Statistics & Data Science Ph.D. Program Application Process
We welcome applications from candidates with a wide array of undergraduate majors—including mathematics, engineering, sciences, economics, psychology, and administration.
While foundational courses in probability, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra are essential, advanced statistics knowledge is not required.
At CMU’s Department of Statistics & Data Science, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We actively seek candidates from historically underrepresented groups, enriching our academic community and fostering innovation.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following by the deadline via our online system:
- Completed Online Application: If you wish to apply to multiple programs in our department, you can indicate this on your application and apply simultaneously.
- Transcripts: Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts (if applicable)
- Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with your application; official transcripts are required if you are offered admission.
- Statement of Purpose (two page maximum)
- Recommendation Letters: Three letters uploaded by your recommenders.
- GRE Scores: Optional for the Statistics Ph.D.; Required for joint programs.
- GRE Codes: 2074 (Institution), 0705 (Department).
- Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers. Acceptable tests: TOEFL (official scores required), IELTS or Duolingo. More information below.
- TOEFL Codes: 2074 (Institution), 59 (Department)
Language Proficiency Requirements
If your native language (i.e. language spoken from birth) is not English, you must submit an English proficiency score report. Non-native speakers who have a degree from an English-instruction institution are exempt from this requirement.
We strongly encourage TOEFL or IELTS scores but also accept the Duolingo English Test. For those taking the TOEFL, preference will be given to students who submit Internet Based Test scores (iBT).
Minimum Scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 84
- Minimum section scores: Speaking 18, Reading 22, Listening 22, Writing 22
- IELTS: 7.5
- Duolingo: 125
Note: All scores must be submitted before the deadline for equitable review.
Financial Aid
We offer financial aid to all Ph.D. students, including full tuition scholarships and a generous monthly stipend (approx. $3,100/month for the nine-month academic year) for teaching or research assistantships.
Students must maintain a full course load and dedicate no more than 10 hours per week to assigned duties.
Non-native English speaking students must also take the university’s ITA language certification once they arrive at CMU. Continued financial aid is contingent on completion of that certification.
The Department doesn't guarantee summer financial support, but has been successful in finding opportunities. Students can do an external internship over the summer, but students can also work as research/teaching assistants or teach summer courses. Nearly all students seeking summer funding have been accommodated in the past.
Applying to the Joint Ph.D. Programs
- Statistics/Machine Learning Joint Degree
- Applicants interested in this program will initially apply to either the Ph.D. in Statistics or the Ph.D. in Machine Learning. Once you have been enrolled in that program for at least a year, you can then apply to move into the joint Stat/ML program.
- Statistics/Public Policy Joint Ph.D. Degree
- Applicants interested in the Ph.D. in Statistics & Public Policy should indicate their interest in this program directly on the Ph.D. in Statistics application.
- Statistics/Engineering and Public Policy Joint Ph.D. Degree
- Applicants interested in this program will apply to the Ph.D. in Statistics. Once you have completed the necessary requirements in that program, you can then apply to move into the joint Stat/EPP program.
- Statistics/Neural Computation Joint Ph.D. Degree
- Applicants interested in the Ph.D. in Statistics/Neural Computation should indicate their interest in this program directly on the Ph.D. in Statistics application.