Exciting research is being done at the boundary between Machine Learning and Statistics. This is reflected at Carnegie Mellon by the strong ties between the Machine Learning Department and the Department of Statistics. The Joint Ph.D. Program in Statistics and Machine Learningis a new program aimed at preparing students for academic careers in both CS and Statistics departments at top universities.

This PhD program differs from the ML PhD program in that it places significantly more emphasis on preparation in statistical theory and methology. Similarly, this program differs from the Statistics PhD program in its emphasis on machine learning and computer science. (See below for a more details on the course requirements.)

Students in this track will be involved in courses and research from both the Departments of Statistics and Machine Learning. During the first two years, the emphasis is on course work and students will be situated in the Statistics department. The following years the student will be located in the Machine Learning department.

The typical curriculum is as follows:

(36- designates a statistics course. 10- designates a ML course. 15- designates a CS course.)

* indicates a course that is in the joint program but not in the ML PhD program.
# indicates a course that is in the joint program but not in the Statistics PhD program.

Generally, these courses replace electives in the ML PhD program. The exception is 36-757/758 which serves as the research course 10-920.

[PhD EXAMS at the end of Spring semester.]

Years 3 & 4
Thesis research co-supervised by a faculty in ML and a faculty in Statistics.

Applying to the Joint Program in Statistics & Machine Learning

To apply to the joint program, follow these steps:

1. Apply to one of the host programs, Statistics or Machine Learning. Statistics Online Application or Machine Learning Online Application
(You may apply separately to each if you wish.)

2. Fill out the following short application. Joint Program Application

3. There is no need to send transcripts, letters etc. for the joint application, as these will be obtained from your application to the host department.

To be admitted to the Joint Program, students must first be accepted into Statistics or Machine Learning.
A final decision on admission to the program is made after the student has been admitted to one of the host programs.

Please send the Joint Program application by January 1st to:

Graduate Admissions
Statistics Department
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

or send as an email attachment to: admissions@stat.cmu.edu