PhD in Statistical Science

The Department of Statistical Science began offering a Ph.D. in Statistical Science in 1968. Since that time it has awarded over 185 Ph.D. degrees. The courses in the Ph.D. curriculum in Statistical Science at SMU provide our students with the strong theoretical foundation in mathematics, statistical inference, and probability needed for students pursuing a research-oriented Ph.D. degree. They also acquire extensive experience in statistical applications and practice that will enable them to take leadership roles in innovative uses of statistical science in industry, government, and many other diverse fields. The emphasis in the Ph.D. program is on developing fundamental breadth and depth in both theory and applications.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in statistical science requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, no more than 12 of which can be in dissertation research. Students must complete a minimum of three years of graduate academic work, at least one of which is in full-time residence on the campus of SMU or at a research facility approved by the departmental faculty and the dean of Moody School. Students must satisfy all curricular requirements as specified by the University and by the departmental faculty. Students must pass the Comprehensive Exams and the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, and the prospectus exam, and complete and defend a dissertation.

Required Courses (27 Credit Hours)

• STAT 6324 - Computational Statistics
• STAT 6327 - Mathematical Statistics I
• STAT 6328 - Mathematical Statistics II
• STAT 6336 - Statistical Analysis I
• STAT 6337 - Statistical Analysis II
• STAT 6345 - Linear Regression
• STAT 6366 - Statistical Consulting

or

• STAT 6367 - Statistical Practice
• STAT 6371 - Probability Theory
• STAT 7327 - Advanced Statistical Inference

Elective Courses (21-33 Credit Hours)

The Department of Statistical Science offers advanced elective courses each semester. Students complete the remaining required credit hours from among those courses, or from approved courses offered in other departments at the University. Examples of frequently offered electives include the following:

• STAT 6341 - Sports Analytics
• STAT 6350 - Analysis of Lifetime Data
• STAT 6360 - Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
• STAT 6363 - Time Series Analysis
• STAT 6376 - Stochastic Processes
• STAT 6377 - Multivariate Categorical Data
• STAT 6380 - Mathematical Theory of Sampling
• STAT 6385 - Survey of Nonparametric Statistics
• STAT 6390 - Bayesian Statistics
• STAT 6391 - Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling
• STAT 6397 - Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials
• STAT 7331 - Modeling Longitudinal and Incomplete Data

Comprehensive Exams

Students must pass the Comprehensive (Basic) Exams, typically at the end of the first year.

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

This is a personalized exam that assesses the student’s readiness for research. It is typically taken before the end of the second year.

Prospectus Exam

Students present initial dissertation results and a proposal for the remainder of the dissertation.

Dissertation (0-12 Credit Hours)

Students must write and successfully defend a dissertation. While not required, students may choose to enroll in dissertation research courses, with no more than 12 credit hours counting toward the degree (STAT 8198, STAT 8398, STAT 8698).

Total: 60 Credit Hours