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Within the Doctoral School at Università Bocconi, the four-year PhD program in Statistics gives students a thorough preparation in Statistics from both a Bayesian and a Classical perspective. Students may specialize in Theoretical or in Applied Statistics: close working relationships with PhD programs in cognate disciplines at Bocconi give students the opportunity to generate research topics in both Theoretical and Applied Statistics from research issues in other disciplines (Business Administration & Management, Economics, Finance).
The Faculty of the PhD in Statistics includes scholars belonging to Bocconi's Department of Social Sciences, who have internationally recognized reputations in the fields of Bayesian Statistics, Decision Theory, Stochastic Processes, Health Statistics and Demography.
The Program
The PhD in Statistics is designed for motivated students who wish to undertake research careers in Theoretical or Applied Statistics in academic or other institutions. MSc-level work in Economics, Statistics, Quantitative Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics or Physics will generally provide sufficient background for the doctoral program. Nevertheless, quantitatively-oriented students with degrees in other fields are encouraged to apply for admission.
The Plan
Starting in the academic year 2007-2008 the PhD in Statistics will be a four-year program. The academic year starts in September. During the first two years, students focus on coursework, while during the third and fourth year the PhD dissertation is the primary focus. During the first two years, students' academic program is monitored by the PhD program Director. Each student has to meet the Director at least once a quarter. Before presenting the Dissertation project (at the beginning of the Third Year), each student has to contact a potential Dissertation Advisor from the PhD Faculty.
The four-year plan is outlined as follows.
First Year
During the first year, students have to complete the six compulsory courses in a satisfactory way. Teaching is split into two semesters. All courses have 48 hours of lectures.
First Semester
Second Semester
At the end of the first year students undertake a General Exam. The General Exam may be repeated only once.
Second Year
During the second year, students focus on courses concerning selected and/or advanced topics that have not been covered during the first year, as well courses concerning cognate disciplines. Before the beginning of the second year, students choose between two tracks: Theoretical Statistics or Applied Statistics. Along with a common core set of courses, according to the choice, students will follow a different set of courses. A student is expected to take at least nine courses during the year. Students present an individual Study Plan that has to be approved by the Faculty of the PhD. A set of courses is usually taught by Visiting Professors (Topics in Statistical Modelling, Topics in Theoretical Statistics, Topics in Applied Statistics). In specific cases, the Faculty can approve Study Plans that include courses taught outside Bocconi, especially when special agreements with other programs are present.
Common Core
Compulsory Courses
Theoretical Statistics Track
In this track, students are expected to specialize in advanced topics related to current directions in the methodology of Statistics. The study plan is as follows:
Compulsory courses
Optional course
Applied Statistics Track
In this track, students are expected to specialize in advanced topics related to current directions in the application of Statistics. Given the strength of Bocconi's PhD School and of the Faculty of the PhD in Statistics, an emphasis is put on Statistics as applied to Economics, Finance, Demography, Business Administration & Management.
Compulsory courses
Optional courses
Third Year
During the third Year, students start working towards a PhD dissertation. The dissertation is the capstone of the PhD degree. It is expected to be an original piece of research of publishable quality. After discussing it with at least one advisor within the Faculty of the PhD in Statistics, students present a plan of their dissertation to the Faculty, usually during the month of September of the Third Year. The presentation is intended to demonstrate the viability of the topic for a dissertation and the students familiarity with the statistical issues related to the thesis. The Faculty has to approve the plan.
After the dissertation plan has been approved, students work towards the dissertation, under the supervision of at least one advisor. With the agreement of the advisor, students may spend periods outside Bocconi. At the end of the Third Year, the student presents a first research paper to the Faculty (Third Year Paper), usually during the month of June of the Third Year. The Third Year Paper has to be approved by at least two Faculty members.
Fourth Year
During the fourth Year, students are expected to complete their PhD dissertation. Students should present their work outside Bocconi as well, in seminars and/or conferences. In June, students present the main results in a seminar to the Faculty and they submit their dissertation to a Committee composed by at least three members (an internal advisor, an external member and at least one additional internal/or external member). The dissertation has to be considered acceptable by the Committee.
Subsequently, students have to discuss and obtain approval of the final version of their Doctoral dissertation with a discussion at Bocconi before the Thesis Committee nominated by the Rector.
Other Activities Related to the PhD
Department of Decision Sciences Seminars
Usually, every week the Department of Decision Sciences organizes a seminar with presentations of research work by faculty members or guests. PhD students are strongly encouraged to attend all seminars.
Summer School in Probability and Statistics
Every year, the Department of Decision Sciences organizes the Summer School in Probability and Statistics. First-year students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Summer School. Students may also apply to other Summer Schools.
Bocconi Research Centers
Several research centers exist at Bocconi. Statistics PhD students can apply, in particular, for participation in the activities of the Carlo F. Dondena Research Center on Social Dynamics and/or the ELEUSI Centre for Research on Analysis and Systematic Use of Information. Such activities may include collaboration on research, use of data for PhD research, and statistical consulting.
