Statistics (PhD)

Tuition fees are 29,500 USD per year.

This PhD program prepares students for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, or government. It requires students to write and defend a dissertation, developing skills in collaborative research, formulating novel statistical models, computational implementation, and mathematical proof of method properties. The program does not admit students for a terminal master's degree but accepts those pursuing a master's leading to a PhD.

Focus areas include Biometry, Decision theory, Econometrics, Engineering statistics, Experimental design, Mathematical statistics.

The curriculum includes core courses in probability, mathematical statistics, and statistical computing, with electives and research courses required each semester through graduation. Course requirements are determined by the student's Special Committee, and total credits are not specified, though a minimum of 10 semesters is required for the degree.

Graduates are prepared for advanced research and/or teaching at colleges or universities, or for advanced research roles in government and industry.

Applicants must demonstrate strength in mathematical sciences and strong motivation for advanced study. GRE scores are not required. Required documents include transcripts, two to four letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. All Graduate School and English language proficiency requirements must also be met.

On-campus, full-time, with a minimum duration of 10 semesters. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.