Degree Programs
Doctor of Philosophy - Biostatistics
PhD in Biostatistics
The PhD in Biostatistics program at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health combines the rigorous theoretical training provided by IU Indianapolis’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and exceptional real-world research experience offered by our own Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science. 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.
Curriculum
All PhD candidates must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 90 credits that includes required biostatistics core courses, statistics electives courses, a doctoral minor, electives courses, independent studies and directed dissertation research.
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 six credits:
- PBHL-E 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 credits), further elective courses, independent studies, and directed dissertation research (at minimum 24 credits). 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 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.
Competencies
The PhD in Biostatistics focuses on four core competencies that serve as a measure of growth and criteria for assessment.
- Demonstrate the skill of applying advanced biostatistical knowledge needed to collaborate with health sciences investigators.
- Develop an appropriate statistical analysis plan in order to address the hypothesis arising from biomedical research.
- Demonstrate ability to recognize methodological problems in biomedical research.
- Derive improved methods as solutions to methodologic problems.
Admissions
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.
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 Indiana University 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.
Those whose native language is not English must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 570 (or 230 on the computer version of the test, or 79 on the internet-based test). Final admission decisions will be made by a faculty admission committee.
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.
Résumé 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 using Zoom video conferencing 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
- 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.
- 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
- Scores must be less than two years old.
- Submit TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the following designation DI Code: 5688. IELTS scores can be uploaded electronically to SOPHAS. Upload IELTS scores in the standardized test section of the application and include your TRF number.
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.
Updated: April 2025
