Graduate study in statistics and probability has taken on a new look and increased importance in the last decade due to dramatically increased computational power and the aggressive and highly successful application of statistical methods by our competitors in the world market-place. In particular, the Japanese have extensively employed design of experiments, data analysis, and statistical process control to improve the quality of their manufactured products. Recently a number of major U.S. corporations began emulating the Japanese approach by requiring all upper-level managers to have sufficient formal training in statistics to properly implement and monitor statistical process control programs.
Whether one is interested in applying statistical methods to problems in government or industry, or would like to engage in teaching and research at a university, a program can be tailored to meet these objectives within the constructs of the graduate program at Clemson. In addition to comprehensive training in statistical theory and methodology, students are exposed to areas such as combinatorics, mathematical programming, and scientific computing. While these areas are not part of a traditional statistics program, knowledge of them is becoming essential to the application and development of statistical methods. Thus, the Mathematical Sciences Department at Clemson is an ideal place to pursue the study of statistics.
Students who choose to pursue the PhD degree may do research within the Department of Mathematical Sciences or they may enroll in the Management Science PhD program which is jointly administered by Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Management. That program stresses the use of analytic models and quantitative methods for decision making.