About PhD Program,
The PhD program in Biomedical Informatics is part of the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in Biomedical Sciences. Students are trained to employ a scientific approach to information in health care and biomedicine. Students may only enroll full-time, as required by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The first two years are generally devoted to coursework and research. Subsequent years focus on independent research that culminates in a dissertation.
Our PhD students come from top universities in the country and around the world. The group is dynamic and engaged, breaking new ground in informatics research as evidenced by their strong publication records. Our students are highly collaborative, frequently assisting on each other’s projects, sharing ideas, and supporting each other.
The program consists of core courses that are required of every student and provide a foundation in general biomedical informatics methods, techniques and theories, while electives enable students to apply these methods to one or more areas of specialization in bioinformatics, translational, clinical informatics, clinical research informatics, or public health informatics. In addition, students conduct research, assist in teaching (if PhD or postdoctoral trainees), and attend colloquia.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A minimum of 60 points of Columbia University graduate (4000 level or above) coursework, 6 residence units,
PhD students are required to enroll in CMBS G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research and Related Policy Issues in their second term in the program.
PhD students are required to enroll in the weekly DBMI seminar. PhD students in the bio track are required to enroll in the DBMI seminar in their first year in the program, and may substitute the Systems Biology seminar in year 2 and beyond.
PhD students accrue 6 residence units for the degree. They are enrolled in the appropriate residence unit category by the GSAS Office of Graduate Affairs every fall and spring term.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All PhD students in the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in Biomedical Sciences will be given full support for tuition and university fees, student health services, and medical insurance (including full coverage for dependent health premiums). PhD students may enroll themselves and eligible dependents in the dental plan provided by CUIMC Student Health on Haven and the Coordinated Doctoral Programs will pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the monthly premium. You will also receive a generous stipend ($47,137 for FY24-25) for your personal use.
The Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) guarantees funding for all Ph.D. students under certain conditions. See the GSAS Office of Graduate Affairs policy on time to degree limits. Funding covers tuition, health insurance fees, University fees and a stipend. The amount and frequency of checks is dependent upon funding source and position. Whether funded as an NLM fellow receiving a stipend 3 times annually or as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) receiving a biweekly salary, the yearly amount received is identical and set by the Board of Trustees each summer. The amount for PhD students is communicated to students in their initial offer of admission letter from the GSAS Dean’s Office. Annual increases are not guaranteed but are usually in the vicinity of 3 percent.
GSAS PhD Student Vacation and Leave Policy
See the GSAS Office of Graduate Affairs policy page.
Application Requirement,
Application information (including deadlines, fees, requirements and more) is available online through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Coordinated PhD program in biomedical sciences on the uptown CUIMC campus. Only electronic applications are accepted. The PhD application consists of applicant information, official transcripts, TOEFL scores (as applicable), three (3) letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The application deadline for the 2025-26 cohort is December 1, 2024. PhD finalists selected for an interview will be notified through the admissions portal by late December. Non-finalists are notified of their status online through the admissions portal by late March.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
The $110 application fee can be paid by credit
