PhD in Statistics

PhD in Statistics Program

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in statistics is designed for students who plan to pursue careers in university teaching and research or in industrial and government research and consulting. A doctoral student pursuing the degree program in statistics may choose to emphasize either statistics or probability. To see job placement information for our past PhD graduates, see STT PhD graduate job placement.

Beginning August 1, 2025, the Department of Statistics and Probability will accept applications for our PhD in Statistics program for Fall 2026 program start.

The application for admission, application fee, and all required supporting documents should be submitted no later than January 15, 2026. The application system opens each August.

For full consideration of MSU Graduate School and College of Natural Science fellowship opportunities, applications should be received by December 1, 2025. These fellowships are different than graduate assistant positions awarded by the department to students admitted to the PhD in Statistics program. 

STEPS TO APPLY 

Submit the required documents and complete the application by Jan. 15, 2026. For University Fellowship consideration, please submit everything by December 1, 2025.

1. Please visit the MSU Graduate Application at explore.msu.edu/apply/ for the PhD Program’s REQUIRED online application.
   1. Help guides for the application process: Domestic Application or International Application
   2. Create an account. You will need this to access your application, where all documents must be uploaded. explore.msu.edu/apply/
   3. Choose the PhD major from the dropdown list:  Statistics
   4. See our PhD Handbook for program requirements STT Graduate Handbook
2. You must pay the application fee $65 (domestic) or $75 (international). If you are financially unable to pay the fee, visit the Application Fee Waiver site for assistance: https://grad.msu.edu/application-fee-waiver
3. Once you submit and pay the application fee, you can upload all required documents. See list below and please use this helpful checklist: Application Checklist

Applications are accepted for Fall Semester only. We do not accept applications for Spring or Summer semesters. You can check your application status through the Application Portal.

Questions? Please contact us at stt.gradoffice@msu.edu. 

Thank you for your interest in our graduate program.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS for PhD Program

Please use the Application Checklist to help you. All required documents below must be uploaded to the Application Portal:  explore.msu.edu/apply/

Official Transcripts
All college work (undergraduate and graduate), including diplomas and certificates translated in English, must be sent to MSU Admissions directly from the school(s) which you attended or are currently attending. Domestic (located in the US) colleges can send electronic transcripts. International colleges are required to send hard (paper) copies. Note: Applicants are encouraged to upload unofficial transcripts to the student portal for the committee to review while we wait for Admissions to add your official transcripts to your profile. 

Mailing address for official transcripts
Michigan State University
Admissions 
426 Auditorium Road
Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
USA

GRE
The GRE test is required for PhD applicants. Sub tests are not required. Test Scores must be submitted to the Michigan State University Graduate Admissions Office by the Educational Testing Service. The Institutional Code for MSU is 1465. No department code is necessary. 

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
The Department of Statistics and Probability requires THREE (3) letters of recommendation. These must be submitted from professors or other professionals who can assess your promise of success in our graduate program. You cannot upload the letters of reference yourself. There is a place for you to list the name and email of your recommenders and they will be contacted and asked to upload a letter for you. As writing and submitting a letter might take some time, please give your recommenders enough time to prepare their letters. Do not have hard copy letters of recommendation mailed. They must be submitted through the Application Portal: explore.msu.edu/apply/

Register your references /  recommenders through the Application Portal.

1. Under "References”
2. Click “Add Recommender” and enter their information.
3. Decide if you want to waive your right to access your letters of recommendation. Sign electronically and then click "Send to Recommender” or click "Save" to enter details at a later time. When you "Send to Recommender," the system will send your reference an email of instructions on how to submit their letter of reference.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores (International Students Only)
MSU English Proficiency Requirements

TOEFL and IELTS test scores must be submitted to the Michigan State University Graduate Admissions Office. The Institutional Code for MSU is 1465. No department code is necessary. Please note that the Department of Statistics and Probability requires TOEFL or IELTS. English Language Proficiency test scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test to the first day of class for the admit semester. For fall semester 2025 that would be Aug. 28, 2025.

TOEFL score minimum requirements are Reading 19, Listening 19, Speaking 19, and Writing 22. Plus 1 point or more on any of these topics to equal a minimum of 80 points. IELTS score requirements are minimum average score of 6.5. No subscore below 6.0.

Academic Statement: This is sometimes referred to as your Statement of Purpose. The Academic Statement is required to help the Department of Statistics and Probability application committee understand your academic objectives and research interests and determine if you are a good match for the doctoral program.

Include the answers to the following:
1) Why are you applying to Michigan State University Department of Statistics and Probability?
2) Why are you applying to this doctoral program?
3) What are your potential future research interests? Why?

Your essay should show that you have a solid background in the areas of statistics and probability, and you have the potential to be successful in graduate study. Upload this document under the "Academic Statement" section of the MSU online application.

Advanced Mathematics Profile: Advanced Mathematics Profile Click link for an automatic download of the form. Fill in the table with every advanced mathematics and statistics course you have completed (with grade) or expect to complete before beginning graduate study at Michigan State University. This information will be used to assess your math and statistics-related preparation. Please list all that apply. Upload your math profile document under the "Applicant Statement" section of the MSU online application.

Resume / CV: A current Resume / CV is required. Please upload to your online application.