PhD in Statistics in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Rochester focuses on teaching and research in statistical theory and methods applied to health sciences. Our distinctive graduate program, situated within a School of Medicine setting, offers numerous opportunities for dynamic collaboration with applied research projects.
We take an expansive view of statistics, offering specialization in probability, statistical theory, biostatistics, and interdisciplinary applications. Faculty members are deeply involved in graduate education, providing personalized mentorship through close advising, small seminar groups, and joint research initiatives. Students gain practical experience through supervised teaching roles and statistical consulting. Many PhD candidates begin publishing collaborative research with faculty in biostatistics and medical departments before completing their degrees.
Our program embraces a wide-ranging definition of statistics, allowing students to specialize in probability, statistical theory, biostatistics, and cross-disciplinary applications.
The statistics curriculum focuses on three core areas: probability, statistical inference, and data analysis. First-year students typically devote their entire schedule to coursework, with significant course loads continuing through the second year and into the third. Remaining time is allocated to independent study and research. Students with prior statistical training may receive credit transfers, subject to advisor approval and university guidelines.
Typically, the PhD program requires at least four years of study, though five years is more common (refer to Degree Completion Timeline). Most students have multiple publications in progress before graduating, including dissertation-related work, collaborative methodological projects with faculty, and often applied research papers with scientists from other disciplines.