This page provides requirements, courses, and a sample timeline for completing the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biostatistics for students entering the program 2025. 

The PhD in Biostatistics requires completion of the following:

Course Credits

• Core curriculum courses: 43 credits
• Elective courses: 14 credits
• 9 seminar credits
• 3 credits for the Applied Research Project (PhD Applied Requirement)*
• 3 credits for the course in Statistical Consulting
• 36 credits for dissertation
• Minimum 3.0 grade in each core course and minimum 2.7 grade in each elective course
• Full-time enrollment of 10 credits per quarter is required (2 credits in summer quarter). 

Exams and Projects

• First Year Theory Exam: For advisory purposes, PhD students must take the First Year Statistical Theory Examination after the end of spring quarter following completion of STAT 512 and STAT 513 (usually in Year 1).  A new PhD student placement exam may be taken to waive these courses and the First Year Theory Exam.
• PhD Theory Exam: PhD students must pass the PhD Statistical Theory Examination within two years following first time completion of STAT 581, STAT 582, STAT 583 (usually the summer of Year 2). This comprehensive exam covers theory material learned in both the first and second years of the program.
• PhD Applied Requirement*:  To complete the Applied Requirement, students must complete an independent project demonstrating their knowledge of applied biostatistics and their scientific collaborative skills.   The student prepares a report of the analysis and presents the project to a committee of faculty.  The committee reviews and approves proposed projects and final reports.  A student undertakes the project in one or two adjacent quarters, typically during the third year after taking all required courses, including the course in statistical consulting.  The Applied Requirement should be completed before the General Exam, and must be completed before the Final Exam.  

Learn more about exams in our Students section.

Dissertation

The purpose of writing a PhD dissertation is to make a substantive contribution to knowledge in biostatistics and to provide the student with training in undertaking biostatistical research. Under the guidance of a supervisory committee and the mentorship of the committee chair (the dissertation advisor), PhD students must perform biostatistics research and write a dissertation. The preliminary work for the dissertation is assessed in the General Examination, and the completed dissertation is assessed in the Final Examination. Students typically begin work on their dissertation after completing the PhD qualifying exams, although students should explore potential research topics early in their graduate program.

• General Exam: The General Examination enables the Supervisory Committee to assess whether the student’s background of study and preparation are sufficient to merit commencement of a dissertation. In the General Exam, the student presents preliminary work for the dissertation, outlines a proposal for the dissertation research, and answers questions from the Supervisory Committee. Passing the General Exam means the student is formally a PhD candidate. After achieving candidate status, the student ordinarily devotes their time primarily to writing the dissertation and preparing for the Final Examination.
• Final Exam: The Final Examination enables the Supervisory Committee to assess whether the student has produced a dissertation that is a significant contribution to biostatistical knowledge and that the student has PhD-level training in biostatistical research. After a successful Final Exam, the student must submit a final dissertation. This final version of the dissertation should address any issues raised in the Final Exam, to the satisfaction of the Supervisory Committee. 

Other Requirements

PhD students must serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least one quarter.

Sample Courses and Timeline

Most students take the core lecture courses during their first two years. Timing of electives vary from what is listed.  Please discuss when to take your electives with your advisor.

First Year

Second Year

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Final exam and graduation

Core Courses

• BIOST 504 Foundations of Public Health for Biostatistics (2 credits) or PHI 500 Public Health Practice, Science and Knowledge (1 credit)
• BIOST 514 Biostatistics I (4 credits)
• BIOST 515 Biostatistics II (4 credits)
• BIOST 533 Theory of Linear Models (3 credits)
• BIOST 570 Advanced Regression Methods for Independent Data (4 credits)
• BIOST 571 Advanced Regression Methods for Dependent Data (4 credits)
• BIOST 572 Advanced Regression Methods: Project (3 credits)
• STAT 512 Statistical Inference (4 credits)*
• STAT 513 Statistical Inference (4 credits)*
• STAT 581 Advanced Theory of Statistical Inference (4 credits)
• STAT 582 Advanced Theory of Statistical Inference (4 credits)
• STAT 583 Advanced Theory of Statistical Inference (4 credits)

*A new student placement exam may be taken to waive STAT 512 and STAT 513.

Additional requirements

• BIOST 580 Seminar in Biostatistics or BIOST 581 Statistical Genetics Seminar (9 credits total)
• BIOST 590 Biostatistical Consulting (3 credits)
• BIOST 591 Applied Research Project (3 credits)
• BIOST 800 Doctoral Dissertation (36 credits total)
• Electives
  • Minimum 6 credits from Elective List One: Methodological Emphasis
  • Minimum 8 credits from Elective List Two: Biology or Public Health Emphasis.
  • Elective courses may be taken S/NS or equivalent, pending approval from the Graduate Program Director. Review the S/NS Grading Policy (pdf). To earn the grade of "S," students must achieve a 2.7 or higher.

Course recommendations and notes

1. The department recommends that students register for and attend the BIOST 580 Seminar in Biostatistics  or BIOST 581 Statistical Genetics Seminar every quarter. Students are required to register for BIOST 580 or BIOST 581 for at least nine quarters.
2. In preparation for work on their dissertation, students are expected to master computational skills at the level covered in BIOST 561 Computational Skills for Biostatistics. Taking this course in the first year of PhD studies is recommended.
3. In preparation for advanced coursework in Statistical Theory (STAT 581 , STAT 582, and STAT 583) and the PhD Statistical Theory Exam, students are expected to master Real Analysis and Measure Theory at the level covered in MATH 574, MATH 575, and STAT 559. Taking these courses in the first year of PhD studies is recommended, for students who have not previously mastered this material.
4. In preparation for the PhD Applied Research Project (BIOST 591), students are expected to master data analysis at the level covered in BIOST 579 Data Analysis and Reporting. Taking this course in spring first year is recommended.
5. BIOST 590 Biostatistical Consulting is a required course and is typically taken during years 3 or 4. Enrollment is limited to 4-6 students per quarter so advance planning is necessary.  A survey to collect timing preferences will automatically be sent. Students may email bcurric@uw.edu with questions.
6. Most students will complete The Applied Research Project (BIOST 591) after the 570s sequence, the Data Analysis course (BIOST 579) and the Consulting course (BIOST 590), as these all provide important preparation. The Applied Requirement should be completed prior to the General Exam, and must be completed prior to the General Exam.

Optional courses

• BIOST 582 Student Seminar is offered every autumn, winter, and spring quarter.
• BIOST 600 Independent Study may be arranged with a faculty advisor in any quarter.

Milestones

1. First-Year Theory Exam follows spring quarter of Year 1.
2. PhD Theory Exam occurs at the end of Summer Year 2.
3. Selection of dissertation advisor and topic by Year 3. (This process includes conducting independent studies with faculty, attending seminars, and engaging in discussions with faculty).
4. Applied Research Project (BIOST 591) preferably completed before General Exam in Years 3 or 4. Applied Research Project must be completed before Final Exam.
5. General Exam completed in Years 3 or 4.
6. Final Exam completed in Years 4 or 5.