masters or phd in statistics

Best Statistics Programs

Ranked in 2022, part of Best Science Schools

With a graduate degree, statisticians may find jobs

With a graduate degree, statisticians may find jobs working with data in many sectors, including business, government, academia, public health, technology and other science fields. These are the best schools for statistics. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Statistics MS

The MS in Statistics has become an exceedingly popular degree as either a terminal degree or together with a doctorate in another field. Visit the MS Admissions pages on this site for applicant eligibility and requirements.

Statistics Program Summary

The Department requires that the student take 45 units of work from offerings in the Department of Statistics, or from authorized courses in other departments. Of these 45 units, nine statistics courses from the list of required courses must be taken for a letter grade. The linear algebra and programming requirements must also be taken for a letter grade. The Statistics elective courses (breadth) may be taken for a letter grade or Credit/No Credit.

Admitted students may complete the degree part-time through the Honors Cooperative Program and will require on campus attendance, as a majority of the coursework cannot be completed remotely.

All students are expected to abide by the Honor Code and the Fundamental Standard.

Units for a given course may not be counted to meet the requirements of more than one degree, (with the exception that up to 45 units of a Stanford MA or MS degree may be applied to the residency requirement for the PhD, DMA or Engineer degrees ( GAP 3.2 ). For example, students who have already taken STATS 116 and have counted it toward their undergraduate or another Master's degree should discuss with their advisor a choice of a suitable replacement course.

Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (or better) for courses used to fulfill degree requirements and classes must be taken at the 200 level or higher. No thesis is required.

University Milestone: Program Proposal

The Master's Program Proposal is to be submitted by the student to the department's student services administrator prior to advisor approval.

The proposal form is due before the end of the first quarter of enrollment in the program. The department reserves the right to place an enrollment hold on future quarters for those who do not return an acceptable proposal form by this deadline.

A revised program proposal must be submitted if your degree plans change. There is no thesis requirement.

Statistics MS Program Proposal Forms

Length of the Program

The Master's degree in Statistics takes an average of five to six (5-6) quarters to complete. The Data Science program takes an average of five quarters to complete. Completion of the required coursework and units should prompt the student to apply for graduation in Axess. 

All requirements for the master's degree, including the coterminal master's degree, must be completed within three years of the first quarter of graduate standing.

Students who do not complete all requirements within three years of admission will have their program terminated.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 units of coursework in statistics towards the degree each quarter in order to maintain degree progress.

Honors Cooperative Program students must finish within five years.

Examples of program completion:

• Normal load (15-18 months - more common scenarios) :  September-June, September-December or March; This allows for greater flexibility in choosing electives and a lighter course load in the last quarter (which can then be dedicated to job interviews).
• Normal load (12 months) :  September-August ; 3-4 courses per quarter for 4 quarters (11-18 units), including one summer quarter (or autumn quarter).
• Accelerated load (9 months - not typical) :  September-June ; typically 5 courses per quarter for 3 quarters (11-18 units per quarter).

The time limit is not automatically extended by a student's leave of absence. All requests for extension, whether prompted by a leave or some other circumstance, must be filed by the student before the conclusion of the program's time limit. Departments are not obliged to grant an extension. The maximum extension is one additional year. Extensions require review of academic progress and any other factors regarded as relevant by the department, and approval by the department; such approval is at the department's discretion. University requirements for master's degrees are described fully in the Stanford Bulletin.

Courses below 200 level are generally not acceptable, with the following exceptions:

• Stats: 116, 118
• Math: 104, 113, 151
• CS: 106A, 106B, 107

Meeting program requirements, at most, one of these two courses may be counted:

• Math 104 or Math 113

With the advice of the master's program advisors, each student selects his or her own set of electives and pace of study.

• Utility Menu

Department of Statistics

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• Open Positions

In our graduate program, we aim to develop statisticians not only for academia, but also ones who will become leaders in endeavors such as medicine, law, finance, technology, government, and industry. Our graduate program is a stepping stone to a successful career in statistics.

The application portal will open in early fall.  Applications to the PhD program are due December 1st, 2024.  Admitted Students are invited to attend our Statistics PhD Visit Day on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Harvard University does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

Program Directors :

Natesh Pillai - Joint Director of Graduate Studies (currently enrolled PhD students, all aspects of the graduate program)

Susan Murphy - Joint Director of Graduate Studies (PhD program admissions)

Mark Glickman - Director of Masters Studies (all aspects of the AB/AM and concurrent masters program)

Our past graduates have an outstanding placement record, having had their choice of careers in academia, banking and financial services, information technology, medical research, economic research and public policy. Several of our past Ph.D. students have made their own marks in the academic world of statistics through development of fundamental statistical methodology.

