Graduate Program

About our Graduate Program

If you are still undecided about whether to apply for a Graduate Program in Statistics at Iowa State University (ISU), know that Statisticians and Data Scientists are some of the best jobs, the Graduate Program in Statistics at ISU is one of the top-ranked programs in the country where exciting research is occurring, and that life in Ames is small-town America with all the amenities a large, research university provides. The Department of Statistics offers three main degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science (M.S.), as well as a Master of Applied Statistics (M.A.S.). In addition, some students enroll in a Co-Major Ph.D. where their degree is combined with Statistics and another field. If you are already enrolled in another graduate program at ISU, then you may be interested in this Co-Major Ph.D., but you may also be interested in the Ph.D. Minor or M.S. Minor, depending on what degree you are obtaining in your other program.

Our 2019-2023 graduates

  • $71,667
    average Master's degree starting salary
  • $95,865
    average PhD degree starting salary

Ready to Join the Department of Statistics?

Apply now or review our frequently asked questions.

Graduate Degrees

woman presenting poster in academic setting

Statistics: MS, PhD

Embark on a journey of discovery and mastery with our PhD and MS programs in Statistics, where rigorous training and cutting-edge research converge to cultivate the next generation of statistical pioneers. Elevate your expertise and make impactful contributions to the ever-evolving world of data analytics. Apply today to ignite your passion for numbers and unleash your potential in statistical science.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Master of Science (MS)

two people working on a statistics problem at conference table

Applied Statistics: MAS

The MAS degree program will help address the growing need for statistical training in today’s data-rich world. Students can earn a Master of Applied Statistics degree entirely through online coursework. 

Master of Applied Statistics

group of students playing sequence in a classroom

Statistics Co-Major: PhD

The Department of Statistics has historically offered co-major Ph.D. degrees between Statistics and other departments with two tracks to choose from: applied or theory.

 

Minors

Statistics Minor: MS

The Statistics MS Minor is for MS students in other disciplines who are interested in obtaining minor in Statistics.

MS Minor

Statistics Minor: PhD

The Statistics PhD Minor is for PhD students in other disciplines who are interested in obtaining a minor in Statistics.

PhD Minor

Program Enhancements

Connections

You’ll find support from your peers, faculty, and staff when you join a learning community. Learn about your path of study, on-campus resources and activities, and future careers. You’ll connect with faculty and students through activities both in and outside the classroom and collaborate with a peer mentor.

Connect with other students developing innovative and entrepreneurial skills in the Start Something LAS Academy. Or find other students with similar interests in any of Iowa State’s hundreds of student organizations.

students with computers around a table

Connect and thrive

Iowa State is a big university with a close-knit, caring community that provides access to resources that support and enrich your learning, working, and living experience.

The university provides a comprehensive network of academic supporthealth and safety resources, and supportive communities.

Apply Now

If you decide to submit an application (and we hope you will), please read the Graduate School Admissions FAQ and the Departmental Graduate Admissions FAQ, to find all the forms and other information you will need. We offer financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships. In addition, through funding from the National Science Foundation and other sources, we have been able to offer generous fellowships to particularly strong applicants. While we accept applications essentially year-round, your chances of receiving funding are better if you apply before January 15th for fall term enrollment.

More Information

We hope that you find answers to all of your questions, but if you don’t, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the students, faculty, or staff in the department. For general questions, please contact us at statistics@iastate.edu.