Doctoral degree

The Department of Statistics offers committed young researchers the opportunity to do a doctorate. This serves as proof of in-depth scientific qualification and leads to the academic degree Dr. rer. nat. The prerequisite is a relevant Master's degree or an equivalent university degree.

The doctoral committee is responsible for all doctoral matters (admission, submission of the thesis, etc.). Chairman of the doctoral committee is Prof. Dr. Jörg Rahnenführer.

The procedure is based on the doctoral regulations of the Department of Statistics, in which you will find all important information on the doctoral procedure: Doctoral regulations (PDF) (Version 16.12.2025)

Structured doctoral program

The Department of Statistics promotes structured supervision as part of the doctoral program.
Proof of participation in the structured doctoral program is required when submitting your dissertation. Explanations on the practical implementation of the doctoral examination regulations (PDF)

Application for admission to the doctoral program

Before starting your doctorate, please submit an application for admission to the doctoral examination procedure to the Chair of the Doctoral Committee, Prof. Dr. Jörg Rahnenführer.

Required documents:

1. Cover letter with dissertation topic and application for admission

2. Confirmation from an authorized supervisor (§ 8 Doctoral Degree Regulations)
   Form: FK05_Promotion_Doctoral_Supervision_Agreement_2025 (PDF)

3. Proof of the admission requirements (§ 4), in particular degree certificates and university entrance qualification

4. Current curriculum vitae

Additionally / if necessary: Declaration of any previous or ongoing doctoral procedures (including information on completion or discontinuation).

Submission of the dissertation

General rules for submission: Regulations for the submission of dissertations

These complete documents must be submitted to the Chair of the Doctoral Committee:

Required documents:

1. Cover letter, with title of dissertation and proof of structured program

2. Three printed copies, bound, printed on both sides, each with bound original signed affidavit

3. Supplement to the affidavit, specification of generative IT / AI language models used Download form (PDF)

4. Abstract, maximum two pages

5. For cumulative work: annotated list of all publications included with details of your contribution

6. Current curriculum vitae (with place & date of birth)

All documents additionally as PDF files as well as your dissertation as PDF, both on a USB stick.

Submission location & contact

Prof. Dr. Jörg Rahnenführer

Chairman of the Doctoral Committee Department of Statistics

Submission & queries regarding the submission of documents to:

Eva Brune

Office of the Chair
Vogelpothsweg 87 - Room 729 - 44227 Dortmund
Phone: +49 231 755 3120
E-mail: eva.brunetu-dortmundde