Courses we offer

The department offers a wide range of courses that provide graduate students with strong foundations in theoretical and applied statistics. Also offered is an array of 300-level seminar courses which are considered stepping stones to literature review and research in specific fields.

Excellence of our Graduate program

As a direct result of the aforementioned pedagogical and related efforts, our department was the recipient from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) of the $25,000 GSAS Dean's Prize for Innovations in Graduate Education. Furthermore, seven years in a row our teaching fellows have won the  Derek Bok Award of Excellence in Teaching Undergraduates Students by Graduate Students , in its first seven years of existence (no other department has won more than twice in a row).

The environment

Students often find the department to be a home away from home, with frequent lunches, seminars, and meals with visiting speakers, workshop-style research seminars, and other events. Indeed, we take special pride in being perhaps the only department that has an endowed massage chair for graduate students (the first requested use of the Innovations Prize). The Department also has a big sister/big brother program to help new students get acclimated, especially international students.

For Additional Questions

For further information about these programs, you can explore this website. If you have general questions about the application process or the status of your application, the online application tool, submitting forms, GSAS deadlines, or applying to other programs, please contact the  GSAS Admissions Office .

If you have additional questions specifically about admission to the Statistics PhD program you can email our Student Programs Administrator, Kathleen Cloutier ( [email protected] ). 

Graduate Program Information

Learn more about the Statistics PhD program and requirements  

PhD Admissions

Learn more about the PhD program admissions process through GSAS  

Data Science Master's Degree

Offered through the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)

AM Program The AM program is open to current GSAS Ph.D. students, and to undergraduates pursuing a concurrent fourth-year masters degree. GSAS admitted the last cohort of external AM students in statistics in the Fall of 2017.

Stats Graduate Courses

Graduate Courses Tree Stat 300: Research in Statistics Stat 303: The Art and Practice of Teaching Statistics  

PhD Resources and Support

Phd dissertations, biostatistics program, gsas admissions overview, still need assistance.

Statistics & Data Science

Dietrich college of humanities and social sciences, ph.d. programs, our ph.d. programs immerse students in various cutting-edge research opportunities, where they develop innovative data analysis methods to tackle complex interdisciplinary problems and advance the underlying theoretical foundations driving those methods. .

Our Ph.D. programs in Statistics offer a dynamic blend of theoretical rigor and real-world application, equipping students with the skills to lead in academia, industry, and government.

Through immersive coursework, hands-on research, and collaboration with esteemed faculty, our students develop innovative statistical methodologies that push the boundaries of the field. Most students complete the program within 4-5 years, during which they build a strong foundation in both traditional and cutting-edge statistical practices. Our graduates leave our program prepared to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful advancements in their chosen careers.

Have questions about the Ph.D. program?

Contact us at [email protected] .

What sets our Ph.D. experience apart?

Innovative joint ph.d. programs.

Our four joint Ph.D. programs invite students to dive into diverse fields such as machine learning , public policy , neuroscience , and the dynamic intersection of engineering and policy —equipping students to lead in today’s most transformative interdisciplinary areas of research.

Collaborate with World Renowned Machine Learning Department

CMU is a trailblazer in  Machine Learning  and Computer Science. Through our joint Ph.D. program in Statistics and Machine Learning, students gain exclusive access to world-class ML research and renowned faculty, many of whom hold joint appointments in both fields. This unique blend of expertise offers an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in Statistics and Machine Learning.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

Our faculty are deeply engaged in pivotal, data-rich scientific collaborations across diverse fields such as genetics, physical sciences, neuroscience, astronomy, and the social sciences. This opens doors for students to explore pressing questions and access the data essential for uncovering meaningful insights.

Immersive Research Experience

In their second semester, students start working on their Advanced Data Analysis Project - a distinctive, year-long collaboration with faculty that goes beyond traditional thesis work. This immersive experience offers an immediate opportunity to dive into intensive research, fostering hands-on skills and innovative thinking.

Application Process

Program requirements, post-graduation destinations.

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This program has a rich tradition of creating groundbreaking statistical methods and conducting innovative applied statistics, bridging theory and practice and supporting knowledge discovery and decision-making through meaningful data extraction and analysis. Statistics is an indispensable pillar of modern science, including data science and artificial intelligence.

