Ph.D. in Statistics
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Statistics provides students with rigorous training in the theory, methodology, computation, and application of statistics.
Program Details
UConn statistics Ph.D. students work closely with faculty on advanced research topics over a wide range of theory and application areas. They also engage with an active community of scholars and students who engage with peers on campus and with professional networks beyond UConn.
Through their coursework, mentorship, and community engagement experiences, our students develop diverse skills that allow them to collaborate and innovate with researchers in applied fields. Graduates of our program go on to high profile positions in academia, industry, and government as both statisticians and data scientists.
Academic Requirements
UConn’s Ph.D. in Statistics offers students rigorous training in statistical theories and methodologies, which they can apply to a wide range of academic and professional fields. Starting in their second year, Ph.D. students establish an advisory committee, consisting of a major advisor and two associate advisors. Together they develop an individualized plan of study based on the students career goals and interests.
All Ph.D. students are required to complete:
- A sequence of required core courses and elective courses from another field of study.
- A qualifying examination and general examination.
- A dissertation.
Courses
Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree are typically required to take 16 to 18 courses to earn a Ph.D. in Statistics.
Core Courses
The following core courses are required for all Ph.D. students:
- STAT 5545 and 5555. Mathematical Statistics.
- STAT 5505 and 5605. Applied Statistics.
- STAT 5725 and 5735. Linear Models.
- STAT 6315 and 6515. Theory of Statistics.
- STAT 6325 and 6894. Measure Theory and Probability Theory.
- STAT 5515. Design of Experiments.
- STAT 5091. Statistics Internship or
- STAT 5094. Seminars in Statistics.
Each core course carries three credits, except for the one-credit STAT 5091 or 5094, for a total of 34 credits. Additional credits can be earned from the list of elective courses.
Elective Courses
In general, Ph.D. students are required to elect one or two courses from other departments. However, it is sufficient to take one graduate-level course from the Department of Mathematics. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to take courses in computer science and in application areas such as biology or economics. The elective course(s) must be approved by the student’s major advisor.
Under certain circumstances, a major advisor can exempt their student from the above requirement, if the student has had internships or a research assistantship in interdisciplinary areas.
Financial Aid
The Department expects Ph.D. students to finish their studies within four years. For students arriving without an MS degree in mathematics or statistics, the Department may provide up to five years of financial support. For those arriving with such a degree, the Department may provide up to four years of financial support.
In order to receive continuous support, Ph.D. students should take at at least nine credits per semester until taking the Ph.D. qualifying exam.
Admissions
February 1 (early deadline)
April 1 (final deadline)
Please apply by February 1 if you wish to be considered for financial aid.
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any major, with a background in mathematics and statistics, are encouraged to apply.
International students must consult with UConn International Student and Scholar Services for visa rules and University requirements.
Please note: The Department does not offer a joint MS/Ph.D. program. Current UConn students enrolled in a statistics master’s program who wish to pursue the Ph.D. in Statistics must reapply to the Graduate School.
Contact Us
For questions about the Ph.D. in Statistics, please contact:
Vladimir Pozdnyakov
Professor and Director of Graduate Admission
vladimir.pozdnyakov@uconn.edu