Biostatistics

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree in Biostatistics prepares candidates to apply state-of-the-art statistical methods to the solution of significant public health problems. It is distinguished from the PhD degree at Columbia in its emphasis of application over the development of new statistical theories and methods.

The DrPH program is designed for public health professionals who already have an MPH degree or its equivalent, with substantial course work in biostatistics. All MPH core curriculum course requirements are DrPH prerequisites and must be satisfied before any further course work is undertaken.

Students with a master’s degree in biostatistics or a related field may be admitted with the understanding that they must take all MPH core curriculum courses not already taken (without credit towards the doctoral degree) or pass a waiver exam.

In addition to having fulfilled the MPH requirement, DrPH applicants should have completed at least three semesters of calculus and a course in linear/matrix algebra prior to starting the program.

Applicants to the DrPH degree program should submit their completed online applications to the Mailman School of Public Health by December 1st to ensure full consideration for admission and funding.

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View competencies, course requirements, sample schedules, and more in our Academics section.