How is the PhD in Statistics at Boston University?

[DoraTarian]

 I just got admitted to the Math and Stat Department's PhD program. Not sure how good it is since it offers very generous stipend, almost $38000 a year, but it's not ranked by USNEWS (only the PhD in Stat in their Public Health School is available on the ranking for statistics). May I know why I cannot find the ranking? And, if it's ranked, where will it be located? The question may be stupid since I understand on PhD level ranking is not that important but I am still curious about it.

[stat1709]

Hey, I also just got accepted to their Ph.D. in Statistics program. I was accepted to a few other schools, but decided to accept this offer after considering different aspects (quality, reputation, research, location). I received the Dean's fellowship for the first year ($37,702 to be exact), which is for the entire year (12 months) with 8 months in the academic year with no service and the following 4 months either TA or RA. I assume your offer would be somewhat similar? 

Since it's under their math department, I don't think we can find the ranking for BU Statistics under the ranking for statistics program. You should be able to find the general ranking for their math program in the AMS ranking (http://www.ams.org/profession/data/annual-survey/groups_des) or USNews (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/mathematics-rankings). 

Overall, I have a good impression of the program after talking to their Ph.D. Stats students. One BU alumni (not a PhD grad but got a master's there) said it was a mid-tier program, but if you work with someone that publishes papers in top journals then it shouldn't make much of a difference. Some of the professors in the department are well-respected in their research areas, so depending on what your research interests are you might find someone you can work with. Plus, Boston is a great city to live in if you want to be surrounded by smart and young people.

I'm gonna talk to a professor from the department tomorrow, hopefully I have more insights into the program. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask I might be able to answer. I'm going to their visit day on March 25th as well.

[DoraTarian]

4 hours ago, stat1709 said:

Hey, I also just got accepted to their Ph.D. in Statistics program. I was accepted to a few other schools, but decided to accept this offer after considering different aspects (quality, reputation, research, location). I received the Dean's fellowship for the first year ($37,702 to be exact), which is for the entire year (12 months) with 8 months in the academic year with no service and the following 4 months either TA or RA. I assume your offer would be somewhat similar? 

Since it's under their math department, I don't think we can find the ranking for BU Statistics under the ranking for statistics program. You should be able to find the general ranking for their math program in the AMS ranking (http://www.ams.org/profession/data/annual-survey/groups_des) or USNews (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/mathematics-rankings). 

Overall, I have a good impression of the program after talking to their Ph.D. Stats students. One BU alumni (not a PhD grad but got a master's there) said it was a mid-tier program, but if you work with someone that publishes papers in top journals then it shouldn't make much of a difference. Some of the professors in the department are well-respected in their research areas, so depending on what your research interests are you might find someone you can work with. Plus, Boston is a great city to live in if you want to be surrounded by smart and young people.

I'm gonna talk to a professor from the department tomorrow, hopefully I have more insights into the program. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask I might be able to answer. I'm going to their visit day on March 25th as well.

Thank you! May I know what other offers have you received?

[stat1709]

12 minutes ago, DoraTarian said:

Thank you! May I know what other offers have you received?

You're welcome! 

Hmm I don't think I want to share it in public for privacy reasons. I got into 2 schools in the south since I wanted to stay close to my SO, and their rankings are around the top 30-35 in the amstat ranking (similar to USNews ranking minus all the biostats program I believe). 

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by stat1709