Application Process
Ideal applicants hold a bachelor’s degree and have taken three semesters of college calculus (through multivariable calculus), one semester of linear algebra, and a class in introductory statistics. Applicants must submit a CV, a statement of purpose detailing their interest in biostatistics, transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their strong quantitative and analytical potential and their strong communication skills (verbal and written).
The following documents are required for your application to be complete:
| CV | Current curriculum vitae |
| Statement of Purpose | In an essay, tell us why you want to study biostatistics. The essay should be 1-2 pages; the font must be 11 point or larger. |
| Test Scores | Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants and must be from within the past five years. Financial assistance may be available to you via the GRE Fee Reduction Program. TOEFL scores are required for all international students who do not have a degree from a US institution of higher learning. Official scores are required; however, unofficial copies are sufficient until the official scores arrive. Your scores should be sent to institution code 1871. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Recommendation letters (minimum of 3 and maximum of 5), including at least one letter from a mentor who can comment on your research capabilities, are required. The names of your recommenders must be submitted during the application process. We do not accept letters directly from applicants. |
| Transcripts | Transcripts should be uploaded during the application process. Two copies of your official transcripts are required; however, unofficial copies are sufficient until an offer of admission is received. |
| Application | Graduate and Professional Admissions Application |
| Application Deadline | Department of Biostatistics application deadline for the 2023–24 academic year: January 15, 2023. All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed. Any application received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis dependent upon space and funding availability. |
| Application Fee | The Graduate School application fee is $95.00 for PhD-track applications. After you submit your application online, you will see instructions to pay the fee with a credit or debit card via a secure payment portal. There is no fee for MS-track applications. |
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Application Fee Waivers
Diversity and Inclusion Application Fee Waiver |
Fee waivers can be obtained for any student who has performed biological or biomedically-oriented research that has been supported by the NIH, the NSF, or any other agency/private foundation within the United States. Additional waivers of the application fee will be considered upon request for US citizens and permanent residents if they have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 in their last program of enrollment AND meet at least one of the following criteria:
Please visit the graduate school application fee website for a list of qualifying programs. Vanderbilt’s Biostatistics Graduate Program is committed to inclusive science. To encourage diversity in our applicant pool, the program has created a merit-based Diversity and Inclusion Application Fee Waiver. Waivers of the application fee will be considered upon request for US citizen and permanent resident candidates who are members of groups that are underrepresented in biostatistics and data science—specifically students who identify as African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander. To apply for the application fee waiver, email Program Manager Chazlie Miller with “Diversity App Fee Waiver: [your name]” in the subject line, and your CV linked or attached.
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