Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Science

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Program Link:
https://www.math.wsu.edu/graduatestudies/
Program Handbook:
https://www.math.wsu.edu/graduatestudies/mathstat-graduate-handbook.pdf
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
35
Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program:
30
Graduate Students in Program:
18
Students Receiving Assistantships:
17
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall January 10
  • Spring September 10

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

  • 75 TOEFLI Minimum Score for admission
  • 6.5 IELTS Minimum Score for admission
  • 105 Duolingo Minimum score for admission

Degree Description:

The PhD in Statistical Science is meant to give students both a strong background in statistics and a working knowledge in a secondary field. Applicants are expected to have a B.S. in statistics, mathematics, or a similar field with courses taken in probability theory and mathematical statistics/statistical theory. Core and elective statistics classes offered through the Department of Mathematics & Statistics are taken in addition to classes from a partnering allied department, such as Biology, Economics, Education, Mathematics, or Psychology. At least one member of the student’s committee is encouraged to be from the appropriate allied department in the student’s field of research. This creates an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to teach students to develop new statistical methods to solve real life problems that arise in their chosen area of concentration.

Core Statistics Courses:
Stat 548 Statistical Theory I (Advanced Probability)
Stat 549 Statistical Theory II (Advanced Inference)
Stat 536 Statistical Computing
Stat 533 Theory of Linear Models
Stat 574 Linear and Non-linear Mixed Models
Stat 575 Theory of Multivariate Analysis

Admission Requirements:

Prerequisites for admission include courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Computer Programming, and Statistical Methods. Analysis and Advanced Linear Algebra is recommended, as well as additional statistics classes. 

For international students, either a TOEFL, IETLS or Duolingo score is required; The minimum score for admission is listed above. The minimum score required for assistantship consideration is TOEFL score of 100, IELTS of 7, or Duolingo of 130.  Exceptions can be found here: https://gradschool.wsu.edu/international-requirements/

The application will require:

  • Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions.
  • GPA above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Resume/cv.
  • Email contact information for 3 references.
  • Personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to highlight relevant experiences and discuss your future research interests.
  • GRE scores are not required but encouraged.

 

 

Student Opportunities:

Students are encouraged to create industry connections by completing an internship at some point in their studies, often finding opportunities in the growing cities of Portland or Seattle. Students may also gain consulting experience working for CISER, the Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research, as part of their assistantship duties.

Career Placements:

Graduates from the Statistical Science PhD program begin careers in both academia and government or industry. A few examples of career placements from the past few years include:

  • Data Scientist, Ping An Institute of Intelligence (CA)
  • Assistant Professor, College of Wooster (OH)
  • Quantitative Analyst, TD Bank
  • Research Scientist, Baptist Memorial Healthcare Center (TN)

Contact Information: