Statistics and Data Science, Ph.D.

I. Contact Information

Ilya Zaliapin, Graduate Program Director
Office: Davidson Mathematics and Science Center 221
Phone: (775) 784-6821
Email: zal@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a doctoral program in Statistics and Data Science to provide training in the fundamental methods and concepts of modern statistics and the emerging statistical area of data science. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborative research, which is intrinsic to statistics and data science. The program builds research and computational skills that position students to be competitive in pursuing careers at academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, corporations, government agencies, and as private consultants.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Students will

1. Develop the advanced computational skills necessary to solve applied problems involving data.
2. Attain a deep understanding of the theory of statistics and data science sufficient to critically evaluate research done by others.
3. Demonstrate the ability to do independent research and to communicate the results of this research, both orally and in writing.
4. Acquire breadth of knowledge and the skills necessary to successfully collaborate or consult in a professional setting.

IV. Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all degree admission requirements of the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and arrange for three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s academic record and potential for advanced work in statistics and data science. The completion of a Master’s degree in mathematics or statistics prior to enrollment in the doctoral program is strongly recommended. All international students must comply with the appropriate Graduate School requirements. In particular, applicants whose native language is not English must include a TOEFL or IELTS score. The fall admission deadline is March 1; the spring admission deadline is November 1.

V. Program Requirements

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must satisfy all general requirements of the Graduate School. Before being admitted to candidacy, the student must complete at least 75% of the non-elective, non-dissertation coursework, and have passed a comprehensive examination on graduate level material in statistics. The following courses or their equivalents must be satisfactorily completed for the doctoral degree in statistics and data science.

• MATH 713 - Abstract and Real Analysis (3 units)
• STAT 652 - Introduction to Regression and Linear Models (3 units)
• STAT 661 - A First Course in Probability (3 units)
• STAT 662 - Introduction to Stochastic Processes (3 units)
• STAT 667 - Statistical Theory (3 units)
• STAT 6XX - Statistical Computing (3 units) (pending)
• STAT 754 - Mathematical Statistics (3 units)
• STAT 755 - Multivariate Data Analysis (3 units)
• STAT 756 - Survival Analysis (3 units)
• STAT 758 - Time Series Analysis (3 units)
• STAT 760 – Multivariate Data Analysis (3 units) (pending)
• STAT 7XX – Probability Theory (3 units) (pending)
• STAT 7XX – Statistical Learning (3 units) (pending)
• STAT 799 - Dissertation (1 to 24 units)
• Approved 700-level electives, based on research interests (9 units)

VI. Total Credits (72 units)

VII. Notes

Graduate students who hold half-time assistantships are not permitted to enroll for more than 10 units per semester. The following is a representative schedule.