Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biostatistics program prepares students to become leaders in data-driven public health and biomedical research. With a focus on the development and application of statistical methods, this rigorous doctoral program equips students with the skills to design innovative studies, analyze complex data, and translate scientific findings into meaningful health outcomes. Students gain a solid foundation in statistical theory, computation, and methodology, supported by hands-on training and interdisciplinary research opportunities across MUSC's clinical and translational research enterprise.

Curriculum

The degree can be earned in four to seven years. Degree completion in fewer than 4 or more than 7 years requires prior approval by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The number of credits associated with these time frames follows:

  • 4 years (12 semesters)=180 credits
  • 5 years (15 semesters)=225 credits
  • 6 years (18 semesters)=270 credits
  • 7 years (21 semesters)=315 credits

Students typically graduate with 225-270 credits(5-6 years)

Year 1, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY700 Intro to Clin Biostatistics 3
BMTRY706 Theoretical Foundation/Stat I 3
BMTRY736 Foundations of Epidemiology 3
BMTRY776 Public Health Seminar 1
BMTRY970 Research 3
Semester Total 15

Year 1, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY701 Biostatistical Methods II 4
BMTRY707 Theoretical Foundation/Stat II 3
BMTRY747 Foundations of Epidemiology II 3
BMTRY776B Public Health Seminar 1
CGS770 Principles Practices & Prof 2
BMTRY970B Research      2
Semester Total 15

Year 1, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970C Research 12
Elective Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool 3
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY711 Analysis of Categorical Data 3
BMTRY9710D Research 9
Elective  Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool   3
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY714 Linear Models in Biology & Med 3
BMTRY719  Bayesian Biostatistics  3
BMTRY970E  Research 9
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY702 Methods IV: Advanced ANOVA & Regression 4
BMTRY722  Analysis of Survival Data   3
BMTRY970F  Research 5
Elective   Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool    3
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY779  Advanced Inference  4
BMTRY970G Research 8
Elective    Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool   3
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970H Research 12
Elective   Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool     3
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970I Research 12
Elective    Select course from Biostatistics Elective Pool     3
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970J Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970K Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970L Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970M Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970N Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970O Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15
Curriculum Total 180-315

* In Dissertation years, total credits for each semester must equal 15.