Banner image showing David Dunson named among top scientists in the field of mathematics
Headshot of Chen over background image of Old Chem Building

About Us

The Department of Statistical Science is helping lead the data and computational revolution through its research, teaching, and service. Our faculty and students produce groundbreaking research in theory, methods, and applications that ultimately advances science and positively impacts society. We offer undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. degrees that educate students to be highly accomplished, future leaders in statistical science and data science.

Learn More

Undergraduate Programs

We offer both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science exposing students to a broad range of statistical methods using tools from mathematical and computational sciences. Developing skills and expertise in problem articulation and solving, and abilities to appreciate and accommodate uncertainty in decision-making, are central goals. Graduating students are extremely well-prepared and competitive for graduate study in statistics and allied disciplines, and for early careers in business, finance, law, medicine or other fields. A Statistical Science minor is also offered.

Considering a Statistical Science Major?

Ph.D. Program

Our Ph.D. in Statistical Science allows students to customize their studies to define “individualized programs.” We stress the flexibility to tailor course selection, independent study, research experiences, internships, etc. to help students define a core base of expertise and move at their own pace toward Ph.D. research.

MS and PhD students work on exercise during bootcamp

Master's Program

Our Master’s program helps launch students into professional careers, or bridge them to Ph.D. studies. We offer a Master’s in Statistical Science (MSS), which provides a comprehensive education in modern statistical theory, methods, and computation.

graduation icon
Degrees Granted in 2022
102
Research icon
Stat & Probability Ph.D. Programs
#7
award icon
Research Funding in 2020
$6.5M

Research Focus Areas

Theory, Methods, and Computation

Our Department is a leading center of statistical science and the premier center worldwide for research and education in Bayesian methods. Our faculty, students, and postdocs develop new theory, methods, and computational techniques for the analysis of complex data.

Interdisciplinary Collaborations

The Department of Statistical Science continuously engages in significant collaborations with other departments and units at Duke, at other universities, in government, and in industry. We wholeheartedly embrace interdisciplinary research and education; they are part of the fabric of our mission.

Learn More

Reflections

David Buch - StatSci, fourth-year Ph.D. candidate
Jenny Huang – StatSci BS, Class of 2023
Alyssa Shi – StatSci BS, Class of 2023
Lan Luo - Neurobiology, fourth-year Ph.D. candidate
Rose Graves – StatSci BS, Class of 2020