Our students serve as biostatisticians on research assistantships in collaboration with health sciences researchers and organizations, which often leads to collaborative, peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Students also earn credit each semester via our Biostatistical Consulting Laboratory, where they help design studies, create and maintain research databases, analyze data and report statistical evidence.

The first two summers are spent working with faculty members on a health sciences or methodological research project.

Optional Concentration

Students can add an optional concentration that allows specialization within biostatistics:

• Ph.D. with Genomics Concentration

Financial Support

Full-time Ph.D. students are eligible for stipend and tuition support. Stipends start at $30,000 a year (in addition to tuition and fees) for up to five years and are contingent upon availability and student performance. We aim to support all full-time students.

Students who receive full support are not permitted to hold other jobs. Priority for financial assistance is given to students who apply by Dec. 1 prior to the fall semester.

The VCU Graduate School also provides financial advising and opportunities.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants for the Ph.D. in biostatistics (including the genomics concentration) must complete the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam.

All applicants are expected to hold at least a B.S. or B.A. degree and have completed courses as specified in the VCU Bulletin (multivariate calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, and statistics). Priority is given to applications received by Dec. 1 prior to the fall semester of enrollment.

Our departmental admissions committee evaluates all applicants for graduate work in biostatistics and arranges personal interviews when possible.

Visit the VCU Bulletin for complete Ph.D. admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, Ph.D. students must complete a minimum total of 78 credit hours (59 didactic hours, eight hours each of seminar and consulting, and three hours of research).

After completing first-year courses, students must pass a two-part qualifying examination to continue in the Ph.D. program. A dissertation and proposal defense are also required.

Ph.D. curriculum and exams »