Biomedical Informatics and Data Science is a progressive field designed to identify relevant patterns in large biomedical or healthcare datasets. As healthcare and genomics data continue to expand, it is vitally important to increase the number of capable professionals who can leverage advanced computational approaches to elucidate actionable, disease-relevant patterns that will ultimately improve healthcare for people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
The mission of the PhD program in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science is to train future biomedical researchers and industry leaders to harness the power of high-dimensional, heterogeneous data to uncover intricate relationships that will ultimately improve human health. We aim to create a future where precision medicine, informed by comprehensive biomedical data analysis, becomes the cornerstone of personalized healthcare, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals worldwide. In alignment with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s commitment to well-being, our vision extends to addressing the unique healthcare challenges within the state while positioning the University of Kentucky to be a world leader in data-driven solutions within the healthcare domain.
Admission Requirements
Within the fields of Biomedical Informatics and Data Sciences, it is not typical for students to complete a Master’s degree before obtaining a PhD.
The GRE is not required for students entering the program; however, students may upload GRE scores if desired.
Degree Requirements
Students will satisfy the pre-qualifying residency requirement with at least 36 hours of graduate course work. An awarded master’s degree from UK or another accredited school may satisfy up to 18 of the 36 hours. The qualifying exam administered at the end of the second year will consist of two portions: a written and oral examination. The written examination will require students to write a grant proposal intended for a government, corporate, or non-profit entity. The student’s committee will evaluate that proposal. The oral examination will be administered by the student’s committee and is intended to be a comprehensive assessment of their learning and progress. The oral examination must be scheduled within three months of satisfying the 36 credit hour requirement.
For graduation, students will be required to have at least one peer-reviewed manuscript accepted for publication in a reputable journal. The ultimate number of papers and journal quality required for graduation must be approved by student’s dissertation committee and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students will also be expected to write a dissertation. The final examination will be a public oral defense of the dissertation.
The PhD in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science requires 36 credit hours as follows:
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