Ph.D. in Biostatistics

Program Description

The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics offers a PhD degree in Biostatistics through the Duke University Graduate School.  A distinguishing feature of the program is its integration within the world-class biomedical research enterprise at Duke University and the Duke University School of Medicine.  The goal of the program is to train students to become independent researchers who will advance the field of biostatistics, including statistical genetics and genomics. New methodological development with application in health-related areas is critical to this goal.  The program emphasizes development of methodology that incorporates the features of health-related problems, effective collaboration and communication with scientists, and ability to teach biostatistics.

The Department currently has over sixty (60) faculty members who are individually affiliated with various research groups, centers and institutes across the School of Medicine, including the Duke Clinical Research Institute, the Duke Cancer Institute, the Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, the Durham VA Medical Center, the Center for HIV/Aids Vaccine Immunology, and the Duke Center for Aging.  These affiliations provide a wide range of experiences and opportunities for graduate study.

Statistics

• Biostatistics: Ph.D. Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Biostatistics: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Biostatistics: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics 

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements
See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores:
  • GRE General: Optional
  • GRE Subject tests (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology): Optional
    This program does not require applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other graduate entrance exam scores, but does allow you to upload scores if you feel they enhance your application. If you choose to submit test scores, you may enter them on the Test Scores page. If you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
  *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample
None required

Additional Components
Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees