Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Data Science & Informatics

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics is an interdisciplinary program jointly offered by Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina. This unique collaboration brings together expertise in computing, public health, engineering, and biomedicine to train the next generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges in health care and the life sciences. Through rigorous coursework, research, and experiential training, students learn to design and implement data-driven solutions that improve human health and clinical care.

This program equips graduates with the knowledge to lead in academic, industry, clinical, and government settings, where they utilize biomedical data for informed decision-making and discovery. By integrating advanced methods in data science, machine learning, and informatics with real-world applications in genomics, population health, and precision medicine, students gain the ability to translate data into actionable insights. Opportunities for collaborative research across Clemson and MUSC allow students to work alongside experts on high-impact problems, with access to cutting-edge resources, biomedical datasets, and research infrastructure.

Completing this program positions graduates at the forefront of biomedical innovation. Alums influence how data science transforms health systems, contributes to novel therapeutic discovery, and advances equitable access to care. Whether developing predictive disease models, supporting personalized treatment strategies, or contributing to public health intelligence, students leave equipped not just with technical expertise but with the strategic insight and interdisciplinary fluency to shape the future of health and science.

Application Process

When applying, applicants will identify a preference for either Clemson or MUSC (Charleston) based on the faculty members the applicant would most like to work with. The BDSI Admissions Committee will consider the applicant's preference along with other considerations and will make a final decision regarding the placement of admitted applicants.

Application fees are not required.

Required documents can be found here. Application to the BDSI Ph.D. requires two letters of recommendation. Applicants applying to our MUSC campus in Charleston will need to submit official language scores from either TOEFL or IELTS. For our Clemson campus, unofficial language scores from TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo will suffice. GRE scores are not required for application to the BDSI Ph.D.

Application Information

Application Requirements

Required for application to the program:

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical or health sciences, computing, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or related disciplines
• One year of college calculus
• One year of college biology
• Computer programming coursework or substantial experience in industry

Recommended for application to the program:

• Competency in more than one area from the following list: biomedical or health sciences, computing, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or related disciplines, as demonstrated by completion of a major, minor, or certificate
• Relevant research or work experience
• Coursework in multivariate calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and biostatistics
• One year of computer science coursework that focuses on the fundamentals of computer science and software engineering principles, including abstraction, modularity, and object-oriented programming

Applicants who are missing prerequisite coursework may still be considered but should use their personal statement to address other ways in which they’ve achieved competency in the missing prerequisite area.

Application Timeline

The Ph.D. program only admits to the Fall semester. Individuals are encouraged to complete their application several weeks prior to the priority deadline.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

International Students

Academic records from foreign institutions must be provided in English, certified, and validated as authentic by a university or government official. The College of Graduate Studies requires that transcripts be evaluated by professional agencies and are submitted to MUSC electronically or in unopened envelopes showing the equivalency of work completed outside the U.S. The following websites are preferred agencies and are members of the National Association for Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Their costs vary across agencies, and we encourage you to compare prices and select the best choice for you. NACES International Education Research Foundation – Credential Evaluation & Translation Services – Chartered NACES Member World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation for U.S. (wes.org) If your education was completed in the U.S., you do not need to complete a transcript credit evaluation.

If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

A language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must not be more than two years old. Exceptions can be made if a student has attended a United States institution for an extended period. An exception might also be made for students in a foreign institution that uses English as the primary language for instruction, however, these are made on a case-by-case basis.

Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. Accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Minimal requirements are: TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7