The M.S. option in statistics is designed to prepare students for positions in industry or government. It also serves as a basis for future work towards a Ph.D. in Statistics or Biostatistics. This program is designed to provide the student with a background in basic theory along with experience in various applications, including computational aspects. As part of their training, students will receive comprehensive exposure to the use of SAS, one of the more popular statistical software packages. In addition to courses offered within the department, the program allows room for the students to take statistics courses in other departments on campus.
Students entering the M.S. are expected to have had Linear Algebra and Calculus up through Multivariate Calculus (this is typically covered by a three semester sequence in U.S. schools). Students with a weak background in these areas will be required to take appropriate courses at an early stage of their graduate study here.
The requirements for the M.S. degree involve coursework, a project and qualifying exams.
CoursesThe student must complete 30 hours of coursework with grades of C or better, including at least 24 hours with grades of B or better. In addition, the student must have at least an overall B average. The required 30 hours must include: Stat 505 Applied Regression Stat506 Applied Experimental Design Stat 607-608 Probability and Mathematical Statistics I, II Stat 705-706 Linear Models I, II At least two other courses which are either Statistics courses numbered 600 or above, from within the Department. Some graduate courses from outside the department can be used as one of these two courses, subject to prior approval by the Statistics coordinator.
Some, 500 level courses (e.g., S505, 506 or 511) may be counted towards the 30 hours but other 500 level courses (such as S501, 515 or 516) would not count towards the 30 hours. Students may take, and in fact are often encouraged to take, courses from other departments. Students should consult with their advisor or other members of the faculty regarding outside courses.
Basic ExamStudents doing the M.S. in Statistics are required to pass two basic exams, one in Probability and one in Statistics, which are based primarily on ST607-608. The Basic Exam is given twice a year, in January and in August. A student seeking only a Master's degree will normally take the Basic Exam at the beginning of the second year.
ProjectThe project is completed under the guidance of a faculty member. This project must have prior approval of the Graduate Program Director and involves 3 credit hours which may be used to satisfy the 30 hour coursework requirement. The project can take many forms; an expository report on a particular area, an examination of methods through simulations or a detailed statistical analysis of real data. A final report is required.