Program Description

The Data Science and Statistics PhD degree curriculum at The University of Texas at Dallas offers extensive coursework and intensive research experience in theory, methodology and applications of statistics. During their study, PhD students acquire the necessary skills to prepare them for careers in academia or in fields that require sophisticated data analysis skills.

The PhD program is designed to accommodate the needs and interests of the students. The student must arrange a course program with the guidance and approval of the graduate advisor. Adjustments can be made as the student’s interests develop and a specific dissertation topic is chosen.

Some of the broad research areas represented in the department include: probability theory, stochastic processes, statistical inference, asymptotic theory, statistical methodology, time series analysis, Bayesian analysis, robust multivariate statistical methods, nonparametric methods, nonparametric curve estimation, sequential analysis, biostatistics, statistical genetics, and bioinformatics.

Career Opportunities

Statisticians generally find employment in fields where there is a need to collect, analyze and interpret data — including pharmaceutical, banking and insurance industries, and government — and also in academia. The job of a statistician consistently appears near the top in the rankings of 200 jobs by CareerCast’s Jobs Rated Almanac based upon factors such as work environment, income, hiring outlook and stress.

For more information about careers in statistics, view the career page of American Statistical Association. UT Dallas PhD graduates are currently employed as statisticians, biostatisticians, quantitative analysts, managers, and so on, and also as faculty members in universities.

The NSM Career Success Center is an important resource for students pursuing STEM and healthcare careers. Career professionals are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

The university application deadlines apply with the exception that, for the upcoming Fall term, all application materials must be received by December 15 for first-round consideration of scholarships and fellowships. See the Department of Mathematical Sciences graduate programs website for additional information. 

Visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process.