Program highlights
- Faculty expertise. Learn from and work alongside nationally recognized faculty who are subject matter experts, with specialities ranging from Bayesian analysis, statistical computing, applied probability, biostatistics and more. They are outstanding educators, active researchers and industry consultants.
- Low student-to-faculty ratio. You’ll receive individualized instruction and guidance that accelerates your growth and opens prime opportunities that may be harder to lock down at larger institutions.
- Research opportunities. Engage in high-level, collaborative research that crosses disciplines and has real-world relevance.
- Collaborative culture. BGSU fosters an academic environment where collaboration thrives over competition. Work alongside peers who inspire you. Participate in interdisciplinary projects that broaden your perspective. Build a professional network that will support you throughout your career.
- Graduate assistantships. Access valuable graduate assistantships that offer competitive stipends, full tuition coverage and valuable teaching and/or research experience. Most doctoral students receive funding throughout their program. This allows you to focus entirely on your studies and research without significant financial stress.
Demand for statisticians is expected to increase 11% over the next decade – far faster than average.
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Career opportunities
Graduates with a Ph.D. in statistics are prepared to step into careers that are diverse, rewarding and in high demand.
We prepare students for careers in which they may:
- Lead research initiatives in academia, government agencies or private industry. They design and conduct statistical studies that advance knowledge in fields ranging from medicine to public health to economics and environmental science.
- Develop innovative statistical methodologies and computational tools that solve complex, real-world problems. They contribute to the advancement of statistical theory and practice through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Serve as statistical consultants for interdisciplinary research teams. They provide expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results across diverse fields such as psychology, biology, business and social sciences.
- Teach and mentor the next generation of statisticians and data scientists at universities and colleges. They share their expertise through undergraduate and graduate courses while pursuing independent research programs.
- Drive decision-making in corporate environments as senior data scientists, biostatisticians or quantitative analysts. They translate complex statistical findings into actionable business insights and strategic recommendations.
- Shape public policy by working with government agencies, think tanks and nonprofit organizations to analyze social, economic and health data that informs evidence-based policy decisions at local, national and international levels.
With doctoral credentials, you open doors to leadership positions that combine intellectual fulfillment with exceptional compensation and job security.
Career paths
- Academic department chair
- Algorithm developer
- Blockchain developer
- Climate modeler
- Cryptographer
- Financial risk analyst
- Mathematics education specialist
- Quantitative analyst
- Research scientist
- Simulation and modeling expert
- University professor
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Average median salary for statisticians is 65% higher than the median average for all occupations in the U.S
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in statistics at BGSU is a comprehensive, research-focused degree requiring 90 graduate hours of credit beyond the bachelor’s level (60 beyond the master’s level).
The doctorate in statistics curriculum focuses on both theoretical depth and practical application through a rigorous examination structure. Students must pass qualifying examinations covering two course sequences of their choice (from areas such as probability, estimation and testing, linear models, computational statistics or data science techniques). After completing all coursework and qualifying exams, they advance to preliminary examinations and original dissertation research.
Graduates of the doctoral statistics degree program are able to effectively:
- Integrate statistical concepts
- Communicate research findings
- Utilize appropriate technology
- Conduct publishable original research in the field
Culminating experience
Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 16 hours (maximum 30 hours) of original dissertation research judged to be of publishable quality.
Academic prerequisites
Admission requirements for the Ph.D. in statistics at BGSU include:
- A master’s degree in mathematics or statistics from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4-point scale*
- TOEFL or IELTS for all international applicants whose native language is not English
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can attest to your academic preparation for the program
- Statement of purpose
*Students with a master’s degree in a different but substantially associated field may also be admitted, so long as they demonstrate sufficient training in mathematics and statistics.
Sample courses
- Advanced Mathematical Statistics
- Biostatistical Methods
- Computational Statistics
- Linear Statistical Inference
- Nonparametric Statistical Inference
- Real Analysis
- Statistical Computing
- Statistical Learning
- Survival Analysis
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The doctorate in statistics program is part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 11/25/2025 02:34PM