Welcome from the Director of Admissions

Dear Prospective Student:

Each year we receive applications from a variety of students with very different backgrounds. Our graduate students come from many disciplines, including mathematics, engineering, the sciences, economics, psychology, and management. Indeed, the diversity of backgrounds of our graduate students is one of the strengths of our department.

There is no one criterion we use to determine who to accept into our program. Of course, a strong academic background is a necessity. To begin graduate study in Statistics, it is essential that you know linear algebra and advanced calculus. Ideally you should also have had at least a semester each of mathematical probability and mathematical statistics. Beyond that, we are quite flexible.

To help you decide if our department is suitable for you, here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

1. Which courses will provide me with the best preparation for your program?

The more Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science preparation you have, the better. However, we do admit students who have not majored in these subjects as long as they have a solid record, an honest desire to learn statistics and are willing to learn the necessary material.

2. Do I have to decide whether to pursue a M.S. degree or Ph.D. immediately?

We do not have a separate M.S. and Ph.D. program. Students enter the program as "Ph.D. students" although most will earn an M.S. degree along the way towards their Ph.D.

3. How large is the department?

Currently, we have 24 faculty and 45 graduate students. We are a medium sized department with an excellent faculty to student ratio.

4. How diverse are the students?

About one half of our students are American. The rest are from around the world. For example, we have had students from Italy, Chile, Argentina, Turkey, Canada, China, Japan, Taiwan and India. About one third to one half of our students are women. Many of our students have won nationally competitive awards from such places as the National Science Foundation, AT&T Labs, the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Gertrude Cox Fellowship Fund and the Howard Hughes foundation.

5. Does your program emphasize theory or applications?

Both. We believe that theory and applications go hand in hand. This philosophy guides our entire curriculum as well as the research interests of the faculty and students. From the outset you will learn the theory of statistics, but you will also collaborate with researchers in psychology, engineering, business, etc. Part of the Ph.D. coursework involves a year-long collaboration with an outside researcher on a publishable applied research project; your Ph.D. dissertation may emphasize theory or application.

6. How important is computing?

Computers are now indispensable in Statistics. Thus, computing plays a major role in our department. However, we recognize that many students do not necessarily have access to training in computing. For this reason, we make an effort to train all our students in computing, from basic to advanced skills.

Please read the brochure carefully. It's never too early to apply. Submit your application, supporting materials (GRE, transcripts, letters of recommendation and TOEFL and TSE for foreign students) as soon as possible.

If you have any additional questions, please write, send email or call.

Sincerely,

Valerie Ventura
Professor and Director of Admissions
admissions @ stat.cmu.edu
http://www.stat.cmu.edu/