAS by secure electronic transmission. This expedites the delivery of the evaluation report as well as images of the applicant’s verified transcripts to SOPHAS and allows SOPHAS to process the report most efficiently.

Visit WES for more information.

Transcripts must be sent from institution in the institutions sealed envelope directly to:

SOPHAS
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471-9111

For overnight delivery only:

SOPHAS
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-612-2090

Apply Now

You may apply to our MS in Biostatistics program online via SOPHAS, the centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service.

Remember to designate the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health as one of your school choices, along with your desired program.

We'll notify you by email once your application has been received. If you have questions about the application process, contact student services at (317) 274-2000.

Upon offer of admission, applicants will need to complete the required supplemental application, IU Graduate CAS, by using the invitation code and link provided with the admission offer. The IU Graduate CAS application resembles the SOPHAS application. To apply, unofficial transcripts earned at bachelor's, master's, or doctorate-granting institutions must be uploaded.

MS in Biostatistics Curriculum

All MS in Biostatistics candidates must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. The curriculum includes required public health courses, biostatistics core courses, and biostatistics electives courses.

Required Coursework

Curriculum (36 credit hours)

Take all 8 courses for a total of 24 credit hours

• STAT 51900 Introduction to Probability or STAT 51600 Basic Probability Applications (3 credit hours)
• STAT 52800 Mathematical Statistics I or STAT 51700 Statistical Inference (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 571 Biostatistics Method I-Linear Model in Public Health (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 572 Biostatistics Method II-Categorical Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 573 Biostatistics Method III-Applied Survival Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 574 Biostatistics Method IV-Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 581 Biostatistics Computing (3 credit hours) or B552 Fundamentals of Data Management (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 582 Introduction to Clinical Trials (3 credit hours)

Required Public Health Courses

• PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-P 517 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3 credit hours)

Non-thesis option: Elective courses (6 credit hours)

• Any relevant courses upon departmental approval

• Thesis option: PBHL-B 711 MS Thesis Research in Biostatistics (6 credit hours)

MS Examination

The MS competence examination will be given twice a year. The first examination will be offered a week before the fall semester starts and the second exam may be offered a week before the spring semester if necessary. The examination consists of two parts: Theory and Application.

Theory examination covers the materials at the level of Stat 51600 and Stat 51700. Application examination covers the materials from PBHL-B571, PBHL-B572, and PBHL B573. Students are recommended to take the examination in the summer after year one in the program and will be given a second chance to pass the examination after three semesters in the program if they failed to pass in their first attempt.

Thesis Option (6 credit hours)

Register for B711 MS Thesis Research in Biostatistics. No elective courses are required when taking the Thesis Option.

Non-Thesis Option (6 credit hours)

Students taking the Non-Thesis Option are required to take the MS competency exam. After passing the exam, students must then take six credit hours of electives approved by the department. 

Students who do not pass the MS competency exam will be required to enroll in B711 MS Thesis Research in Biostatistics.

Note on MS Examination

The MS competence examination will be given twice a year. The first examination will be offered a week before the fall semester starts and the second exam may be offered a week before the spring semester if necessary. The examination consists of two parts: Theory and Application.

Theory examination covers the materials at the level of Stat 51600 and Stat 51700. Application examination covers the materials from PBHL-B571 and PBHL-B572 (fall) and PBHL B573 (winter). Students are recommended to take the examination in the summer after year one in the program and will be given a second chance to pass the examination after three semesters in the program if they failed to pass in their first attempt. 

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD in Biostatistics program at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health combines the statistical theory and modeling strengths of Indiana University Indianapolis’s Department of Mathematical Sciences with the exceptional biostatistical methods research, health sciences applications, and public health experience of our own department of biostatistics. Students benefit from a low student/faculty ratio that promotes close interaction with faculty and targeted guidance of research.

Designed for individuals with strong quantitative and analytical skills and a strong interest in biological, medical and/or health-related sciences, the 90-credit program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Students will be well prepared to contribute to research, collaboration, and consulting across a broad spectrum of health and life science problems.

The program emphasizes the theory and concepts underlying statistical methods, the interpretation of results from experimental, as well as observational studies, and the practical realities of health-related studies and their analysis.

Application Deadlines:

Matriculation: Students are admitted for matriculation in the fall only.

Priority Deadline: December 15

Final Deadline: January 15

All required application documents must be submitted by the PhD program deadline. It is strongly recommended that all transcripts are submitted no later than December 15 to allow adequate time to verify transcripts.

