Why Choose a PhD in Biostatistics & Epidemiology at Alfaisal?
Alfaisal University’s PhD in Public Health prepares scholar leaders who can:
- Translate data into actionable policy and health system improvements
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in healthcare innovation
- Strengthen disease prevention, surveillance, and health equity initiatives
- Contribute to international public health research and collaboration
The program is designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s public health workforce and advance evidence based decision making across healthcare systems.
Are You Ready to Shape the Future of Public Health?
Public health is evolving rapidly, from AI-driven disease surveillance to value-based healthcare systems.
This program is ideal if you want to:
Lead population health research initiatives
Combat infectious and chronic diseases through data
Drive digital health innovation and analytics
Improve health systems locally and globally
What Makes This PhD Stand Out?
- Dual specialization tracks aligned with workforce demand
- Research intensive doctoral training with dissertation publication requirement
- Vision 2030 aligned research priorities
- International benchmarking with top global universities
- Faculty mentorship from globally recognized researchers
- Cross sector collaboration with government and healthcare organizations
Students must publish peer-reviewed research and defend an original dissertation contributing to public health knowledge.
Download Program Guide
Faculty Highlights
Dr. Noara AlHusseini
Chair of the Department, Director of the MPH Program, Associate Professor of Public Health; — Health policy and leadership.
Dr. Hani Tamim
Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Cancer research, pharmacoepidemiology, research methodology and statistical analysis of epidemiological data.
Dr. Abdullah Alsharif
Adjunct Assistant Professor — Health systems, health insurance and healthcare administration; former Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Transformation.
Dr. Fouad Jabri
Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Epidemiology, medical statistics and research ethics .
Dr. Abrar Saleh Alturkistani
Senior Lecturer — Epidemiology, health services and population health research, public health intelligence, and environmental and occupational health.
Program Overview
The PhD in Public Health is a full time four year doctoral program designed to prepare leaders in research, academia, and health systems.
Program Structure:
- Core Coursework
- Specialized Track Courses
- Electives aligned with research interests
- Qualifying Exam & Dissertation Proposal Defense
- Original Research Dissertation
- Peer-reviewed publication requirement
Students complete 63 credit hours including 36 dissertation credits.
Biostatistics & Epidemiology Study Plan
-
Study Plan
First Year: Fall Semester First Year: Spring Semester Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name DPH 701 Adv Research Methodology & Biostatistics DPH 703 Qualitative Research Methods DPH 702 National & Intl Public Health Perspectives DPH 704 Health Economics & Financing DPH 707 Adv Biostatistics I DPH 708 Adv Biostatistics II DPH 7XX Specialized Elective DPH 7XX Specialized Elective Total Cr. 12 Total Cr. 12 Second Year: Fall Semester Second Year: Spring Semester Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name DPH 7XX Specialized Elective DPH 718B Dissertation B DPH 717 Research Seminar DPH 718A Dissertation A Total Cr. 9 Total Cr. 6 Third Year: Fall Semester Third Year: Spring Semester Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name DPH 718C Dissertation C DPH 718D Dissertation D Total Cr. 6 Total Cr. 6 Fourth Year: Fall Semester Fourth Year: Spring Semester Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name DPH 718E Dissertation E DPH 718F Dissertation F Total Cr. 6 Total Cr. 6
Why Public Health Expertise is in Demand in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation is creating urgent demand for public health experts.
Key drivers include:
Government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and digital health companies actively seek PhD level epidemiologists, data scientists, and policy specialists.
Biostatistics & Epidemiology Track FAQs
-
What does the Biostatistics & Epidemiology track focus on?
This track emphasizes quantitative methods, statistical modeling, and epidemiologic research to understand disease patterns, evaluate health risks, and guide evidence based public health interventions.
-
What skills will I gain in this track?
You will develop advanced skills in:
- Statistical modeling and data analysis
- Epidemiologic study design and disease surveillance
- Population health analytics and big data interpretation
- Infectious and chronic disease modeling
- Evidence-based decision making for public health
-
Will I learn disease modeling and outbreak analysis?
