Writing statement of purpose essay for biostat PhD

[aiy1208]

Hi everyone, I have been working on my SOP essay for biostat phd programs. As I am writing it, I am not sure whether I should include names of professors who I would like to work with in that program. To be honest, for most of the programs that I am planning to apply to, I don't have specific professors in mind. In my essay, I just described my research interests and made sure that there are a decent number of professors working on the areas I have discussed. Still, I didn't include any names when describing those interests. I know that usually statistics phd programs admit students on a department level, but is that also the case for biostat programs? Will not including names hurt my application?

[bayessays]

It shouldn't make a huge difference. I've usually listed a few names but I think what you're doing is fine unless the department specifically asks for names. 

[cyberwulf]

What I wrote in 2013 is still relevant today...