The Ph.D. program is designed for students who have ability in and enjoy mathematics and its applications. Ph.D. A core of five courses and 11 elective courses are required in the doctoral program. Preliminary examinations are required in areas of probability, statistics and analysis. Thesis research may be in either probability or statistics. In addition, advanced students may be eligible for assistantships in statistical consulting.
Some students find assistantships in other departments after their first year.
Graduate Assistants at Michigan State University receive monthly stipends within the ranges established by the University and vary by level. A tuition waiver is provided during the period of the assistantship and is in the amount of nine credits for Fall Semester, nine credits for Spring Semester, and four credits for Summer Semester. Visitor credits do not count as part of a graduate assistant's credit load and are not covered by the waiver. Students appointed as graduate assistants are charged in-state tuition rates for any additional credits not covered by their assistantship. Domestic and international graduate assistants are automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan in which the University pays the premium.