Statistics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Mathematics 3 Building

Mathematics 3 (M3) building on Waterloo's main campus

Become a first-class independent researcher with the PhD in Statistics program. If you have completed a master’s or bachelor’s degree in statistics, actuarial science, mathematics, or other quantitative disciplines, this PhD will prepare you to enter a career in academia, research or private industry.  

Programs in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science will give you top-notch qualifications for positions in business, industry, government agencies, research organizations, and academia. Our graduates are in demand and enjoy high degrees of job satisfaction.

Research fields include computational statistics, finance, industrial statistics, probability, and statistical theory and methods. 

Research fields

  • Computational Statistics
  • Finance
  • Industrial Statistics
  • Probability
  • Statistical Theory and Methods

Program overview

Department/School: Statistics and Actuarial Science
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • December 1 (for admission in September of the following year)

Key contacts

Request more information

Joy Jiang

I received my Ph.D. in Statistics at UWaterloo in 2018 (a shout out to my advisor Richard Cook!) and have received strong training in statistical theory and methodology. During the course of my PhD, my collaboration experiences with folks at the University of Toronto PsA clinic and the Statistical Consulting Centre at UWaterloo have helped tremendously in working with other researchers and team science projects post-graduation.

Joy Jiang, Statistics, PhD

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources.
  • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors.

Admission requirements

  • A master's degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics, completed or expected. Note: graduates of other quantitative and mathematically oriented programs are also encouraged to apply; this includes, but is not restricted to, graduates of commerce, economics, engineering, finance, and any of the physical sciences. The department graduate committee will determine the suitability of each student’s background for success in this program.
  • Students with an undergraduate degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, and very strong letters of recommendation.
  • At least an overall 78% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent).
  • An interview may be required.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Statement of interest
    • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
  • Program-specific questions (PSQ)
    • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application.

  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required; at least two academic.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees