Curriculum

Our PhD curriculum is built on a simple idea:  pair deep statistical theory with modern applied training, then get students into research quickly with structured rotations, a clear advising timeline, and professional development that prepares them for academia, industry, and government.

The sequence below reflects that design: (1) rigorous  theory and methods , (2) early  research immersion , and (3) intentional  professional growth .

Overview

  • Year 1:  Majority of core courses + two research rotations (one each semester) + advisor affiliation in late April/May.
  • Summer after Year 1:  Full-time research (additional rotation(s) if still selecting an advisor, or independent research with your advisor).
  • Year 2:  Finish core + electives, form dissertation committee (within 6–12 months of advisor affiliation; no later than start of Year 3), begin oral prelim preparation.
  • Year 3:  Oral Preliminary examination (written proposal + oral defense) completed by the end of the spring semester; continue dissertation research.

Core Coursework

Applied Core

  • BIOSTAT 718 : Analysis of Correlated and Longitudinal Data
  • BIOSTAT 719 : Generalized Linear Models

Theory Core

  • BIOSTAT 905 : Linear Models and Inference
  • BIOSTAT 906 : Statistical Inference
  • BIOSTAT 911 : Advanced Topics in Modern Inferential Techniques and Theory
  • BIOSTAT 920 : Probability

Seminar & Professional Development

  • BIOSTAT 900 : Current Problems in Biostatistics (every semester in Years 1–3; student-led formats; short research talks to build communication skills)
  • BIOSTAT 910 & 916: Career Development & Preparation I–II (strengths, CV/resume, networking, interviewing, negotiation; with individualized counseling)
  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): BIOTRAIN 750-754 sequence offered through OBGE

Timing:  Most core courses are completed in Year 1; all core courses are completed by the end of Year 2.

Electives

Five electives (15 graded units).  May be in statistics/biostatistics or complementary areas (e.g., computer science, mathematics, informatics, genetics, epidemiology, or biomedical sciences) to support dissertation goals.

  • Each elective must be approved by the DGS and completed with a grade of B- or higher to count toward the requirement.
  • With strong prior graduate training, up to  three electives  may be waived by petition (documentation and approval required). Such waivers are rare and require PhD Advising Committee approval. In all cases, students must complete at least  seven graded courses  at Duke (required + elective).

Research Rotations & Advising

  • Rotations (BIOSTAT 908):  Two required in Year 1 (one per semester). Rotations are registered in DukeHub and tracked in T3, with brief evaluations to support advisor matching.
  • Advisor affiliation:  By late April/May of Year 1 (no later than the summer after Year 2).
  • Committee formation:  Within 6-12 months of advisor affiliation, and no later than the start of Year 3.

Oral Preliminary Examination

Students complete a  written dissertation proposal  (NIH/NSF fellowship style) and an  oral exam  by the end of Year 3 spring semester. The oral prelim establishes readiness to lead independent methodological research and sets the agreed-upon dissertation plan.

Foundational Master’s-Level Knowledge (Prerequisites)

PhD students are expected to begin the program with advanced introductory knowledge of applied methods and statistical theory (or to acquire it early). This background typically corresponds to the first-year Master of Biostatistics sequence.  Most PhD students do not enroll in these courses ; instead, the requirement is treated as prior preparation.

  • What this means:  Working knowledge of topics commonly covered in introductory graduate sequences, such as probability, inference, applied regression/GLMs, longitudinal/correlated data, biostatistical practice, and statistical programming.
  • How it’s verified:  Preparation is reviewed during onboarding with the DGS/Advising Committee. If gaps are identified, students may be asked to take specific master’s-level or equivalent courses early in the program.
  • Master's exam for students entering without prerequisites:  Students who do not begin the PhD theory sequence (905, 906, 911, 920) in Year 1 will sit for the  Master’s-Level Theory Exam (MLTE) in late May/early June, with one retake opportunity in August.
  • Waivers/substitutions:  Core PhD course waivers are rare and require approval; up to  three  electives may be waived by petition with documentation of strong prior graduate training. Regardless of waivers, students complete at least  seven graded Duke courses  (required + elective).

English Proficiency & RCR

Students whose native language is not English follow Graduate School English placement guidance. All biomedical PhD students complete  18 contact hours of RCR  training via the OBGE BIOTRAIN sequence.

The PhD program follows the  Duke Graduate School Academic Calendar .

Why this structure?

  • Depth + relevance:  Theory courses give durable foundations; applied core focuses on models and data structures encountered across modern biomedicine.
  • Early research immersion:  Rotations in Year 1 accelerate matching with advisors and get students working on publishable problems sooner.
  • Professional readiness:  BIOSTAT 900/910/916 builds presentation, collaboration, and career skills alongside research progress.