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DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Department of Statistical Science offers Master’s in Applied Statistics and Data Analytics (MASDA) and Ph.D. degrees in Statistical Science and Biostatistics. These programs integrate both theory and practice by providing a strong theoretical foundation through courses in mathematical statistics, probability, and stochastic processes; and by emphasizing the practice of statistics through applied courses such as regression, time series, and nonparametrics.

The faculty of the Department of Statistical Science consists of internationally renowned scholars who are also widely recognized for their expertise in applying statistical science in very diverse settings including clinical trials, air pollution, medical imagery, census adjustment, educational testing, genetics and educational intervention studies.

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Want to learn more about SMU’s graduate studies in Statistical Science?

DEGREES OFFERED

Explore our three degree options

MASDA

Students must successfully complete at least 36 hours of coursework acceptable to the departmental faculty, including courses in Mathematical Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Consulting, and Statistical Computing. A basic written examination on first-year courses and an oral examination on an assigned project are required.

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PH.D. IN STATISTICS

Ph.D. candidates in statistics must satisfy all the curricular requirements as specified by the University and by the departmental faculty; pass comprehensive written and oral examinations; complete a minimum of sixty semester hours of graduate work, with at least two semesters in full-time residence at Southern Methodist University or at a research facility approved by the departmental faculty and the University; and write and defend a dissertation.

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PH.D. IN BIOSTATISTICS

The Department of Statistical Science at SMU and the Department of Clinical Sciences at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UTSW) have partnered to offer a Ph.D. program in Biostatistics. The degree will be conferred by SMU, but students in this program will take courses at both SMU and UTSW. Students attain a strong mathematical and statistical foundation such as that provided in the Ph.D. in Statistical Science curriculum, but they will also take courses that prepare them for a research career in Biostatistics. During the third and fourth years of the curriculum, students will work with researchers at UTSW under the joint supervision of one or more SMU faculty mentors.

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A Complete Guide To Studying Statistical Science at SMU

Learn about the full breadth of the Statistical Science Department programs here at SMU. From job prospects to current research opportunities, our digital resource covers all this information and more to continue your exploration into the field of statistics. View the Digital Resource. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

To meet minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy program in statistics, an applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, engineering, a natural or social science, or an equivalent quantitative or scientific discipline. Applicants must have taken at least 12 hours of advanced mathematics courses or related fields, including advanced calculus and linear algebra. A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required.

INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores in addition to other application materials.  The Video Essay component is also required for all international applicants to any master’s or doctoral program in the Department of Statistical Science.

DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTSHIPS

All applications to be considered for department assistantships must be completed by the priority deadline of December 15th for Ph.D. programs.

Note: Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered for any remaining funds and openings.
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DEADLINES FOR ADMISSION

PH.D. PRIORITY
DEADLINE

December 15th

MASDA PROGRAM

February 1st

FINAL DEADLINE
FOR FALL
ADMISSIONS

May 1st

DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTSHIPS

PH.D. IN STATISTICAL SCIENCE

 

Entering students are eligible for Teaching Assistantships for which the stipend is $22,500 per academic year (September – May).  TAs typically meet with undergraduates in small lab sessions, hold office hours, and/or assist in grading undergraduate course assignments.  Summer support is often available (to serve as a TA or in some cases to teach summer courses).  Since there is no summer coursework in the Statistical Science program, students often seek outside funding through summer internships.  This past summer six Statistical Science Ph.D. students had internships at: Frito Lay, Sabre, Capital One, Sanofi Pasture, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Elite Research. 

Third and fourth year students can be funded on Research Assistantships. These students (GRAs) are typically paid by a research grant and work closely with the faculty member who has the grant. The academic year support for GRAs is typically the same as for TAs ($22,500); however, GRA support may extend through the summer months. During the last two years, GRA support has included internships at Baylor Medical Center and at the Universityof Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UTSW) and five students funded on faculty grants. 

 

PH.D. IN BIOSTATISTICS

Ph.D. students in the Biostatistics Ph.D. program are funded on Fellowships for their first two years. These fellowship stipends are $28,000 per calendar year. There are no TA or GRA duties associated with these fellowships, and students are required to take 4 courses per semester for the first two years instead of the typical 3 course load taken by Ph.D. students in Statistical Science. Additionally, since the funding is for the calendar year, the students are involved in research projects either in UTSW labs, supporting SMU or UTSW statistics /biostatistics researchers, or other approved activities. 

During years 3-4, students making appropriate progress are funded on research grants, primarily by researchers at UTSW. 

FUNDING & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

 

Financial aid is available for outstanding applicants for the Ph.D. in Statistical Science and for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics.  In both programs the financial aid covers SMU tuition, fees, and a health insurance subsidy.

Teaching and Research Assistantships are not typically available to students in the MASDA program.  Information on graduate tuition and fees can be found here.

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