Department of Mathematics

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Graduate Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics and Data Science (PhD)

The PhD degree is a research degree, and the principal requirement is that a student writes an original research thesis (also referred to as their doctoral dissertation). The thesis is produced using research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member, and it is examined by a committee of three departmental faculty and an outside expert.

 

Note: Please be aware that the Department of Mathematics does not generally offer application fee waivers for graduate programs in mathematics.

 

Requirements Outline

The requirements for the PhD program in Statistics and Data Science are similar to those of PhD in Mathematics. See https://www.uh.edu/nsm/math/graduate/phd-outline .

 

PhD Degree Requirements

The requirements that must be satisfied for a student to receive a PhD in Mathematics include:

This new degree program is designed similarly to the PhD in mathematics degree. A few differences:

  1. Required hours of coursework is 71 hours, although many of these hours can be taken as research courses.
  2. Outline of coursework:
    1. Required Core Courses: Mathematical Statistics I & II, Probability, Linear Models, Statistical Computing, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Consulting*, Statistics Seminar**
    2. Prescribed Electives: Nonparametric Statistics+, Time Series, Deep Learning & Neural Networks, Spatial Statistics
    3. Other Electives: Bayesian Inverse Problems & Uncertainty Quantification, Introduction to Mathematical Neurosciences, Applied and Computational Stochastic Processes, Optimization Theory, Numerical Analysis, Computation & Math Methods in Data Science, Mathematics & Machine Learning
  3. Preliminary Exam: (more detailed information coming soon)
    1. Suggested after Year 1
    2. Required by the end of Year 2
* Statistical Consulting: Must take two consecutive semesters within one academic year, Can begin in Year (3) and must complete by the end of Year (4).
** Statistics Seminar: one-credit course, minimum of two semesters required, no limit on the number of semesters a student may enroll
+ A new course to be developed

 

Teaching Opportunities for Ph.D. Students

Same as those for PhD in math program. See https://www.uh.edu/nsm/math/graduate/phd-outline/ 

 

FAQ's for PhD in Statistics and Data Science

It is an in-person, full-time program. 
We recommend 4-5 years for completion, similarly to the PhD degree in Mathematics in our department.
The admission process will consider GPA, applicant’s background in math, statistics, and other relevant subjects and preparation. It will be a selective process, especially since we will begin with a only few students in the first couple of years.
The application cycle will work in the same timeline as our existing PhD in Mathematics program. See https://www.uh.edu/nsm/math/graduate/admissions  for more information.
It may be possible but only very limited circumstances and the decision is up to the department’s Graduate Studies Committee. We generally do not recommend it. This applies to current students in the PhD in Mathematics program. However, you are welcome to apply as a new applicant, and you will be considered in the same way as other applicants.
Absolutely not. You must first be admitted to the program, and admission does not require you to have an advisor in advance. You will identify an advisor after you are admitted and join the program. Most of our students choose their advisor after passing the preliminary exams.
No. Please refrain from emailing professors simply to express your interest in the program unless you have specific questions for them. Admission decisions are made by the admissions committee and are based on a holistic review of each application. Emailing professors solely to express interest will not increase your chances of admission.

Please visit our program website: https://sites.google.com/view/uhstat/home 

Please note that the website is still under development. However, you can find a list of faculty members as well as information about some of our current activities.

If you have specific questions about the application process, please email Ms. Tierra Kirts at tskirts@Central.UH.EDU.

If you have specific questions about the program itself and need answers before deciding whether to apply, please email Dr. Mikyoung Jun at mjun@central.uh.edu.