Any applicant to the PhD in Biostatistics who has a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and shows promise for successfully completing all the degree requirements will be considered for admission to this program.

Application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations shall be applied equitably to all individuals, applicants and students regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.

Admission Criteria and Requirements

In addition to completing the SOPHAS application, you are also required to submit the following supporting documentation directly to SOPHAS.

Admission Criteria

In addition to satisfying general Indiana University Graduate School requirements for admission, applicants must have at least a B (3.00 GPA) average in courses taken during the last two years of their earlier degree studies, and a grade of B+ (3.50 GPA) in courses required as prerequisites for the program.

Students entering this program should have a minimal mathematics background consisting of an undergraduate course sequence in univariate and multivariate calculus (equivalent to MATH 16500, 16600 and 26100 at IU Indianapolis) and a course in linear algebra (including matrix theory). In addition, applicants should have had a calculus-based undergraduate level course in probability or statistics. Prospective applicants who do not have this background must acquire it prior to admission to the program.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE scores are not required for admission, however, if you plan to attend the PhD program as a full-time funded student, you are strongly encouraged to submit them with your application, since some funding sources require current GRE scores (less than five years old) in order for students to be eligible. Applicants must submit GRE scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code 0167.

The admission committee does not list expected minimum scores.

Statement of Purpose and Objectives: Provide an essay of approximately 750 words describing your past education, experience, and current professional career objectives. You are encouraged to comment on any or all of the following: plans you have to use your education and training; the needs and/or challenges you perceive as important in your field of study; and, any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in your chosen field of study.

Resume or CV: For each position on the résumé or CV, provide the job title, employing agency, dates employed, and responsibilities held. Indicate any additional strengths or skills such as fluency in foreign languages, research experience, teaching experience, community service, and demonstration of leadership skills. Include professional certifications, honors, and awards.

Official Post-Secondary Transcripts: Transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended are required (must be sent directly from the institutions to SOPHAS). This includes previous study at Indiana University. It is strongly recommended that all transcripts be submitted no later than December 15 to allow SOPHAS adequate time to verify transcripts. Please note that it can take up to four weeks for transcripts to be verified.

World Education Services (WES) ICAP evaluation of foreign academic credentials

The Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health requires all applicants with foreign academic credentials to provide a World Education Services (WES) ICAP course-by-course evaluation of those credentials. Applicants should submit their transcripts to WES at least one month in advance of the application deadline to ensure that the evaluation is completed in time.

Through special arrangements with SOPHAS, WES will deliver its credential evaluation report directly to SOPHAS by secure electronic transmission. This expedites the delivery of the evaluation report—as well as images of the applicant’s verified transcripts—to SOPHAS and allows SOPHAS to process the report most efficiently.

Visit WES for more information

U.S. applicants who have attended post-secondary institutions outside of the U.S. as part of a study-abroad program at a U.S. college or university, do not need to provide a WES evaluation of their foreign coursework as long as it is noted on their U.S. transcript.

Please note: Upon admission to IU Indianapolis, international students will be required to provide the Indiana University Office of International Affairs with original transcripts from all universities attended in the U.S. and abroad.

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required from persons qualified to assess your academic work; clinical, public health, or professional experiences; or leadership potential in public health. These letters should be from professional sources that can provide an unbiased, current and critical assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses related to successfully completing a doctoral program.

Interview: The applicants are invited to interview at the discretion of the admission committee.

The PhD in Biostatistics admissions committee conducts interviews online for applicants who are unable to travel to Indianapolis for the interview. Note that applicants will need access to a webcam and microphone for the interview.

Proof of English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions must:

1. Prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores
2. Minimum requirements for admission for IU Programs: TOEFL (79) and 6.5 IELTS. Students who are admitted with TOEFL of 79-99 or IELTS of 6.5-7.0 will take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test. Depending on your EAP rest results, you may need to take EAP courses at the same time as your academic major courses for one or two semesters.
3. The preferred minimum English language test scores for admission to the Fairbanks School of Public Health are:
   • Internet-based TOEFL: minimum score of 100
   • Computer-based TOEFL: minimum score of 250
   • Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score of 600
   • IELTS (total band score): minimum score of 7
4. Scores must be less than two years old.
5. TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code 5688. IELTS scores can be uploaded electronically to SOPHAS and official copy sent to IU Indianapolis School code 1325.

