Master of Science in Statistics

The dual core of the MS program is mathematical statistics and modern data analysis, with the option of a special Entrepreneurial Track. Expanding from this core, students develop technical facility in a variety of statistical methodologies. This breadth of competence is designed to equip graduates to go beyond the appropriate choice of method for implementation and to be able to adapt these techniques and to construct new methods to meet the specific objectives and constraints of new situations. The MS degree in statistics requires a minimum of 27 hours of approved course work in statistics and related disciplines and an MS research project or a thesis. The goals of this program are: to give each student a balanced view of statistical theory and the application of statistics in practice or in substantive research to have the student develop a broad competence in statistical methodology. The required core course work reflects this balance. The first two requirements are for full-year sequences in data analysis and theory; the third develops the theory underlying linear modeling. The requirement for applications of statistics will be satisfied through intensive participation in the consulting forum; the selection of an MS research project provides additional exposure. Graduate students are also required to participate in a forum or seminar to gain experience in written and oral presentation. The remainder of each student’s program is individualized to address the more specialized statistical demands of the selected field of concentration or the focus of multidisciplinary work. Each student may choose either the applied research project or the thesis option, depending on individual interests. In either case, the student can expect to work with a faculty mentor in undertaking a significant task, the results of which will be suitable for publication or for presentation at professional society meetings. A student coming to school from a position as a professional statistician might choose a statistical problem arising in the workplace as the basis for an MS research project. A student intending to continue graduate work toward a PhD might choose an MS research project to explore the intimate relationship of statistics to substantive fields. Alternatively, either student might choose the thesis option to tailor a methodology to a new setting or to make a first essay at mathematical statistical research.