Yes. Students study infectious disease modeling, trend analysis, and simulation techniques used to predict outbreaks and guide emergency response strategies.
-
What statistical tools and methods are taught?
The curriculum includes probability theory, generalized linear models, survival analysis, longitudinal modeling, Bayesian methods, and high dimensional data analysis.
-
Does the program include big data and AI in public health?
Yes. Students explore machine learning, big data analytics, and digital health tools to analyze population health trends and support predictive healthcare systems.
-
How is epidemiology applied in real-world public health decisions?
Students learn to analyze disease trends, identify risk factors, and translate findings into prevention strategies, surveillance systems, and policy recommendations.
-
Can this track prepare me for roles in disease surveillance and health analytics?
Yes. Graduates are prepared for roles in epidemiological surveillance, health data analytics, and population health monitoring across government agencies and healthcare systems.
-
What types of research topics can I pursue?
Research areas may include:
- Infectious disease modeling
- Noncommunicable disease trends
- Health inequities and risk factors
- Environmental and occupational health risks
- AI-driven population health analytics
-
Is this track suitable for physicians or healthcare professionals?
Yes. Physicians and healthcare professionals can transition into population health research and data driven healthcare decision-making.
-
What career opportunities are available after completing this track?
Graduates can work as:
- Epidemiologists
- Biostatisticians
- Health data scientists
- Public health surveillance specialists
- Global health researchers
- Healthcare analytics consultants
-
How does this track support Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation?
By strengthening expertise in epidemiological surveillance, predictive analytics, and population health data science, graduates support Vision 2030 goals for preventive care and data-driven healthcare systems.
Career Prospects
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across healthcare, research, and policy sectors.
Potential Careers
Government & Public Health Authorities
- Epidemiologist
- Health policy analyst
- Public health data advisor
Healthcare & Hospitals
- Clinical research scientist
- Quality improvement consultant
Academia & Research Institutes
- Assistant professor
- Principal investigator
International Organizations
- WHO technical officer
- Global health data scientist
Private Sector & Health Tech
- Health analytics consultant
- Digital health strategist
What You Will Study
Core Topics
- Advanced Research Methodology & Biostatistics
- National & Global Public Health Perspectives
- Health Economics & Policy Decision-Making
- Qualitative Research Methods
Specialized Courses
Biostatistics & Epidemiology Track
- Advanced Biostatistics
- Infectious Disease Modeling
- Epidemiologic Methods
- Big Data & Machine Learning
Health Policy & Management Track
- Health Systems Governance
- Strategic Leadership
- Health Policy & Law
- Health Equity & System Performance
Graduate School Admissions
-
Program Details
Program Length: 4 Years (Full-time)
Total Cost: 400,000 SAR
Credit Hour Fee: Included in total tuition
Application Fee: 600 SAR
Initial Tuition Installment: 5,000 SAR seat reservation
-
Admissions Requirements
- Master’s degree in public health or related field
- Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent)
- Statement of purpose
- Three recommendation letters
- Oral interview
-
Who Should Apply
Epidemiologists & data scientists
Physicians transitioning to population health research
Ministry of Health & Public Health Authority professionals
Academic researchers & future faculty
Healthcare analytics professionals
-
Tuition Fees
Total Program Cost: 400,000 SAR
Cost per Credit Hour: Included
Non-Refundable Seat Reservation: 5,000 SAR
Scholarships: Potential tuition scholarships covering 50%–100% of program tuition, subject to eligibility and approval.
Why Alfaisal University
Founded by the King Faisal Foundation
World class research university in Riyadh
International faculty & global partnerships
Strong ties with healthcare and industry leaders
Stanford Top 2% Scientists among faculty
Commitment to research that benefits Saudi Arabia and the world
How to Apply
Prepare Documents
Academic transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendations, and English proficiency.
Submit Online Application
Complete the application and upload required documents.
Interview & Admission Decision
Qualified candidates attend an interview before final acceptance.
Apply
Explore A Different Path
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
A specialized collaborative initiative with KAUST that trains clinician-scientists in advanced medical research and innovation.
Learn More