STATS-PHD - Statistics (PhD)

The department looks for students who wish to prepare for research careers in statistics or probability, either applied or theoretical. Advanced undergraduate or master's level work in mathematics and statistics provides a good background for the doctoral program. Quantitatively oriented students with degrees in other scientific fields are also encouraged to apply for admission. The program normally takes five years to complete.

Students are expected to successfully complete the following elements of the program: First Year Core Program courses; pass two of three parts of the qualifying examinations (end of first year); Stats 390 Consulting Workshop at least twice in years two and three, and Stats 319 Literature of Statistics once per year after passing the Qualifying Exam until the year after passing the dissertation proposal meeting; depth and breadth requirements (second, third and fourth years); dissertation proposal meeting (early spring quarter of third year); pass the University oral examination (fourth or fifth year); dissertation (fourth or fifth year).

From the student's arrival until the selection of a research adviser, the student's academic progress is monitored by the department's Director of Graduate Studies. Each student should meet at least once a quarter with the Doctoral Adviser to discuss their academic plans and their progress towards choosing a dissertation adviser. See Graduate Advising Expectations section for more information.

Students accepted to the Ph.D. program are offered financial support. All tuition expenses are paid and there is a fixed monthly stipend determined to be sufficient to pay living expenses. Financial support can be continued for five years, department resources permitting, for students in good standing. The resources for student financial support derive from funds made available for student teaching and research assistantships. Students receive both a teaching and research assignment each quarter which, together, do not exceed 20 hours. Students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial support.

Students who completed graduate coursework at another institution are encouraged to begin the process of transferring course units in the Winter quarter of their first year of doctoral study. Transfer of units will be evaluated by the Director of Graduate Studies on a course by course basis. Graduate work accepted for transfer of residency does not automatically exempt a student from having to complete a course requirement for the degree. University policies related to transfer of  credit for graduate work done elsewhere is located in GAP 3.2.1 Residency Policy for Graduate Students.

The Department of Statistics is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development. When most effective, this advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement by both the adviser and the advisee. As a best practice, advising expectations should be periodically discussed and reviewed to ensure mutual understanding. Both the adviser and the advisee are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity.

Faculty advisers guide students in key areas such as selecting courses, designing and conducting research, developing of teaching pedagogy, navigating policies and degree requirements, and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways.

Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.

For a statement of University policy on graduate advising, see the "Graduate Advising" section of this bulletin.

First and second year students are advised on course selection and other academic matters by the Director of Graduate Studies who is available by appointment to consult with students about any graduate student related matter, including degree progress. The DGS also leads cohort-specific workshops addressing topics such as qualifying exams, adviser selection, oral exams and post-graduation placement.

By the final study list deadline of Spring Quarter of the second year students are expected to have selected a research adviser who later serves as their principal dissertation adviser. The dissertation adviser must be a member of the Academic Council, and may be from outside the department. Students may also opt to have two co-advisers rather than one principal adviser, which may include one from outside the department.

The adviser-student mentorship takes many different forms, including, but not limited to programmatic consultation and degree progress, and support and collaboration relating to research, conferences, publications, and academic and professional opportunities.

It is the responsibility of the student to meet with their adviser at least once per quarter during the academic year to discuss academic standing and graduate degree progress. In addition, the Director of Graduate Studies is always available to Ph.D. students for consultation. 

Program requirements and milestones, as well as more detailed descriptions of the program’s expectations of advisers and students, are listed in the Stats Ph.D. Handbook, available on the department website.

The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in Statistics. Through completion of advanced course work and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of Statistics and to interpret and present the results of such research.