Written Exams

The Department issues a written exam for MS students and a written exam for PhD students.

MS Written Exam

Accurate for fall semester 2023.

  • The exam is scheduled at the end of year 1. Delaying the exam is only permitted due to extenuating circumstances and requires written approval by the department. Not taking the exam at the end of year 1 affects academic progress.
  • Consists of two independent parts: 
    • a methods exam in the morning, consisting of three questions based on STAT 500 and 510; and 
    • a theory exam in the afternoon, consisting of three questions based on STAT 542 and 543. 
  • One sheet of notes on 8.5×11-inch paper, front and back, is allowed per morning and afternoon portion of this exam. 
  • Decisions will be in the form of "Pass", "Conditional Pass", or "Fail". 
    • It is possible to pass one part of the exam and repeat only the remaining part the next time. 
  • Students are guaranteed two attempts to pass this exam. 
    • A third and final attempt may be given upon the recommendation of the graduate faculty. 

PhD Written Exam

Accurate for fall semester 2023.

  • The exam is scheduled during the summer following year 2. Delaying the exam is only permitted due to extenuating circumstances and requires written approval by the department. Not taking the exam during the summer following year 2 affects academic progress.
  • This exam consists of questions based on: 
    • the MS core courses (i.e. STAT 500, 510, 520, 542, & 543), and 
    • the PhD core courses (i.e. STAT 601, 641, & 642). 
  • One sheet of notes on 8.5×11-inch paper, front and back, is allowed per day of this exam. 
  • Decisions will be in the form of "Pass", "Conditional Pass", "Fail", or "Fail with an Invitation to Make a Second Attempt". 
    • These decisions apply to the full exam—it is not possible to pass part of this exam. 
  • Students are guaranteed one attempt to pass this exam. 

Access to Past Written Exams

To aid in studying for these written exams, past exams are located in our Written Exam folder, organized first by "MS" and "PhD", then by "Theory" and "Methods".