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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.

 

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

We will officially start in fall 2026 with the first cohort of students. 
Yes, you are welcome to apply now. At the moment, UH is setting up the application portal for the new program. In the meantime, you can apply to PhD in Mathematics, and we will transfer you to the new program portal once it opens. Please clearly indicate in your cover letter your intention to apply to the Ph.D. program 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.
Please email Dr. Mikyoung Jun ( mjun@central.uh.edu ) with any further questions regarding the program.