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 Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics curriculum consists of 180-315 credits and is designed to be completed in 21 semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.

Year 1, Fall B

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
CGS739	Navigating the Biomedical Landscape I	2
CGS744	Ethical Foundations in Biomedical Research: RCR for Graduate Trainees	1
BMTRY970	Research	3
Semester Total		18

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
BMTRY970B	Research	2
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer A, Trailer

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

Year 2, Fall B

Course ID	Course Title	Credits
BMTRY711	Analysis of Categorical Data	3
BMTRY971D	Research	9
ELEC	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 A, Trailer

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

Year 3, Fall B

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

Year 3, Spring

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

Year 3, Summer A, Trailer

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

Year 4, Fall B

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 A, Trailer

Course ID	Course Title	Credits
BMTRY970L	Research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Fall B

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 A, Trailer

Course ID	Course Title	Credits
BMTRY970O	Research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 6, Fall B

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 A, Trailer

Course ID	Course Title	Credits
TBD	Research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 7, Fall B

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 A, Trailer

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.