Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 48

Required Courses:

Core Courses
STAT 8001Probability and Statistics Theory I3
STAT 8002Probability and Statistics Theory II3
STAT 8003Statistical Methods and Concepts3
STAT 8004Statistical Modeling and Inference3
STAT 9001Advanced Statistical Inference I3
STAT 9002Advanced Statistical Inference II3
Electives
Select eight from the following, with at least two courses taken at the 9000 level: 124
STAT 8031
Probability and Large Sample Theory
STAT 8101
Stochastic Processes
STAT 8102
High Dimensional Inference
STAT 8103
Sampling Theory
STAT 8104
Mathematics for Statistics
STAT 8105
Univariate Time Series Analysis
STAT 8106
Linear Models I
STAT 8107
Design of Experiments I
STAT 8108
Applied Multivariate Analysis I
STAT 8114
Survival Analysis I
STAT 8115
Nonparametric Methods
STAT 8116
Categorical Data Analysis
STAT 8117
Clinical Trials
STAT 8121
Statistical Computing and Optimization
STAT 8123
Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
STAT 9101
Multivariate Time Series Analysis
STAT 9103
Stat Lrng & Data Mining
STAT 9106
Linear Models II
STAT 9107
Design of Experiments II
STAT 9108
Multivariate Analysis II
STAT 9114
Survival Analysis II
STAT 9116
Statistical Genetics: An Advanced Graduate Course
STAT 9180
Seminar in New Topics in Statistics
STAT 9190
Seminar in New Topics in Statistics
Research Courses 26
STAT 9994
Preliminary Examination Preparation
STAT 9998
Pre-Dissertation Research
STAT 9999
Dissertation Research
Total Credit Hours48
1

With prior approval from the Director of Graduate Programs in Statistical Science, students may select electives outside of Statistics.

2

A minimum of 2 credits of STAT 9999 must be taken. The remaining 4 credits may be earned in any combination of STAT 9994, STAT 9998 and/or STAT 9999.

Additional Requirement: Completion of a Summer research paper is required.

Culminating Events:
Statistics Competency Examination:
An assessment of students' proficiency in statistical theory and methodology is made at the end of their first year in the program with an exam offered in June. Students who fail the statistics competency examination on the first attempt must sit for reexamination prior to the Fall term of their second year. A second failure results in dismissal from the University. No third attempt is allowed.

Preliminary Examination:
The purpose of the preliminary examination is to demonstrate critical and interpretive knowledge of current research. The subject areas are determined, in advance, by the faculty of the department. The preliminary exam should be completed no more than one term after the student completes the coursework component of the program. Students who are preparing to write their preliminary examinations should confirm a time and date with their departmental advisor.

The members of the student's department write the questions for the preliminary exam. The student must answer every question on the examination in order to be evaluated by the Department Committee. The evaluators look for a breadth and depth of understanding of specific research areas, a critical application of that knowledge to specific phenomena, and an ability to write technical prose. Each member votes to pass or fail the student. In order to pass, a majority of the committee members must agree that the exam has been satisfactorily completed.

Proposal:
The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research. The proposal should consist of the context and background surrounding a particular research problem, an exhaustive survey and review of literature related to the problem, and a detailed methodological plan for investigating the problem.

The proposal should be completed and approved no more than one year after completing coursework. Upon approval, a timeline for completing the investigation and writing process is established.

Dissertation:
The doctoral dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of their primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated; uphold the ethics and standard of the field; demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of business; and be prepared for publication in an academic journal.

The Doctoral Advisory Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the student's department. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the committee members, and informing the student of their academic progress.

The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense, including the student's ability to express verbally their research question, methodological approach, primary findings and implications. The Dissertation Examining Committee votes to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advisory Committee and at least one additional faculty member from outside the department.

If any member decides to withdraw from the committee, the student shall notify the Chair of the Dissertation Examining Committee and the Director of Graduate Programs in Statistical Science. The student, in consultation with the Chair, is responsible for finding a replacement. Inability to find a replacement shall constitute evidence that the student is unable to complete the dissertation. In such a case, the student may petition the Director of Graduate Programs in Statistical Science for a review. Once review of the facts and circumstances is completed, the Director rules on the student's progress. If the Director rules that the student is not capable of completing the dissertation, the student is dismissed from the program. This decision may be appealed to the Senior Associate Dean. If dismissed, the student may appeal to the Graduate School.

Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary arranges the time, date and room within two working days, and forwards to the student the appropriate forms. After the Graduate Secretary has scheduled the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," at least 10 days before the defense. The department posts flyers announcing the defense, and the Graduate School announces the defense on its website.