Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Biostatistics

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

About the PhD in Biostatistics Program

The PhD in Biostatistics provides training in the theory of probability and statistics in biostatistical methodology. The program is unique in its emphasis on the foundations of statistical reasoning and data science. Students complete rigorous training in real analysis-based probability and statistics, equivalent to what is provided in most departments of mathematical statistics and in advanced data science.

PhD candidates are required to pass a comprehensive written examination covering coursework completed at the end of their first year. Research leading to a thesis may involve development of new theory and methodology, or it may be concerned with applications of statistics and probability to problems in public health, medicine or biology.

Application Fee Waivers: We are able to offer a limited number of application fee waivers. Learn about the eligibility criteria and how to apply for a waiver.

PhD in Biostatistics Program Highlights

Conduct and publish original research

on the theory and methodology of biostatistics

Apply innovative theory and methods

to the solution of public health problems

 

Serve as an expert biostatistician

on collaborative teams of investigators addressing key public health questions

 

Teach biostatistics effectively

to health professionals and scientists as well as to graduate students in biostatistics

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biostatistics?

Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries. We have over 750 global alumni working in academia, government, and industry.

Sample Careers and Next Steps

  • Tenure Track Faculty (e.g. Assistant Professor)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Data Scientist
  • Statistician
  • Biostatistician
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Mathematical Statistician
  • Principal Investigator

What Our Students Say

Alyssa Columbus

Alyssa Columbus

"I’m grateful that this Department has fostered such a supportive environment."

Student Spotlight: Alyssa Columbus
Andrew Chin

Andrew Chin

"The atmosphere is always welcoming, and there is a strong emphasis on collaboration."

Student Spotlight: Andrew Chin
Lily Koffman

Lily Koffman

"There is a genuine sense of community pride here, living up to the nickname 'Charm City.'”

Student Spotlight: Lily Koffman
Sam Fansler

Sam Fansler

"I have felt a sense of belonging since the moment I started as a student here."

Student Spotlight: Sam Fansler

Curriculum for the PhD in Biostatistics

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory(link is external).

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. 

Note to international applicants for Fall 2025 admission who have attended or are attending a university outside the U.S. or English-speaking Canada: Our Department is no longer able to review applications that contain unevaluated international transcripts. Applications will be forwarded to us for review only after our Admissions Office has received an official Course-by-Course Credential Evaluation from ALL schools attended from either WES or ECE (view details regarding our School’s transcript evaluation requirements). The time to complete an evaluation can be lengthy and we recommend you start the process two to three months in advance of our December 1 application deadline.

This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

Calculus and linear algebra; accepted applicants are also strongly encouraged to take real analysis before matriculating

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are not required and not reviewed for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application ,VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1, 2024. VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver, but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2024 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

viven-thomas-scholars

Tuition and Funding

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants

Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students.

Contact Us

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. 

Academic Administrator
Mary Joy Argo
410-614-4454
biostat@jh.edu

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