The Statistics PhD program will begin admitting students in Fall 2025.
Program Requirements
A student in the statistics program must demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical foundations of statistics and a wide range of statistical modeling and computational methodology. This includes taking qualifying examinations in the areas of theoretical statistics and applied statistical modeling, and taking certain courses in these areas, as specified below. Statistics PhD students must take 36 credit hours of approved courses with a grade average of B or better. For students entering with a master’s degree in a mathematical subject compatible with our program, as determined by the graduate committee, this requirement is reduced to 18 credit hours of approved courses.
Students planning to enter the doctoral program in statistics should obtain information from the departmental office. Plans of study are prepared individually by the graduate student and a faculty advisor to develop the talents and interests of each student.
Qualifying Examination
Each student will be required to take two written qualifying exams in theoretical statistics and applied statistical modeling. Syllabi for the exams are available to students. Exams will be offered twice a year, usually in January and May. Students may attempt each exam up to two times. Under normal circumstances, students are expected to have passed both exams by the end of their fifth semester. There are three ratings of the exam: (1) Pass at the Ph.D. level; (2) Pass at the M.S. level; (3) Fail. Students who fail to pass at the Ph.D. level after two attempts will be given the opportunity to obtain an M.S. degree provided the student passes both exams at the M.S. level.
Area Examination
Each student will be required to pass an oral area examination showing knowledge of the background and literature in the chosen area of specialization. The exam will be administered by the student’s advising committee, chaired by the research advisor. The exam should normally take place within one year after final passage of the qualifying examinations at the PhD level and at least one year before the defense takes place. A student may retake the area exam once.
A written syllabus, with a list of the papers for which the student will be responsible, should be prepared and agreed upon by the student and advising committee at least two months before the exam takes place, at which time a specific date and time for the exam should be decided. Both the syllabus and the scheduled date of the exam should then be reported to the graduate committee. The student is required to submit to the advising committee a written report on the predetermined research topic at least two weeks before the exam date. Once the syllabus and exam date have been reported to the graduate committee, the student will advance to PhD candidacy.
Course Requirements
| Required Courses: | ||
| STAT 445 | Theoretical Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 446 | Theoretical Statistics II | 3 |
| STAT 425 | Data Analysis and Linear Models | 3 |
| STAT 426 | Multivariate Analysis and Data Mining | 3 |
| STAT 455 | Linear Models | 3 |
| STAT 448 | Bayesian Theory with Applications | 3 |
| STAT 495 | Statistical Consulting and Collaboration | 3 |
| STAT 545 | Advanced Theory of Statistics I | 3 |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
A student with a master’s degree in a mathematical subject compatible with our program, as determined by the department graduate committee, must take 18 credit hours of approved courses. The department graduate committee will determine which of the specific course requirements stated above have been satisfied by the master’s coursework.