At the end of the first year of study each student must pass the First Year Examination , covering probability theory and statistics at the level of the usual first-year courses. Each student must demonstrate proficiency in Applied Statistics . Each year the student must make Satisfactory Progress toward the Ph.D. degree. The faculty meet annually to discuss each student. But they are required to learn enough statistics to pass the First Year and Preliminary exams and finish their dissertations.
Most students do take a full load of courses because that's the easiest way to learn the material.
It is the policy of ISDS to find financial support for every Ph.D. student. Only in exceptional cases will students be admitted without financial support. Financial aid is awarded with the understanding that it will continue, subject to satisfactory progress and satisfactory performance of assistantship duties, for at least four years or until completion of the Ph.D. program, whichever comes first. Petitions for extensions are considered by the Director of Gradute Studies. Students who are eligible for external financial support such as fellowships from the NSF or from their home countries are expected to apply for the external support before relying on ISDS support.