PhD in Statistics (effective Fall 2025)

Admission Requirements

Admission is selective and competitive. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Prior Degrees Baccalaureate in Statistics or a related field from an accredited college or university. Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. 

  • Grade Point Average  Minimum grade point average of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. Minimum of 20 semester hours of undergraduate work in mathematics and statistics beyond calculus, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00/4.00.

  • Tests Required None.

  • Minimum English Competency Test Score (if native language is not English)

    • TOEFL iBT 100, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 23, and Writing 21, OR,

    • IELTS 7.0, with 7.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,

    • PTE-Academic 68, with subscores of Reading 66, Listening 66, Speaking 68, and Writing 66.

  • Letters of Recommendation Three required from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work.

  • Personal Statement  Required. The statement should address the applicant’s goals for graduate study, career development, teaching, and research experience. All complete applications will be forwarded to the Admissions, Fellowships, and Assistantships Committee, which will make recommendations to Director of Graduate Studies office. 

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 beyond the baccalaureate, or at least 64 semester hours beyond the master's degree.
Required Courses (32 semester hours)
STAT 401
Introduction to Probability
STAT 411
Statistical Theory
STAT 481
Applied Statistical Methods II
STAT 501
Probability Theory I
STAT 511
Advanced Statistical Theory I
STAT 521
Linear Statistical Inference
STAT 522
Multivariate Statistical Analysis
STAT 535
Optimal Design Theory I
Elective Courses
At least 20 semester hours of 500-level courses under the rubrics of Mathematics, Statistics, or Mathematical Computer Science

Other Requirements

  • Examinations: 
    • ​Master's Examination: Students admitted to the PhD program without a previous MS degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field must earn a high pass on the department's master's examination in statistics by the end of the second year in the program.
    • Preliminary Examinations: Students must pass two written preliminary exams, each in a selected core topical area. These examinations are administered in accordance with the Graduation College rules, as stated in the graduate and professional catalog, and require the student to be enrolled at the time of the exam.
    • Oral Examination: Required.


  • Minor Sequence: Students must complete a minor sequence to complement their major area of study. The minor sequence consists of two 500-level courses declared by the student and approved by the advisor and director of graduation studies. However, the two 500-level courses chosen for the minor sequence cannot overlap with the two written preliminary exams required in the student's major area. The minor sequence may also be satisfied through an additional written preliminary exam. 

  • Students are expected to take STAT 486 or participate in at least one consulting project with the Statistical Laboratory.

  • MATH 589 is required for all teaching assistants. These hours count toward the 20 required elective hours.

  • Dissertation: Required. Students must earn at least 44-64 semester hours in a focus area.