English language test waiver

The English language test requirement may be waived if an applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from the U.S. or other English-speaking country.

Review of Application

Completed applications will be carefully reviewed by the Biostatistics PhD Admissions Committee after the program deadline. Applicants are notified of their admission status in March. The Admissions Committee will determine each applicant’s acceptance or non-acceptance to the Biostatistics PhD program by using the following selection criteria:

• Scientific Leadership Potential: Assessed by the applicant’s resume / curriculum vita, personal statement, and personal interview.
• Ability to Engage in Advanced Graduate Work: Assessed by the applicant’s personal interview, evaluation of letters of recommendation, overall grade point average in prior graduate work, and scores from the GRE or other graduate entrance exams.
• Learning Goals and Objectives: Assessed by the applicant’s personal statement and personal interview.

Apply Now

You may apply to our Biostatistics PhD program online via SOPHAS, the centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service.

Remember to designate the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health as one of your school choices, along with your desired program.

We'll notify you by email once your application has been received. If you have questions about the application process or about the PhD in Biostatistics program, contact Shawne Mathis.

Note: All applications must be verified by SOPHAS prior to the deadline to be guaranteed review by the PhD Biostatistics admissions committee. Applications that are not verified by the deadline are not guaranteed review. Applications take four to five weeks to be verified by SOPHAS. We recommend submitting your application to SOPHAS no later than one month prior to the deadline.

Upon offer of admission, applicants will need to complete the IU Graduate CAS, a required secondary application, by using the invitation code and link provided with the admission offer. The IU Graduate CAS application resembles the SOPHAS application. To apply, unofficial transcripts earned at bachelor's, master's, or doctorate-granting institutions must be uploaded.

PhD in Biostatistics Curriculum

All PhD candidates must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 90 credit hours that includes required biostatistics core courses, statistics electives courses, a doctoral minor, electives courses, independent studies and directed dissertation research. To complete this degree, you will take a combination of required biostatistics courses, public health courses, biostatistics elective courses, a doctoral minor, further elective courses, independent studies, and directed dissertation research that together total 90 credit hours. The specific distribution of courses is as follows:

Required Coursework

Public Health Core Courses

Every student in the program is also required to complete a fundamental epidemiology course and introductory courses in public health for a total of 6 credit hours:

• PBHL-B 517 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health

Required Coursework

Every student in the program is required to complete the following eight courses:

• STAT 51200 Applied Regression Analysis
• STAT 51900 Introduction to Probability*
• STAT 52500 Generalized Linear Model*
• STAT 52800 Mathematical Statistics I*
• STAT 53600 Introduction to Survival Analysis*
• PBHL-B 574 Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis*
• PBHL-B 582 Introduction to Clinical Trials
• PBHL-B 584 Biostatistics Practicum

*Indicates program core courses

Any four of the following:

• STAT 61900 Probability Theory
• STAT 62800 Advanced Statistical Inference
• PBHL-B 616 Advanced Statistical Computing
• PBHL-B 626 Advanced Likelihood Theory
• PBHL-B 636 Advanced Survival Analysis
• PBHL-B 646 Advanced Generalized Linear Models
• PBHL-B 656 Advanced Longitudinal Data Analysis

In addition, every student must take an additional six credit hours of statistics/biostatistics courses. At least three credit hours of these electives must be taken from 600-level courses or above.

The remaining 42 credit hours will be taken as additional coursework in a minor area (12 credit hours), further elective courses, independent studies, and directed dissertation research (at minimum 24 credit hours). This totals to 90 credit hours for the Biostatistics program. The minor may be completed in any area related to the health and life sciences disciplines, such as pharmacology and toxicology, epidemiology, genetics, biology, physiology, bioinformatics, health policy, translational science and health economics, among many others.

Transfer Coursework: Candidates for the PhD degree may petition for up to 30 credit hours of graduate credit from other institutions. Students should submit the Petition for Approval of Transfer Course form to initiate the process and receive approval to apply a course completed at a different institution toward their degree. Students must provide, at minimum, the syllabus for the course under evaluation. Other documentation may be requested.

Expired Coursework: Normally, a course may not apply toward degree requirements if it was completed more than seven years prior to the passing of the preliminary examination. Students must submit the Petition For Course Revalidation form to initiate an appeal process and receive approval to apply an expired course toward their degree. Students must provide, at minimum, the syllabus for the course under evaluation. Other documentation may be requested.