You can take advantage of the department’s flexible research options and work with your faculty of choice. You can leverage cross-department collaboration with biology, chemistry, medical sciences, economics, computer science, government, and public health to pursue your intellectual interests. You will become part of a close-knit, friendly department that offers many extra learning opportunities both inside and outside the program.

Examples of student projects include developing statistical methods to forecast infectious diseases from online search data, delineating causality from association, building a software package for evaluating redistricting plans in 50 states, leveraging machine learning algorithms for model-free inference, and employing a randomization-based inference framework to study peer effects. 

Graduates have secured faculty positions in institutions such as Stanford University; University of Pennsylvania; University of California, Berkeley; Johns Hopkins University; Carnegie Mellon University; Columbia University; and Georgia Institute of Technology. Others have begun careers at organizations such as Google, Apple, Etsy, Citadel, and the Boston Red Sox. 

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Statistics , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Statistics .

Academic Background

Applicants should understand what the discipline of statistics entails and show evidence of involvement in applications or a strong theoretical interest.

The minimum mathematical preparation for admission is linear algebra and advanced calculus. Ideally, each student’s preparation should include at least one term each of mathematical probability and mathematical statistics. Additional study in statistics and related mathematical areas, such as analysis and measure theory, is helpful. In the initial stages of graduate study, students should give high priority to acquiring the mathematical level required to satisfy their objectives.

As statistics is so intimately connected with computation, computation is an important part of almost all courses and research projects in the department. Preferably, students should have programming experience relevant for statistical computation and simulation.

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject: Optional

Theses and Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Statistics

See list of Statistics faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

• Statistics & Data Science

Fields of study include the main areas of statistical theory (with emphasis on foundations, Bayes theory, decision theory, nonparametric statistics), probability theory (stochastic processes, asymptotics, weak convergence), information theory, bioinformatics and genetics, classification, data mining and machine learning, neural nets, network science, optimization, statistical computing, and graphical models and methods.

• Programs of Study
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
• MS - Master of Science
• Department of Statistics & Data Science

Jay Emerson

Director of Graduate Studies

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Karen Kavanaugh

Departmental Registrar

• [email protected]
• 203-436-8105

Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is optional. GRE Mathematics Subject Test is optional.

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Combined Degree Program Application Deadline

*The deadline to submit an application to a combined program is always the earlier deadline of the two individual programs, or December 15, whichever comes first.

Academic Information

Combined phd information.

Statistics & Data Science offers a combined PhD in conjunction with Political Science .

Program Advising Guidelines

GSAS Advising Guidelines

Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

Featured Resource

Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally fully-funded. During their programs, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

• PhD Student Funding Overview
• Graduate Financial Aid Office
• PhD Stipends
• Health Award
• Tuition and Fees

Master's Funding

While Master's programs are not generally funded, there are resources available to students to help navigate financial responsibilities during graduate school.

• Master's Student Funding Overview
• Yale Student Grants Database
• Student Employment
• Loans for US Citizens
• Loans for Non-US Citizens

Alumni Insights

Below you will find alumni placement data for our departments and programs.

Statistics, MS

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Additional Program Fee: No
• Second Language Requirement: No

Spring semester admission is limited to students in the accelerated master's program.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Statistics

The MS program in statistics draws upon a wide spectrum of faculty research and teaching interests, including from faculty outside the school. As a result, plans of study can be transdisciplinary and tailored to reflect students' individual needs and goals.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (STP 593) - Academic Track
• 30 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam - Academic Track
• 30 credit hours and a portfolio - Professional Track
• 30 credit hours including a thesis - Academic Track

Required Core (3 credit hours) ECN 525 Applied Regression Models (3) or IEE 578 Regression Analysis (3) or STP 530 Applied Regression Analysis (3)

Track Coursework (9 or 12 credit hours)

Electives (9-18 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0-6 credit hours) ECN 599 or IEE 599 or STP 599 Thesis (6) STP 593 Applied Project (3) oral and written comprehensive exam (0) portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information Students in the Master of Science program in statistics are required to select one of the two available tracks: the academic track or the professional track. Students should speak with their advisor regarding the selection of a track and elective coursework based on the target career.

Students in the professional track complete the portfolio culminating experience, and students in the academic track choose from an applied project, thesis or comprehensive exams.

Prerequisites may not be used to complete the 30 credit hours required for the degree.

Students who select the thesis or applied project option must defend it through an oral examination. The thesis must conform to the Graduate College format requirements.

