The successful applicant to the Wharton Doctoral Program in Statistics typically has a strong undergraduate background in mathematics, though his or her undergraduate degree is most often in related fields such as economics, computer science, physical science, or engineering. The entering student is expected to have had some experience with probability and statistics at the undergraduate level, but general mathematical training is much more important than specific training in these areas. Excellence in spoken and written English is an also essential qualification of any successful applicant.

The students in the doctoral program come from greatly diverse backgrounds. Some have had some work experience, but most begin their doctoral studied directly on the completion of their undergraduate degree.