Elective Coursework: Students must submit the Petition for Approval of Elective Course form to initiate an appeal process and receive approval to apply a course completed in a different department toward their degree. Students must provide, at minimum, the syllabus for the course under evaluation. Other documentation may be requested.

Minor Area (12 credit hours): In addition to the 48 credit hours of formal statistics/biostatistics and public health coursework, all students must complete a minor in an area related to any of the health and life sciences disciplines. The minor may be obtained in areas such as pharmacology and toxicology, epidemiology, genetics, biology, physiology bioinformatics, public health and health economics, among many others and must be approved by the student’s advisor or graduate committee. The minor must contain a minimum of four graduate level courses (12 cr.) in the chosen area and it must comply with the minor requirements of the respective department/unit.

Dissertation (24 to 30 credit hours): At minimum 24 credit hours credit hours will be guided research dissertation credit hours. After passing the oral part of the qualifying examination, the student may officially begin work on the dissertation, which will be original and publishable statistical/biostatistical research originating from and with application to well defined life and health related problems. The student must submit the completed written dissertation to the research committee for reading and evaluation and subsequently will have to present and defend it orally in a public forum before the committee.

Program Requirements

Qualifying Examinations - written part (required): Students must pass an initial qualifying examination in the areas of Probability, Mathematical Statistics, Generalized Linear Models, Longitudinal Data Analysis and Survival Analysis. The qualifying examination is a written examination offered once a year during a two-day

Qualifier Exam Session the week before classes start in August and is administered in two sections – Theoretical Biostatistics and Applied Biostatistics. The preparation and the administration of the qualifying examination are overseen by the Graduate Examination Committee. Students are expected to have completed and passed both sections of the qualifying examination on or before their qualifier deadline.

Deadline for full-time students:

The deadline for passing the written part of the qualifying examination for full-time students who enter the program with a master’s degree in statistics/biostatistics is August at the end of their second year. The deadline for full-time students who enter the program without a master’s degree in statistics/biostatistics is August at the end of their third year.

Deadline for part-time students:

The deadline for passing the qualifying examinations for part-time students who enter the program with a master’s degree in statistics/biostatistics is August at the end of their third year; the deadline for part-time students who enter the program without a master’s degree in statistics/biostatistics is August at the end of their fourth year.

If students do not pass both sections of the examination by their qualifier deadline, they will have their privilege to continue in the program terminated.

A student will have at most two attempts to pass the examination. The first attempt must include the entire examination, i.e. both the Theoretical and Applied sections. If one or both sections are not passed on the first attempt, then a second attempt on or before the deadline is allowed. During the final attempt, the student may only sit for the section(s) not passed in the first attempt.

A student’s first attempt at the qualifying examination will result in one of the following three outcomes:

Pass Both Sections: The student has demonstrated fundamental understanding of the core material and the examination committee believes he/she will be successful in completing the Ph.D. program.

Pass One Section: The student has demonstrated fundamental understanding of one section, but lacks adequate understanding of the other section. The student must sit for the section not passed at a future examination session.

Fail: The student has failed to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the material from the core courses and thus fails the examination. The student must sit for both sections at a future examination session. A student’s second and final attempt at the written qualifying examination will result in one of the following two outcomes:

Pass: The student has demonstrated fundamental understanding of the core material and the examination committee believes he/she will be successful in continuing the Ph.D. program.

Fail: The student has failed to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the material from the core courses and thus fails the examination, with privilege to continue in the program terminated. Students who failed any part of the written qualifying examinations will be availed within one month of the announced results, the opportunity to review their graded examinations and appeal their grades if they choose to do so. The program Directors will not accept for consideration any appeal beyond this one month period.

Qualifying examinations - oral part (required): A student becomes eligible to take the oral part of the qualifying examinations after successfully passing the written qualifying examination. This examination consists of a presentation on an advanced research topic suggested by the student to the student’s advisory committee, which administers this examination. In preparation to this examination, the student must provide the committee with a paper (10 – 15 pages) outlining the advanced topic to be covered, clearly indicating the scope and depth of the planned research along with relevant references. In the examination, the student is expected to display an in-depth understanding of the chosen subject matter. The committee may ask the student questions which normally will be directed to the subject matter of the research but may, by natural extension, also cover any other relevant topic including the minor subject. The oral qualifying examinations will normally be completed at the end of all required course work, including the minor area, before the student embarks on the dissertation. The student must pass this examination before passing on to candidacy.

