Applied Statistics and Research Methods PhD

  • Doctoral
  • PhD
Format
  • In-Person
Location
  • Greeley
Estimated Completion Time

4 Years: 8 Semesters

Start Date

Fall and Spring

Tuition Rate

Tuition & Fees

Department(s)

Applied Statistics and Research Methods

Credits

64

Area of Study
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Program Overview

Advance your career with a PhD in Applied Statistics and Research Methods and gain the expertise to lead data-driven research and make an impact across industries.

The doctoral path combines core and elective coursework, a student-selected concentration or cognate, comprehensive written and oral exams, and dissertation research that contributes original knowledge to the field.

Choose Your Focus

  • Research Methods Concentration: Explore a broad range of methodologies—including quantitative and qualitative methods, measurement and assessment, and program evaluation—preparing you to design rigorous, innovative studies.

  • Applied Statistics Concentration: Bridge the gap between statistical theory and real-world practice, addressing the challenges statisticians face in the workforce and building skills employers value.

Prepare to lead in academia, industry, healthcare, government, and beyond—developing the advanced analytical, research, and leadership skills that set you apart.

Students admitted to the PhD in Applied Statistics and Research Methods can also earn a Master’s in Applied Statistics and Research Methods along the way.

  • The application process and admission criteria are the same as for the Ph.D. program.
  • Students must complete all requirements for the MS degree in addition to the minimum 64 credit hours required for the PhD
  • The MS degree must be conferred before advancing to doctoral candidacy.

This pathway allows you to earn a valuable credential while progressing toward your PhD, giving you flexibility and recognition for your accomplishments along the way.

View full program details

Before the program reviews your application, you must apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado. Missing materials may delay evaluation.

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent from a recognized foreign institution).
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for your most recent or current degree.
  • Complete the online application.

Still completing your degree?

  • Admission is based on your current GPA.
  • You must submit your official transcript showing your conferred degree and final GPA during your first semester.
  • If your final GPA is below 3.00, the program may set additional requirements that must be completed within one year to remain enrolled.

*If you have completed 18 or more credit hours of a master’s degree, your master’s GPA will be used for admission evaluation.

View Complete Requirements and How to Apply

Total Credits: 64

Program Highlights:

  • Major & Internship: Hands-on experience in applied statistics.
  • Concentrations (33 credits):
    • Applied Statistics: Advanced statistical theory and practice.
    • Research Methods: Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods; optional cognate area for specialized focus.
  • Research Core (12 credits): Advanced data analysis, programming, research ethics, and consulting.
  • Dissertation (16 credits): Original research that contributes to the field.
  • Research Tools: Competency in two accepted tools (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS).
  • Deficiencies: Students without SAS experience complete SRM 520 early in the program.

View Full Course List & Requirements

Paying for Graduate School: Graduate Assistantships

We are committed to supporting graduate students both academically and financially. Most admitted PhD students receive financial support — at minimum, a half-time assistantship that covers 50% of tuition and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses. As additional funding becomes available throughout your program, we work to increase your support so you can focus on what matters: advancing your research, not stressing about finances.

Teaching & Tutoring

Teach STAT 150 and support student learning as a tutor in the Statistics Support Center (SSC).

Graduate student solving advanced statistical equations on a whiteboard with a green marker.

Evaluation Research Center

Contribute to real-world evaluation projects in partnership with community organizations (typically available after gaining departmental experience).

Two students collaborating on a project

Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships

Collaborate with faculty on teaching, research, or data-driven projects that expand your expertise and professional network with Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA).

Student Meeting with an Honors advisor in the honors lounge. Lamp in the middle. In the background is the Undergraduate Academic Engagement Sign.

Scholarships

Invest in your education with the support of UNC scholarships and fellowships designed to help you focus on your research and career goals.

Explore additional opportunities, including scholarships dedicated to ASRM students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to their specific field.

International graduate student smiling and giving a thumbs up

Making a difference through research

Felix Junior Appiah Kubi facing front.

Social Issues Using Data Science

Three strong interests that have been developing steadily for years are statistics, society and health. When I was in Ghana, I focused mostly on theoretical statistics, but at UNC, I’ve had opportunities for hands-on research and collaborations with experienced faculty members in diverse fields.

Felix Junior Appiah Kubi

Applied Statistics and Research Methods PhD

Doctoral Candidate Tackles Social Issues Using Data Science
Carlene Brown facing front and smiling.

Research on Vaccine Hesitancy

I’m investigating how different decision-making styles may predict vaccine hesitancy. When health care providers have a better understanding of how to reach people on a level they can receive, they may be able to mitigate or eliminate vaccine hesitancy.

Carlene Brown

Applied Statistics and Research Methods PhD

Doctoral Student to Use ChatGPT in Research on Vaccine Hesitancy
Felix Junior Appiah Kubi facing front.
Carlene Brown facing front and smiling.

Related Doctoral Minor

A strong option for teachers, the doctoral minor in Applied Statistics and Research Methods will help you gain the skills to conduct statistical analyses and evaluations for educational and state agencies.

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