Degrees

Statistics Master's of Science

Statistics is the science of collection, organization, analysis, and explanation of data. The field offers many opportunities for people who enjoy interpreting the world in quantitative ways. Statisticians develop methods to explain quantitative patterns observed in the social, physical, and natural sciences, and in business and industry.

The methods of probability and statistics have become essential tools in almost every walk of life and industry. These are exciting times for the discipline since probability and statistics are playing an increasingly crucial role in the advancement of science and technology.

Program Requirements

The undergraduate major of a prospective student is not important; however, some academic exposure to certain concepts from mathematics is a prerequisite for the program. The master's degree is a 34 credit program of which 21 credits must be completed after formal admission to the University.

Students may elect one of the following master's degree options:

1. Plan A (thesis option)
   Student must complete at least 3 credits of STAT 699, write an M.S. thesis, present a seminar to the department, and pass an oral defense administered by the student's graduate committee.
2. Plan B (project option)
   Student must complete at least 3 credits of STAT 699, complete an M.S. project, write and submit a project report, present a seminar to the department, and pass an oral exam administered by the student's graduate committee.
3. Plan-B (exam option)
   Student must take and pass the M.S. comprehensive exams — one exam on Probability and Mathematical Statistics at the end of summer following completion of the STAT 520/STAT 530 sequence, and the Linear Models and Methods exam at the end of summer following completion of STAT 540/STAT 640 sequence. Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts to pass each of these exams. In addition to passing these exams, the student must take an additional elective course from our list of approved electives and pass an oral exam administered by the student's graduate committee.

Program Curriculum

The course requirements for a master's degree are designed to cover the fundamental topics of probability, mathematical statistics, and statistical methodology (Group I); to provide an exposure to a range of areas in statistics (Group II); and to allow further specialization in a subject of the student's choosing (Group III). Courses are scheduled to include summer sessions which allow for completion of the program in less than five years.

If you are considering the master's degree, the department recommends you begin with STAT 501 and STAT 520 as a non-degree seeking student. If at least a 'B' grade is earned, these credits will transfer upon formal admission.

Group I (all courses required)

Group II (6 credits required)

These courses are typically offered at least once every fourth semester.

Group III (9 credits required)

The remaining courses from Group II or other interdisciplinary courses from an approved list (e.g., epidemiology, signal processing, biostatistics, fisheries and wildlife, economics, environmental sciences, etc.), or the following:

The above courses will be offered on a rotating basis, or when the Statistics Department predicts that there will be sufficient demand for them. Visit the Statistics website for a schedule of upcoming distance course offerings.

Application and Admission Requirements

This program follows the general admission or Track II admission requirements and procedures.