Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy program in statistics prepares students for careers in university teaching and research or in government or industrial research. Students entering the program spend four semesters acquiring a basic background in probability, mathematical statistics, and applied statistics and take general examinations on these subjects. More specialized study follows with the thesis research, which usually begins in the third year. This research may be concentrated in any area of statistics or probability in which a faculty member is interested. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience in applied statistics through participation in statistical consulting. Completion of the Ph.D. program normally requires three to five years.
Requirements
Students who enter this program should have knowledge of probability equivalent to the content of STAT 516 or STAT 519. A course in mathematical statistics is desirable, as is a course in regression.Besides satisfying the general regulations of the Graduate School for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the student must complete the following requirements:
- Qualifying Examination. There are four Ph.D. Qualifying Examinations that cover material in methodology, computational finance, probability, mathematical statistics, and computational statistics and are based on the core courses of the first year of graduate study in statistics.
- Plan of Study. A tentative plan of study should be submitted electronically to the Graduate School by the end of the third session for doctoral students. An
individual plan of study is crafted by the student and
major professor with the approval of the student's
doctoral advisory committee and the department. The
student will then be recommended to the Graduate School
for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
- Dissertation. A thesis must be submitted in final
form, presenting new results of sufficient importance to
merit publication. These results may be theoretical
advances in probability or statistics, or methodological
advances in the application of probability or statistics.
The thesis must be accepted by the advisory committee.
The student must present the contents of the thesis in an
open examination.
- Time Limit. Once a student is admitted to
candidacy, the final examination marking completion of
the doctoral program must be passed within five calendar
years. Extensions of the limit may be granted by the
graduate committee on petition by the student and his or
her major professor. This may require reapproval of the
plan of study and/or retaking of all or part of the Ph.D.
degree qualifying examination.
- Teaching Experience. Every doctoral candidate is required to teach at least quarter-time for one Semester unless decided otherwise by the department.
Specializations
If you are interested in applying to the Ph.D. Program, please visit How to Apply.| In accordance with Purdue Policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University's educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. For a more complete statement of Purdue's policies of equal access and equal opportunity, CLICK HERE. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Human Relations at vphr@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830. |
