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Statistics, PHD

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Statistics

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

Are you ready to put your mathematical mind to work using data analysis to solve problems for teams of engineers, scientists and other specialists? Learn the advanced nuances of mathematics and statistical analysis, and research how to apply these concepts in real-life models to build a better world through data.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Statistics

As a science, statistics focuses on data collection and data analysis by using theoretical, applied and computational tools. The PhD program in statistics reflects this breadth in tools and considerations while allowing students sufficient flexibility to tailor their program of study to reflect individual interests and goals. Research can be of a disciplinary or transdisciplinary nature.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours)
STP 526 Theory of Statistical Linear Models (3)

Other Requirements (15 credit hours)
IEE 572 Design Engineering Experiments (3) or STP 531 Applied Analysis of Variance (3)
IEE 578 Regression Analysis (3) or STP 530 Applied Regression Analysis (3)
STP 501 Theory of Statistics I: Distribution Theory 3 (3)
STP 502 Theory of Statistics II: Inference (3)
STP 527 Statistical Large Sample Theory (3)

Electives (42 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)
STP 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
STP 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Electives are chosen from statistics or related area courses approved by the student's supervisory committee.

Other requirements courses may be substituted with department approval.

Students must pass:

  • one qualifying examination and coursework in analysis
  • a written comprehensive examination
  • a dissertation prospectus defense

Students should see the department website for examination information.

Each student must write a dissertation and defend it orally in front of five dissertation committee members.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics, statistics or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of education and career goals
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Completion of the following courses (equivalents at ASU are given in parentheses) is required. Applicants who lack any of these prerequisite courses must complete them before being considered for admission.

  • calculus (MAT 270, 271 and 272)
  • advanced calculus (MAT 371)
  • linear algebra (MAT 342)
  • computer programming (CSE 100)
  • introductory applied statistics (STP 420)


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
July 1st
Final
Session A/C
In Person
December 10th
Priority


Learning Outcomes

  • Able to complete original research in statistics.
  • Proficient in applying advanced statistical methods in coursework and research.
  • Address an original research question in statistics.

Career Opportunities

Statistical analysis and data mining have been identified as two of the most desirable skills in today's job market. Data, and the analysis of data, is big business, and the Department of Labor projects that overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians will grow 33% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

For graduates of the doctoral program in statistics, that means a broad variety of career opportunities in fields as diverse as business, finance, engineering, technology, education, marketing, government and other areas of the economy.

These are just a few of the top career opportunities available for a graduate with a doctoral degree in statistics:

  • actuary
  • business consultant or analyst
  • data science professor, instructor or researcher
  • data scientist
  • faculty-track academic
  • financial analyst
  • market research analyst
  • software engineer
  • statistician

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • grad.math@asu.edu
  • 480/965-3951


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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