PhD in biomedical informatics and data science
Biomedical informatics and data science focus on acquisition, management and optimal use of data, information and knowledge to improve patient care, biomedical research and population health. A PhD in biomedical informatics and data science from ASU’s College of Health Solutions prepares you to undertake advanced informatics and data science research and development and to become a leader in the transformation to more effective health care.
Our strong collaborative relationships with health care organizations, bioscience industry and government agencies provide you unparalleled opportunities to explore and contribute to advances in bioinformatics, clinical informatics, population health informatics, and biomedical data science.
Graduates are ready for careers as scientists, practitioners and administrators in academia, nonprofits, government and industry. Become a leader in informatics and data science and bring effective changes to improve health.
Advance cutting-edge research that improves patient care and population health.
26% much faster than average job growth expected for computer and information research scientists through 2033
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University translates scientific health research and discovery into practice. Its programs prepare students to address the challenges facing our populations to stay healthy, improve their health, and manage chronic disease — all toward improving health outcomes.
ASU is #1 in the U.S. and top 10 in the world for global impact in research, outreach and stewardship Times Higher Education, 2024
PhD in biomedical informatics and data science program
As a doctoral student, you will be actively engaged in research at all stages of your study, allowing you to strengthen your knowledge while boosting your credentials in an innovative field.
Required core
BMI 502/505 Foundations of Biomedical Informatics Methods I and II
Survey the methods and theories underlying the field of biomedical informatics and data science.
BMI 504 Introduction to Clinical Environments
Build your knowledge of medical and health care concepts and terms, discuss observational techniques and investigate different clinical environments.
BMI 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics
Understand the statistical methods used to analyze quantitative data from clinical trials, epidemiologic studies, diagnostic tests and predictive models.
BMI 540 Problem Solving in Biomedical Informatics
Learn the theory and practice of software engineering principles as they apply to clinical systems from bench to bedside.
BMI 560 Teaching in Biomedical Informatics
Serve as a teaching assistant, either lecturing or moderating small group sessions or laboratories.
BMI 570 Symposium
Hear from dynamic speakers twice a month and participate in intimate student journal club discussions. Lead talks on current topics pertinent to the field of biomedical informatics and data science.
BMI 601 Health Informatics
Get an overview of the field of health informatics. Learn how to integrate computing, information and management science, and apply them in health care.
Electives
A variety of electives, covering topics such as knowledge representation, clinical decision support, translational bioinformatics, data mining, machine learning, natural language processing, database management, imaging, and population health, shape the program uniquely to your individual needs and interests.
Research
Supervised by a faculty member, you will conduct original research that will become the foundation for your dissertation.
Culminating experience
Your written dissertation will be based on your original and substantial scholarly research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in biomedical informatics and data science.
Finding your mentor
Your mentor is the key to your success. You will work with your mentor from the beginning to the end of the doctoral program. Multiple faculty members conduct research within each focus area—explore your options with the faculty listings on chs.asu.edu and email potential mentors to gauge compatibility. Opt for a mentor based on mutual research interests who has the availability and expertise to support your plan of study.
Funding your PhD
Funding can be sought through awards, fellowships, or becoming a teaching or research assistant. For more information on funding resources, visit graduate.asu.edu.
