Virginia Tech Statistics Program

[Stat1996]

Does anyone have any opinions about the statistics program at Virginia Tech? I'm worried about the seemingly low passing rate on the qualifying exam at the PhD level. Is it a weed out program? Is it a program that has secured funding? Any thoughts on the program would be helpful!

[huxlb]

From what I've heard from professors/other students, it is a weed out program. They don't technically consider you a PhD student until you pass your qualifying exams, so you're on the same level as all of the other masters students. They do give you a couple chances (can't remember if it's 2 or 3) to pass the qualifying exam, because honestly, a lot of people don't pass it the first time. They do have secured funding. Take all this info with a grain of salt though, because this is just what I've heard from other people. Hope this helps!

[Stat1996]

@huxlb thanks! Do you know anything about passing at the masters level? At the very least I'd like to be able to leave with a masters..

[huxlb]

From what I've heard, it's the same as passing as if you're going on to complete your PhD, since you're considered a masters student until you pass those quals. Then, once you pass the quals, you can leave with your masters or continue with the PhD program.