The Department of Statistical Science’s Center for Statistical Consulting and Research serves as a training program for graduate students. Under the direction of a faculty member who has extensive experience applying statistical theory and methods on research and consulting projects with a variety of clients, graduate students are trained in the art and science of statistical applications.

Graduate students focus on designing statistical studies, selecting appropriate analyses for the intended application, presenting the project design and the results of the study both orally and in writing, and professional ethics and behavior during the course of projects. Students are exposed to the rigor necessary to meet a client’s needs, as well as approaches for dealing with unrealistic client goals. All of this education and training is conducted within the scope of actual projects with clients.

This experience prepares graduate students to be effective in client-consultant relationships immediately upon graduation. Much of what is taught and experienced in applicable not only to industrial, governmental, or research employment but also to academic employment where similar skills are needed in the classroom. This experience is required of all Department of Statistical Science graduate students unless prior experience enables an exemption to be granted by the Graduate Advisor and the Chair of the Department.

Over the last four decades, SMU's Department of Statistics has developed a national reputation for excellence, not just though the published research of its faculty, but also through the successes of over 300 students who have earned graduate degrees. A major component of their success is the training they receive in the Center. In this role, the Center has become recognized as a valuable community resource that clients can turn to for help with projects that require statistical consulting services. Costs, if any, are competitive. The Department welcomes inquiries from the community. Interested parties should contact the Department by email (stat@smu.edu) or phone (214-768-2441).