Academics

Doctor of Philosophy

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UW Biostatistics PhD student presenting at the Biostatistics Colloqium
Doctoral student presenting work at the 2018 UW Biostatistics Colloquium.

The Doctor of Philosophy is an advanced degree, preparing you for careers such as independent investigators, collaborative biostatisticians, and educators.  A PhD in Biostatistics opens many opportunities for work in academia, government, and private industry.

Attend a virtual information session on October 27, 2023 about this program.  Get details

Learn statistical theory, skills and techniques, and develop theory and applications of biostatistics. You will learn from internationally recognized faculty in UW’s Department of Biostatistics, and complete course work in biostatistics, statistics, and one or more public health or biomedical fields. As a PhD student, you will undertake research that advances the field of biostatistics and write a dissertation presenting your work. Earning a PhD in Biostatistics opens many opportunities for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

Course Pathway Options

The PhD program offers two pathways and both are typically completed in 4 to 5 years.

  • Standard Pathway - The PhD in Biostatistics Standard Pathway includes coursework in biostatistics, statistics, and one or more public health or biomedical fields.
  • Statistical Genetics Pathway -The PhD in Biostatistics Statistical Genetics Pathway provides training in the areas of statistical genetics, population genetics, and computational molecular biology.

Earn your degree from the top-ranked public biostatistics program


At UW, you will enter a strong community of cohorts. Capstone students move through classes together which builds friendships and provides a dynamic, interactive learning environment. Plus capstone students interact with MS Thesis and PhD students in both formal and informal settings.

 
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Antonio Olivas Martinez

“Biostatistics students may get involved in a breadth of research areas. Our faculty collaborators which include those at UW, as well as Fred Hutch, Seattle Children's, and other organizations, are working on amazing projects and are willing to involve us in their areas of expertise, so I feel like I have opportunities to work on practically any topic.” "

– Antonio Olivas-Martinez, fourth year PhD student
 
 

Explore

Learn what it's like to be a student in the program.

Seattle waterfront
Living in Seattle
Seattle is an international city readily accessible from Asia, Europe and the East Coast. Locally, there are a number of affordable public transportation options that make it easy for students to travel throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region.
Kelsey Grinde
PhD Alumni
99% of our graduates secure jobs or postgraduate programs within one year of graduation.