Admission to Candidacy: Following the passing of the qualifying examinations and the completion of all required coursework, the student’s advisory committee will nominate the student to candidacy. Upon approval of the Dean of the University Graduate School, the student will be admitted to candidacy.

Final Examination: Oral Examination, primarily a defense of the dissertation in a public forum.

Normal Progress and Termination: Students must maintain satisfactory progress towards their degree objective to ensure their continued good standing in the program and financial support. The minimum criteria for satisfactory progress are a GPA of 3.00 or above, satisfactory research progress, and completion of other degree requirements (written and oral qualifying examinations, minor area requirements, candidacy requirements). If at any time the GPA drops below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. Financial support may be rescinded if the GPA is not increased to

3.0 in a reasonable time period. Further, if the student’s GPA in two consecutive semesters is below 3.0 the student’s standing in the Biostatistics PhD program will be terminated.

In addition, credit towards the doctoral degree will not be given for any course in which the student obtains a grade of “B-” or below. This includes students’ work on their research. If, in the opinion of the research committee, satisfactory research progress is not being made, a meeting of the student's research committee may be convened. This meeting will include a brief presentation by the student on the work accomplished up to that point, and/or a discussion concerning the problems which have hampered progress. If the consensus of the committee is that the student needs to show improvement, he/she will have 60 days to demonstrate a change in research performance. At the end of this time, financial support may be discontinued, if applicable.

Faculty

Biostatistics Doctoral Program Director: William Fadel, Ph.D.

Doctoral Minor in Biostatistics

Departmental URL: fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/doctoral/minors/

Departmental Email: fsphinfo@iu.edu

(Please note that when conferring University Graduate School degrees, minors, certificates, and sub-plans, The University Graduate School’s staff use those requirements contained only in The University Graduate School Bulletin.)

The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health offers a PhD Minor in Biostatistics that teaches advanced statistical analysis that goes beyond the competencies required by most PhD programs. People who possess these special health-focused analytical and database management skills are in high demand due to the value they add to research projects.

The doctoral minor in biostatistics is comprised of a minimum of 12 credit hours and serves as a useful complement to many major areas of study. You will learn both the theoretical concepts that underlie the scientific method and how to apply these concepts to perform effective data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results.

This minor emphasizes the design and analysis of experimental and observational studies, the theory of probability and statistics, and statistical computing, making it particularly valuable to students in health-related doctoral programs. The minor is ideal for students from many schools, including the IU schools of Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine, Health and Rehabilitative Sciences, and Public and Environmental Affairs.

Students who wish to obtain a doctoral minor from the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health must earn a grade of “B” or better in the coursework for the minor. Courses in which a grade of “B-” or lower is earned will not apply toward completion of the minor. Faculty in the department of biostatistics will serve as advisors for students choosing this minor.

Curriculum

The discipline of biostatistics is growing in national and international importance, is integral to many areas of pursuit, enhances analytic and databased management skills that are desirable for many doctoral level research projects, offers population-based research perspectives, offers skills that are of interest to the private and public sectors, and formally acknowledges the quantitative course work that doctoral students often take as electives through the Department of Biostatistics.

Students who pursue a minor in biostatistics will complement their major area of study with concepts underlying the scientific method and applications of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. The minor in biostatistics emphasizes the design and analysis of experimental and observational studies, theory of probability and statistics, and statistical computing.

The curriculum for the PhD Minor in Biostatistics provides students with a rigorous grounding in the application of biostatistics in health-related research. This minor requires a strong quantitative aptitude and an interest in biomedical and public health applications.

Prerequisites for the Minor in Biostatistics

The following courses or course equivalents are required prerequisites:

• PBHL-B 551 –Biostatistics I for Public Health or PBHL B561 –Biostatistics I or Equivalent
• PBHL-B 562 –Biostatistics II for Public Health 

Required Courses

Three (3) Required Courses

• PBHL-B 571 Biostatistics Method I: Linear Regression Model (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 572 Biostatistics Method II: Categorical Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 573 Biostatistics Methods III: Applied Survival Analysis (3 credit hours)

Choose one of the following electives:

• PBHL-B 574 – Biostatistics Methods IV: Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
• PBHL-B 582 – Introduction to Clinical Trials (3 credit hours)

The student’s minor advisor will monitor satisfactory completion of the requirements for the minor in biostatistics. Doctoral students must notify the Fairbanks School of Public Health before beginning their course of study for the minor.