Advance your expertise in statistical methodologies and data analysis with the University of Florida’s Ph.D. in Biostatistics program. As a part of the College of Public Health and Health Professions, this rigorous program prepares students to develop innovative biostatistical techniques and apply them to real-world public health and biomedical research challenges. With access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, graduates emerge as leaders ready to tackle complex data-driven questions and contribute to groundbreaking research in health sciences.
Increasing demand for biostatisticians
The demand for trained biostatisticians continues to increase as the world becomes more dependent on predictive data and numerical reasoning, particularly related to research in the health sciences.
Those who earn a graduate degree in biostatistics, work in health care, biotech, and life sciences, using computer models to, for example, predict cancer growth in a cell. The degree still isn’t offered by many schools but is gaining traction.
Curriculum overview
The doctoral program in the Department of Biostatistics requires a minimum of 90 semester credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. At least 30 of these credits must be directly related to statistics or biostatistics at the master’s level (i.e. Master of Science in statistics or biostatistics).
All students must complete a minimum of 54 credits of biostatistics/statistics course work (30 credits will typically be transferred from a Master of Science program), 6 credits of public health course work, 3 credits towards consulting requirement, 6 credits towards a cognate requirement, and 21 credits of dissertation work.
All graduates of the program will be expected to be able to:
- Conduct independent research in the development of new biostatistical methodology.
- Engage in successful collaborations with investigators in new quantitative fields.
- Write statistical methodology papers for peer-reviewed statistical and biostatistical journals.
- Write collaborative papers for peer-reviewed subject matter journals.
- Compete successfully for research and teaching positions in academic institutions, federal and state agencies, or private institutions.
This training is conducted in the innovative and interdisciplinary public health culture of the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the College of Medicine. Graduates will help address the shortage of biostatisticians around the world.
Program news
PHHP faculty awarded promotion and tenure
Ten faculty members were awarded tenure and/or promotion from the University of Florida for the 2024-25 cycle.
Susmita Datta gives special invited speaker talk at International Indian Statistical Association conference
Special invited speakers are recognized as eminent statisticians who are leaders in their fields.
Tuo Lin selected for ASCO/AACR Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop
The workshop focuses on effective clinical trial designs of therapeutic interventions in the treatment of cancer.
Cancer drug trial designed by PHHP faculty wins international award
Findings of the trial represent the biggest breakthrough in childhood cancer treatment in decades, and the drug has already become the new global standard of care.
