Biostatistics is one of the most exciting areas of applied statistics - biostatisticians collaborate with scientists in nearly every area related to health and biology. Statistical models and methodologies have provided invaluable insight into the etiology of AIDS, cancer, genetics, psychology and numerous other areas of scientific research. The PhD degree program in Biostatistics trains biostatisticians to solve problems in the health sciences and to develop bio statistical methodology. Training combines mathematical statistics, bio statistical methods and a third-field specialization. It is designed to train statisticians who can apply statistical methods to solve problems in the health field and who can conduct theoretical research in statistical methodology.
Careers
Graduates from UCLA's Biostatistics programs are recruited by top-notch employers. Our students get jobs at excellent universities, companies, and government agencies. Many graduates stay in the Los Angeles area or elsewhere in California, but our graduates are recruited by employers across the United States and indeed around the world.
Graduates of the program can contribute to transforming health in a number of ways, whether it be through their work as faculty members, as leaders in government research organizations, or through work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, to name a few. Graduates with a UCLA PhD are exceptionally well prepared for academic careers and for industry and government careers.
Preparation for the Degree:
Mathematics preparation for the program should include at least two years of calculus:
Math 31A, B Calculus and Analytic Geometry
Math 32A, B Calculus of Several Variables
Math 33A, B Matrices, Differential Equations, Infinite Series
Math 115A Linear Algebra
Math 131A Real Analysis
Biostatistics preparation for the program should include:
Biostatistics 202B Topics in Estimation
Biostatistics 200A, B, C Biostatistics
Biostatistics M215 Survival Analysis
Students entering the Ph.D. with little or no prior background in probability and statistics normally take the following courses during the first year of graduate study: Biostatistics 110A, 110B, 200A, 202A and 202B.
September 2025
UCLA campus
Los Angeles,
Los Angeles,
California,
90095, West, United States
Applicants with bachelor's degrees in mathematics, computer science, or a field of application in biostatistics are preferred.
Prior field experience is not required as a condition of admission, although a background of public health experience may be considered
Undergraduate preparation for the program should include second-year calculus or equivalent.
IELTS Academic overall band score should be at least 7.0 is the minimum required.
TOEFL score on the paper and pencil test must be at least 560 or at least 87 on the internet-based test.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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