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:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of education and career goals
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

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

Applicants should have completed the following courses (equivalents at ASU are given in parentheses), and applicants who lack any of these prerequisite courses must complete them before being considered for admission:

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

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options.

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Mathematics (Statistics) -->

Bs - mathematics (statistics).

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Apply advanced statistical skills to real world problems.
• Apply advanced statistical methods to analyze data.
• Evaluate statistical approaches to problem solving using the underlying theory of advanced statistical methods.

Career Opportunities

Statistical analysis and data mining have been identified as two of the most desirable skills in today's job market.

Graduates with a master's degree in statistics can pursue a broad variety of careers 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:

• business consultant or analyst
• data scientist
• financial analyst
• market research analyst
• software engineer
• statistician

This program also provides preparation for students interested in doctoral study and a faculty-track academic career.

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.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3951

College of Science

Statistics (statistical theory and modeling).

Northeastern University's Master of Science in Statistics is designed for early career and mid-level professionals in the US and internationally who are seeking to elevate their expertise in the dynamic and growing field of statistics. 

The College of Science's Statistical Theory and Modeling concentration offers comprehensive training in the fundamental principles of machine learning, statistical learning theory, and statistical and probabilistic modeling techniques to analyze and interpret complex data across diverse fields.

Northeastern University's Master of Science in Statistics (Statistical Theory and Modeling) program stands out for its highly curated curriculum by combining foundational theory with practical, hands-on experiences, and opportunities. Designed to meet the soaring demand for statistical knowledge that can be applied across a diverse range of industries, this master's program not only equips students with essential skills and concepts but also emphasizes real-world applications. 

The program offers comprehensive training in the fundamental principles of machine learning, statistical learning theory, and statistical and probabilistic modeling techniques to analyze and interpret complex data across diverse fields. The curriculum includes courses in advanced machine learning and statistical learning theory, probability theory, mathematical statistics, and various modeling approaches. Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills and gain experience and proficiency in statistical software through real-world data analysis. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, government, industry, and research organizations, where they can apply their expertise in statistical theory and modeling to solve complex problems. 

The program offers a rigorous theoretical foundation and diverse exposure to advanced statistical and probabilistic modeling techniques. Students delve deeply into the mathematical and theoretical aspects of statistics while gaining hands-on experience and proficiency in statistical software with various modeling methods. The concentration emphasizes critical thinking and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It prepares graduates for academic careers, research roles, and positions in government and industry, where they can apply their statistical theory and modeling expertise to solve complex data problems. Graduates are prepared for in-demand careers in statistics, allowing them to stand out in a competitive job market and make a meaningful impact in their industry of choice.

More Details

Unique features.

Northeastern's program is grounded in real-world applications and foundational theory. The program blends foundational theory with applied coursework to deepen students' understanding of advanced statistics while preparing them to start and advance in careers that use statistical skills across a variety of industries and fields.

The modern-day curriculum prepares learners to succeed no matter what profession they are in.

Students can focus their studies on biostatistics, machine learning, and modeling. Concentrations offered through this program should be leveraged as a unique differentiator to support the growth in demand across key sectors.

This program is STEM certified. 

Program Objectives

Perform appropriate classical statistical, causal, machine learning, and AI analyses based on a solid understanding of the inferential and predictive modeling assumptions and properties.

Use statistical theory to derive and interpret appropriate and/or novel models for data analyses.

Create version-controlled and reproducible code using modern statistical software to maintain, analyze, and visualize both small- and massive-scale data.

Conduct, evaluate, and interpret complex experiments using both classical and innovative study designs.

Communicate and present statistical designs, models, and results effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.

Develop expertise in a wide range of machine learning algorithms and statistical methods for data analysis.

Equip students with the skills to apply advanced biostatistical techniques to analyze healthcare and biomedical data with proficiency in statistical software.

Provide students with advanced computing resources and software tools for implementing machine learning models.

Ensure students gain a deep understanding of the mathematical and theoretical principles underlying machine learning and statistical methods.

Train students in diverse statistical and probabilistic modeling techniques and proficiency in statistical software.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of statisticians is projected to grow by 30% from 2022 to 2032. According to the  U.S. News & World Report , statisticians are number four for best business jobs and number nine for best STEM jobs in 2024, with a median pay of $98,920.

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal statement
• GRE not required
• Students whose bachelor’s degrees are from a non-English speaking institution will be required to demonstrate a TOEFL score of 79 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a Pearson PTE Academic score of 53 or higher, or a Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher on the 160-point scale.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Science admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers..

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

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Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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