Statistics PhD

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

• STAT 350 Regression Analysis: 1
• STAT 351 Design and Analysis of Experiments: 1
• STAT 420-1,2,3 Advanced Statistics: Introduction to Statistical Theory and Methodology: 3
• STAT 461 Advanced Survey Sampling: 1
• MATH 450-1 Probability Theory: 1
• MATH 450-2 Probability Theory: 1
  (or)
  IEMS 460-1,2 Stochastic Models: 2
• Electives (300- and 400 graduate-level courses in Statistics): 6

Total Required Units: 14-15

• Examinations: Qualifying examination taken at the beginning of the second year; prospectus completed by the end of third year
• Research/Projects: none specified
• PhD Dissertation: based on independent research
• Final Evaluations: oral defense of dissertation

Students admitted to the PhD program can obtain an optional MS (master of science) degree en route. The MS degree requires 12 courses. Students choose from 300 and 400 level courses offered by the Statistics Department or offered by other departments and approved by the Statistics Department. Required are Regression Analysis (350), Design and Analysis of Experiments (351), Introduction to Statistical Theory and Methodology I, II, III (420-1,2,3), Advanced Survey Sampling (461) and two courses from among other 400 level statistics courses. Of the 12 courses required, no more than 3 may be taken outside the Statistics Department. The MS degree requires a comprehensive exam but no thesis. Students often complete these requirements in four quarters.

The Department offers a MS degree in Statistics for doctoral students in other majors including (but not limited to) Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Learning Sciences, and Human Development & Social Policy who wish to establish their qualifications in statistics and quantitative research methodology. Students are expected to submit their application for the MS in Statistics program prior to starting courses in the Statistics Department. Accepted students will be expected to take a total of 9 courses in a program to be approved by the program director. Two of these courses (STAT 320-1, 2) will ordinarily be required for all students to provide a foundation in statistical theory. Students should complete 7 other courses selected with the advice and approval of the program director at least 4 of which must be taught in the Department of Statistics. Note that the program may be completed entirely from courses taught in the Statistics Department, but may include up to 3 courses from departments other than Statistics with the approval of the program director. All MS candidates are required to complete a culminating activity project using statistics. This project is typically work that will be included in the student’s PhD dissertation, but can also be a stand-alone project. Students who wish to pursue this option must first follow the procedure for requesting permission to pursue an ad hoc combined degree.