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
CGS720 Laboratory Rotation 4
CGS765 Proteins: Dynamic Structures & Functions 3
CGS766 Genes: Inheritance/Expression 4
CGS767 Cells: Organization/Communication 3
CGS768 Techniques & Experimental Design 2
Semester Total 16

Year 1, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS721 Laboratory Rotations 4
CGS770 Principles Practices & Prof 2
CGS772 Learning from the Literature 2
CGS790 Topics in Contemporary Biomedical Science 2
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 4
Semester Total 14

Year 1, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS764 Science Writing as Persuasion 1
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 14
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS817 Rig. Extramural Fellowship App 2
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 15
Semester Total 15
Curriculum Total 180-315

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