Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

The Biostatistics PhD program emphasizes both didactic and experiential learning. Program years 1 and 2 will include theoretical and applied classroom work in the core mathematical statistics and biostatistics courses, with additional electives in mathematics and/or computer science, and in the life sciences. The core courses incorporate classroom projects in theory and data analysis, and introduce literate programming and reproducible research practices. Year 2 requires a set of Biostatistics Rotations under the tutorship of a faculty mentor, using data drawn from collaborative projects in biomedical or public health sciences, with required oral and written presentations. The student will select, by the end of year 2, a primary advisor from among participating program faculty. Additional training in the biomedical area of application will occur in years 3 and 4. Throughout, the student will participate in presentations and discussions in a seminar series and journal club. The PhD thesis, completed in years 3-4 and potentially 5, will contain an original contribution of quality that would be acceptable for publication in the biostatistics literature, which extends the theory or methodology of biostatistics, or extends biostatistical methods to solve a critical problem in applied disciplines.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health program with a concentration in Health Services Research and Implementation Science (HSRIS) is designed to address the social determinants of health through the exercise of community engaged research in both traditional and non-traditional health service settings. 

The program provides an educational experience that is transdisciplinary, involving faculty representing different academic disciplines collectively engaged in creating new scientific approaches to addressing the most pressing health care needs of our time; translational, by linking the development of innovative and evidence-based programs, policies and practices designed to improve health care with their implementation and sustainment in real-word settings; and team-based, emphasizing the collaborative engagement of researchers and health care providers with the communities they serve. 

Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health

A Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health is offered by the joint faculties of the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and the School of Public Health at San Diego State University, with assistance from other departments and schools across both universities.