Regular Track PhD
The Regular Track provides rigorous training in the mathematical foundations of statistics, including advanced modeling techniques. It is ideal for students interested in statistical theory and methodology.
Requirements
A minimum of 62 units of coursework, plus minor units (usually 9 – 12 units depending on the rules for your minor), with at least a 3.0 overall GPA, past the Bachelor’s Degree is required, made up as follows:
PhD Major Coursework - 62 units
18 units from the set of the following Core Statistics courses:
- STAT 564/MATH 564 – Theory of Probability
- STAT 566/MATH 566 – Theory of Statistics
- STAT 571A/MATH 571A – Advanced Statistical Regression Analysis
- STAT 571B/MATH 571B – Design of Experiments
- MATH 574M - Machine Learning
- STAT 688A and STAT 688B/BIOS 688 – Statistical Consulting
- MATH 523A – Real Analysis
- STAT 567A/MATH 567A – Theoretical Statistics I
- STAT 675 – Statistical Computing
- STAT 687/BIOS 687/EPID 687 – Theory of Linear Models
- PHCL 595B – Scientific Writing Presentation and Bio Ethics, or
- IMB 521 – Scientific Grantsmanship
Complete list of courses, including course descriptions, prerequisites, and semesters offered.
As per Graduate College requirements, a minimum of 18 units in the PhD program of study must include dissertation credits. These are used to undertake the PhD research. Registration for any units of STAT 920 is restricted to students who have assembled an active, complete PhD Comprehensive Examination Committee (see below). Students who wish to undertake research coursework prior to assembling a Comprehensive Committee may consider STAT 599 and/or STAT 900 as possible alternatives; however, a maximum of only 6 units from STAT 599 and/or STAT 900 may be applied to the PhD program of study. A form is required for STAT 599.
Courses may be added to or removed from this list by action of the Statistics GIDP Curriculum Committee, after approval by the GIDP Executive Committee. See Program Handbook for more information.
Additional Requirements
Once a minor is chosen the student must check with the minor department to determine the required coursework and number of units. Some minors require 9 units and some minors require 12 or more units.
Where needed to suit a particular or specialized need in an individual student’s program of study, petition may be made to the GIDP Executive Committee for approval of a UA minor not listed above to satisfy the minor requirement. The student must be in good standing and must exhibit ongoing, satisfactory progress towards completion of the degree. The burden of proof for admitting a commensurate, alternate minor rests with the student, and the decision of the committee will be final.
Students are expected to complete their Professional and Communications Requirements by the time of their graduation.
Students are offered two opportunities to pass their Qualifying Exams.
During the third year, doctoral students are encouraged to nearly complete their coursework requirements and to form a Comprehensive Examination Committee. The Committee consists of at least three Program members and a representative of the student’s minor program of study. The Comprehensive Examination Committee bears the responsibility for setting the written portion of the comprehensive exam.
Recommended Schedule
The following schedule outlines a suggested sequence of courses and academic milestones for doctoral students. Milestones are associated with recommended completion dates, but the schedule is intended as a flexible guide. Students may adjust the timeline to suit their individual progress and goals.
Semester | Courses | Milestones |
| 1st Semester | Theory of Probability (STAT 564) Regression Analysis (STAT 571A) Elective (Major/Minor) | Consider options for Doctoral Minor Submit Code of Conduct in GradPath |
| 2nd Semester | Theory of Statistics (STAT 566) Design of Experiments (STAT 571B) Statistical Computing (STAT 675) | Begin preparing for qualifying exams |
| 3rd Semester | Machine Learning (STAT 574M) Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) | Submit Plan of Study in GradPath Identify PhD Thesis Advisor |
| 4th Semester | Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) | Declare Doctoral Minor Submit Plan of Study in GradPath
|
| 5th Semester | Statistical Consulting (STAT 688) Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) | |
| 6th Semester | Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) Elective (Major/Minor) | Complete required courses Assemble Comprehensive Exam Committee |
| After 6th Semester | Dissertation (STAT 920) |
Extra Info
Courses may be added to or removed from this list by action of the Statistics GIDP Curriculum Committee, after approval by the GIDP Executive Committee. See Program Handbook for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average time to completion for a Ph.D. in Statistics & Data Science is 5 years. Students entering with a masters degree in statistics may complete their degree faster.
First, you apply to the program. Once you have been recommended for admittance you will automatically be considered for a teaching assistantship.
While an undergraduate or MS degree in Statistics is beneficial, it is not required. See the Admissions page for more information on the admissions requirements.
Here is a partial list of where recent Phd graduates began their careers:
- Allen Institute
- Abbvie
- California State University at Chico
- Critical Path Institute
- Raytheon
- Ancestry.com
- University of Vermont
- Bio5 Institute University of Arizona
- Wish
- Oberlin College
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Ventana Medical Systems
- Tennessee Health Center
- University of Rochester
All students entering any Statistics & Data Science Program are required to have a substantive background in mathematics, including at least three semesters of Calculus through multivariable/vector calculus, one semester of Linear Algebra, and experience with computer technologies.
Go to the Admissions Requirements page on the SDS GIDP website.