Welcome to the Biostatistics Program!

The Graduate Group in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, offers graduate training programs leading to the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Biostatistics.

The goal of the MS program is to train students in the theory and application of statistical methods in the biomedical sciences.  The MS degree, which one can earn in two years of full-time study, requires successful completion of a written qualifying exam and the preparation of a Master’s thesis.  Courses include probability, mathematical statistics, epidemiology, and statistical methods including categorical data analysis, linear models, multivariate methods, survival analysis, statistical computing and applied data analysis.

The PhD program aims to train independent researchers to fill leadership roles in the development and application of statistical methods in health research.  Doctoral students take the courses for the MS program plus at least one additional semester of advanced courses in statistical theory and methods, a minor sequence in biomedical science, and a choice of advanced electives.  Students must also pass both written and oral qualifying examinations, complete an advanced data analysis project, and write and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Biostatistics faculty and students at Penn are involved in biostatistical methodological research spanning many intellectually diverse areas. Areas of research include Bayesian methods, causal inference, clinical trials, clustered data, longitudinal data analysis, missing data, imaging, statistical genetics and bioinformatics, survival analysis, and survey research. We are engaged in collaborative research with researchers throughout the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Wharton and elsewhere. Our students often collaborate with and take course with the Statistics Department of the Wharton School.

Contact

Eli Elliott
Coordinator, Graduate Group in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Tel: 215-573-3881
e-mail: eli.elliott@pennmedicine.upenn.edu