PhD Frequently Asked Questions
What prerequisites are required in order to be considered for the PhD program?
We strongly prefer our students to have taken three semesters of calculus and one semester each of linear algebra and basic statistics, but do not automatically disqualify students based on these courses. That being said, we do require some sort of college-level mathematics background because our first semester biostatistics courses will utilize advanced mathematics concepts. We would strongly advise any student interested in pursuing a graduate degree in biostatistics to take as many of these mathematics courses as possible prior to beginning our program.
Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
Yes. The graduate school requires submission of GRE scores for all applicants except those with a previous graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. These applicants may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Admission Test at the program’s discretion.
What are the minimum GRE scores required for admission into the PhD program?
In keeping with the University’s goal to become a top 10 university and given our position as a Research 1 Institution, the College has set minimum quantitative standards we typically expect for admission consideration to our PhD programs. These include the following:
GRE (Verbal + Quantitative) >300
GRE Writing Score >3.0 with at least 150 GRE Verbal, or >3.5 if GRE Verbal <150
GPA >3.0 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate credit (based on a 4.0 grading scale)
TOEFL (if applicable) >80 on the internet version; >550 on the paper version
*Please note that quantitative performance above these thresholds does not guarantee admission. Each graduate program in the college reviews an individual’s overall application packet in determining whether to offer admission.
Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination required for international applicants?
UF requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The university’s TOEFL code is 5812.
Minimum scores acceptable for admissions are:
- TOEFL: 550 (paper test); 80 (internet based)
- IELTS: 6
- MELAB: 77
- Please note: The TOEFL ITP is not accepted for admission purposes.
International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if enrolled for one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to your anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or if you are from one of the following countries.
Florida law requires all non-U.S. students who are going to be graduate teaching assistants — even if exempted from the IELTS, MELAB and TOEFL requirement — to prove adequate command of the English language.
Are there any assistantships or funding available for PhD students?
All of our PhD positions are accompanied by an assistantship that includes an annual stipend and tuition waiver for 24 credits of graduate study (9 credits in the Spring/Fall terms and 6 credits in the Summer term.) The assistantship will include duties assigned for a total of twenty hours per week.
How long does the PhD program take a student to complete?
It is a 90 credit program. Since all positions are accompanied by a graduate assistantship, students must be registered for 9 credits in the Fall/Spring terms and 6 credits in the Summer term. Up to 30 credits may be transferred in (at the department’s discretion) from a previously earned master’s degree. Taken this way, the program is designed to take 4-5 years to complete. Students must be enrolled in at least three credits in the Fall/Spring terms to remain active in the program.
Is there admission for this program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms?
At this time, we are only accepting applications and admitting for the Fall terms. All incoming students begin taking classes in August.
When is the application deadline for Fall admission?
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted no later than January 15 in order to be considered for admission.
How do I apply to the PhD program?
Visit our application instructions page.
Can I transfer credits from a previously earned master’s degree?
A maximum of 30 credits of equivalent coursework can be transferred into the program. If you are hoping to transfer credit in for a required course in our program, please be prepared to supply a syllabus from the course you previously completed. All credit transfers are considered by the department on a case-by-case basis.