The PhD in population health sciences provides a unique opportunity to embrace broad population perspectives while developing incredible depth in a specific disciplinary foundation, all within a larger platform of population health. — Lisa Berkman, faculty director, PhD program in population health sciences, and Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Public Policy, Epidemiology, and Global Health and Population, Harvard Chan School; director, Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies
PhD IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
calculus. Those deficient in one of these areas may be
As a student in the PhD in biological sciences in public
ate courses will be taken before and/or after entering
health (BPH) program, you will gain expertise in the
the program.
prevention and treatment of diseases that affect thou-
To learn more, visit hsph.me/bio-science-phd.
sands—even millions—of people. Working with leading public health research scientists, you will learn both
PhD IN BIOSTATISTICS
mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomed-
As a PhD in biostatistics candidate, you will develop
ical research while specializing in one of four areas
deep expertise in the theory and practice of biostatis-
of investigation: the metabolic basis of health and
tics and bioinformatics, working alongside faculty who
disease, immunology and infectious diseases, gene–
are leaders in both statistical theory and its application
environment interactions, or inflammation and stress
to health research. You will learn to work with big data
responses. Each area of investigation emphasizes
and use powerful statistical tools to drive discovery
biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches
using complex data sets. You will also conduct original
to understanding diseases. In your research, whether
research in collaboration with laboratory, clinical, and
basic or translational, you will apply cutting-edge tools
biomedical scientists from around the globe to identify
and techniques to advance the understanding, treat-
and solve problems that threaten the lives and health
ment, and prevention of human diseases that have a
of people everywhere.
significant impact on global populations. Graduates of our program follow diverse career paths. Some pursue faculty positions at colleges, universities, medical schools, research institutes, or schools of public health. Some join government agencies or consulting firms, while others acquire research positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
With a PhD in biostatistics, you will be prepared for a high-impact career in academia or a research or leadership role in government or within the health care, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industries. You will also be positioned to play an important role in safeguarding public health and improving lives through quantitative research.
Career opportunities in the biological sciences as they
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
apply to global health and disease are abundant, and
All candidates for admission to the PhD in biostatistics
BPH students are highly sought after.
program must have a strong background in mathe-
WHO SHOULD APPLY? To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and capacity for the vigorous 32
admitted provisionally on the condition that appropri-
pursuit of scientific research. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in advanced-level biology and chemistry (including organic chemistry), as well as physics and
matics—with college-level coursework successfully completed through multivariable calculus and at least one semester of linear algebra—as well as knowledge of at least one computer programming language. We strongly encourage additional coursework in quantitative areas including probability, statistics, numerical analysis, and advanced calculus or real analysis, as