Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Mathematics preparation for the program should include at least two years of calculus, as well as some linear algebra:

• Mathematics 31A, B - Calculus and Analytic Geometry
• Mathematics 32A, B - Calculus of Several Variables
• Mathematics 33A, B - Matrices, Differential Equations, Infinite Series
• Mathematics 115A - Linear Algebra

More math is always better, particularly for the PhD program, where real analysis (UCLA Math 131A, 131B), and linear algebra (UCLA Math 115A, 115B) are desirable.

The program requires the completion of the following elements:

Course Requirements

Unless previously taken, students are required to take the following courses:

• Biostatistics 200 A, B, C: Method in Biostatistics
• Biostatistics 202 A, B: Mathematical Statistics
• Biostatistics 216: Mathematical Methods for Biostatistics
• Biostatistics 250 A, B: Linear Models
• Biostatistics 250 C: Multivariate Biostatistics
• Biostatistics 257: Computational Methods for Biostatistical Research
• Biostatistics 245 & 246: Doctoral Seminar
• Biostatistics 409: Biostatistics Consulting
• Mathematics 131 A: Real Analysis (must be taken in year 1 by students with limited or no prior experience to Real Analysis)
• One 4-unit course in the Department of Epidemiology (either EPI 100 or 200A)
• One 4-unit course in board public health (PH 150/C201 or HPM M242)
• Minimum of 6 4-unit Biostatistics special topics courses from Biostatistics 202C, 210 and above.

Ph.D. Preliminary Written Examination

Students must pass a written examination called the PhD preliminary exam. Failure to secure a passing grade in a maximum of two attempts will result in the department recommending the student to the graduate division for academic disqualification.

This exam is offered in September just before fall classes begin. Students typically take this exam at the beginning of their second year of study after completing the related coursework and are expected to pass at a level that predicts successful completion of the PhD program. The exam covers material in the following courses: Biostatistics 200 A, B, and C, and Biostatistics 202 A and B.

• Students must pass the exam at a level expected of doctoral students
• Students have a maximum of two attempts to pass the exam
• Students with a prior master’s degree in Biostatistics from UCLA are exempt from taking the Ph.D. Preliminary Examination, as it was taken during their MS study.

Oral Qualifying Exam

The oral qualifying exam evaluates a student’s understanding of statistical theory and ability to apply the theory, and reviews the proposed dissertation topic. The student should prepare a written dissertation proposal that includes background, preliminary work, and a research plan for completing the work. While there are no absolute page requirements, proposals are generally between 15 to 50 pages, with additional pages for figures and references. The proposal should be distributed to members of the dissertation committee in advance of the exam. The proposal is expected to be delivered to committee members at least two weeks before the scheduled oral exam. If the student expects the proposal to be delivered less than two weeks before the exam, the student should obtain advance approval from each committee member. During the oral exam, the student will present and defend the proposed work. The student can expect the majority of the questions to pertain to the proposal, however additional questions may be asked to assess general understanding of biostatistical principles. The overall objective of the exam is to evaluate whether the student has the ability and adequate plans for conducting PhD dissertation research.

PhD Dissertation and Oral Defense

The PhD dissertation is original research that advances the field of biostatistics. The dissertation is completed under the guidance of a Department of Biostatistics faculty member who serves as the adviser. Examples of dissertations from previous graduates are available in the Biostatistics Library. After successfully completing a dissertation, an oral examination defending the dissertation is conducted by the dissertation committee. A failed examination may be repeated once on the recommendation of the committee.

The PhD in biostatistics is typically a four-year program following the MS, although some students may complete the program in less time.

The sequence of classes taken during the first year of study depends on the student’s background. Doctoral students establish a sequence of courses in consultation with their academic adviser to best prepare them for the comprehensive exams. 

Graduates from UCLA Fielding's Department of Biostatistics obtain employment as faculty members at universities and as leaders in government research organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies locally within California, throughout the United States and across the globe. 

Examples of positions held by graduates include: 

• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Biostatistician
• Statistician
• Research Scientist
• Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Biostatistician
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist

View a list of faculty in the Department of Biostatistics.

For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.

Please see the cost and aid section of our website for information on awards, scholarships, training opportunities, employment, summer internship funding, and need-based aid. Please note that opportunities listed under 'Summer Internship Funding' are only applicable to MPH students.

Desired Qualifications

In addition to the University’s minimum requirements, competitive applicants are expected to possess strong quantitative skills that can be demonstrated through their coursework and GRE quantitative score. Ideally, successful candidates should have completed at least 30 quarter credits in mathematics and statistics, including multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and calculus-based probability theory.

Admissions Process

Visit the application guide to learn about our admissions process.