Statistics, Ph.D.

Admission

Applicants will be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program via one of three routes: following completion of an M.Sc. degree in Statistics (or in a related area) with GPA equivalent to at least B+; or following completion of a B.Sc. degree in Statistics (or in a related area) with GPA equivalent to at least B+ over the last two years of full-time study and demonstrated research potential; or by transferring from the M.Sc. program in Statistics. In all cases, a faculty member with supervisory privileges in the Ph.D. program must be willing to supervise a student before an offer of admission is made.

Course Requirements

Students who are granted admission having completed an M.Sc. degree in Statistics (or a related area) are required to take two 700 level (STATS or comparable) courses (total of 6 units) that have been approved by the supervisor. Students who are granted admission having completed a B.Sc. degree in Statistics (or a related area) are required to take four 700 level (STATS or comparable) courses (total of 12 units) that have been approved by the supervisor. Students who transfer into the Ph.D. program while also taking the M.Sc. in Statistics degree are required to take two 700 level (STATS or comparable) courses (total of 6 units) that have been approved by the supervisor. Students who transfer into the Ph.D. program in Statistics without taking the M.Sc. in Statistics degree must complete the course requirements for the M.Sc. in Statistics with a GPA of at least 10 and pass a transfer examination administered by the supervisory committee prior to transferring; however, for such students, no courses are required after transferring.

Comprehensive Exam

During their course of study, students will have to pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination will be in two parts. Part I is a written examination designed to test breadth of knowledge in Statistics. Part II is a written literature review, a research proposal, and an oral examination. Part I must be passed before Part II may be attempted. Students who are unsuccessful in their first attempt at Part I may repeat the exam once. Students who are unsuccessful in their second attempt at Part I will be required to withdraw from the program. Students who are unsuccessful in their first attempt at Part II may repeat the exam once. Students who are unsuccessful in their second attempt at Part II will be required to withdraw from the program.

Thesis and Defence

A thesis embodying the results of original research must be defended in a final oral examination.

Departmental Colloquia and Seminars

Regular attendance at relevant departmental colloquia and seminars is expected from all Ph.D. students.