Skip to main content

The Population Health Sciences PhD Program currently offers three emphases:

  • Biostatistics
  • Clinical and Translational Epidemiology (CTE)
  • Health Systems Research (HSR)

Additionally, there are dual degree programs available. 

    BIOSTATISTICS

    The Biostatistics emphasis in this interdisciplinary program is distinguished by its rigorous training and practical collaboration. In this training program, students will develop essential expertise in theory and methods in biostatistics. Students will have opportunities to not only work with Biostatistics faculty in development of statistical theory and methods, but also collaborate with health systems researchers, translational epidemiologists, and clinical and basic science investigators across the University of Utah and around the globe. We aim to train the next generation of biostatisticians with skills needed to analyze complex biomedical data in the Big Data era, and academic leaders who are committed to improving patient and population-oriented care.

    The curriculum of each student will be tailored to his or her background and objectives. In addition to core statistical training in probability, statistical inference, epidemiology, statistical programming, regression modeling, survival analysis, and categorical data analysis, the PhD program particularly emphasizes the development of expertise in study design, machine learning, analysis of big data, modern causal inference, and methods for analysis of multi-level data. Students are encouraged to pursue elective courses in related areas of application including bioinformatics, health economics, public health, and computer science.

    Within the required coursework, students have the opportunity to develop a highly individualized plan of study with their faculty advisor. Students may orient their thesis to either novel applications of statistical methods or to the development of new methods, while publishing their research in academic journals.

      CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

      The PHS Clinical and Translational Epidemiology (CTE) emphasis in the PhD Program is distinguished by its rigorous training in epidemiologic methods and focus on collaboration with clinicians. Students work closely with PHS faculty including epidemiologists, health systems researchers, and biostatisticians, and have opportunities to work alongside basic science and clinical investigators across campus. As part of the program, the students complete a rotation with relevant clinicians to gain a better perspective on the clinical and translational implications of their research. Within the CTE emphasis, we aim to train the next generation of researchers with the skills needed to work in multidisciplinary teams to analyze and solve complex issues to improve patient and population health.

        HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH

        The PHS Health Systems Research (HSR) emphasis is distinguished by its rigorous training and focus on collaboration with clinicians. Not only will students work closely with HSR faculty, they will also have the opportunity to work alongside epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and basic and clinical science investigators across campus. Within the HSR emphasis, we aim to train the next generation of health systems researcher with the skills needed to analyze complex issues.  Students leave as academic leaders who are committed to improving patient and population- oriented care.

        Contact Us

        Phone: 801-587-1606
        Emailphsphd@hsc.utah.edu

        Williams Building, Room 1N490
        295 Chipeta Way
        Salt Lake City, UT 84108