It is designed for students with a strong background in social sciences or quantitative methods who are interested in deepening their analytical skills and broadening their knowledge of the social sciences. The Ph.D. program is designed to train researchers in the theory of probability and statistics and high-level practitioners of applied statistics. The first year of the program includes full year courses in theoretical statistics, applied statistics and probability. At the beginning of the second year, students take a written qualifying examination covering the material in the first year courses. In the second year, students take courses in probability and statistics and stochastic processes.
Students also take part in the department's consulting service.
In the second or third year, students develop a thesis proposal and, under the guidance of an advisor, undergo an oral examination on the material of the proposal. Successfully defending a thesis in an oral examination completes the degree. Each student admitted to the Ph.D. program with a fellowship receives a stipend for the nine-month academic year and is exempt from payment of tuition and health insurance fees. Summer support, while not guaranteed, is generally provided. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program earn the M.A. and M.Phil.