PhD Program
The PhD Statistics program provides excellent training in the modern theory, methods, and applications of statistics to prepare for research and teaching careers in academia or industry, including interdisciplinary research in a wide array of disciplines. The median time to degree is five years.
Students will take courses in modern theory, methods, and applications of statistics, demonstrate mastery of this material via a qualifying examination, and then conduct statistical research under the supervision of one of the many regular or affiliate faculty members in the department, resulting in a dissertation.
The PhD qualifying examination is primarily based on the first-year curriculum. Most students pass at the end of the summer after the first year of the program. Students select between two versions of the examination, one with questions from mathematical statistics and probability or the second with questions from mathematical statistics and statistical methods.
Graduates are prepared for positions in academia, business, or government. They have taken positions at leading universities such as UC-Berkeley, Penn, and Yale and at top companies such as Google, Facebook, and Eli Lilly. The department strives to support students in the PhD program as teaching, research, or project assistants.
Questions about our Statistics PhD Programs can be directed to our graduate program coordinator at admissions@stat.wisc.edu.
Resources, Regulations, and Policies
PhD Statistics Program Options
There are two program options students can select from – PhD Statistics, Statistics Option or PhD Statistics, Biostatistics Option.
We have a single admissions process for both options and we encourage applicants to select only one of the options and not list both when applying. Selection of the program to which you apply has very little influence on the admissions decision. If you are unsure of which program option to choose, students who enter our PhD program may readily switch between the programs.
Please note that the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics has a separate PhD program in Biomedical Data Science that is distinct from the programs in the Department of Statistics.
Statistics Option
Career Outcomes: Students will be prepared for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, and other disciplines.
Coursework: Students will take courses in several broad areas of statistical methods and theory. This includes two-semester sequences in mathematical statistics and in statistical methods, either a course in probability theory or a course in statistical computing, a statistical consulting course, and a wide variety of elective options.
Biostatistics Option
Career Outcomes: Students will be prepared for careers in clinical research, genetics, drug testing, and experimental design in academia, government, and private sector.
Coursework: Students in the Biostatistics named option complete the same required courses as are in the Statistics named option, but have additional required coursework in biostatistics and biology and fewer elective course requirements.
Applying to the PhD Statistics Program
The application deadline is December 1 for a fall term start (no spring admissions). A reminder to only list either the Statistics Option or Biostatistics Option in your application, not both. Again, students who enter the PhD program in Statistics can readily switch between the programs.
We welcome applications from around the world and strive to admit well-qualified applicants who are interested in the diverse array of research interests of our faculty. We do not make preliminary evaluations of any applicant inquiry based on email communication. No decision will be made until after the deadline has passed and a completed file (including the application fee) has been received.
Before applying to the Statistics Department, please read the Graduate School Frequently Asked Questions. Note that there is a non-refundable application fee. Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score.
To be considered for financial assistantship, all required application materials listed below should be submitted via the online application by the December 1 deadline.
- A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted electronically by the recommenders.
- The online application for admission asks for the name and email contact information of the references from whom you request recommendations. A recommendation request will be sent, by email, to each of your references. The email will include your name with a link to each department’s electronic recommendation form. The request can be sent at any time providing you meet department deadlines. You can change references or send a reminder through your application.
- It is common practice to contact your references ahead of time so that they expect your request.
- After you have submitted your application, you can view receipt of your recommendations through the online status system.
- As part of the online application, please upload a clear and easy-to-read PDF copy of your transcript from each institution of higher learning (post High School) that you have attended. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If we offer you admission, you will be asked to provide an official copy of your transcript to the Graduate School at that time. Admission will be contingent upon receiving the official transcript.
- If courses at the institution were not taught in English, we will need an electronic copy of both the transcript in the original language, and the transcript in English.
- Your statement of purpose should include why you feel that the graduate program in Statistics at UW–Madison is a good fit for you, and conversely, why you are a good fit for our program. You may wish to address the following points:
- What research areas in Statistics excite you most, and why?
- Which professor(s) in the department would you be particularly interested in working with, and why?
- What competencies have you developed through prior experiences (research, professional work, volunteering, or other) that will help you be successful in our program, such as independent problem solving, collaboration, effective communication, etc.?
- How do you envision contributing to an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community within our Statistics department?
- Effective personal statements are typically two pages in length, single or double-spaced, with at least 11-point font. Please keep your statement concise, as our admissions committee reads a large number of applications.
Please upload a PDF copy of your CV or Resumé to the online application.
A supplemental application is required as part of the online application. You will be asked to answer the following questions and provide the following information:
- Are you applying to the Biostatistics option? Yes/No (There is no advantage to applying to both programs.)
- List any major competitive honors, awards, and/or fellowships you have received.
- List any undergraduate or graduate research experiences.
- Provide a table with all courses you have taken, are currently taking, or plan to take prior to coming to UW–Madison that contain substantial mathematical, statistical, quantitative, or computational content. Include courses from other disciplines such as economics, physics, or engineering, if applicable. Use one row per course with columns for the course number, course title, textbook used (if possible), and grade received (if already completed). Upload this document as a pdf.
The GRE is not required.
- For all international degree-seeking students, see the Graduate School requirements page for additional information.
Consult the Graduate School for general information about graduate admissions to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
If you have any further questions, please email admissions@stat.wisc.edu. Please include your full name and what semester you are interested in applying for.