Degree Requirements

Upon admission to the program, the student should demonstrate a background knowledge of mathematics and statistics equivalent to that acquired in an upper-division course in probability and statistics. Deficiencies may be made up by taking courses suggested by the graduate adviser. In most cases, these courses may not be counted toward the degree.

Master of Science in Statistics

The master’s program is offered in two tracks: track A and track B. Track A is designed for students seeking a terminal Master of Science in Statistics degree, or for students currently pursuing doctoral programs other than statistics. Track B is designed for students enrolled in the PhD in statistics program who transfer into the master's program from the PhD program. Both tracks require completion of thirty-two semester hours of approved coursework and include the completion of a master’s report.

Degree requirements for both tracks are distributed as follows: (1) six core courses that provide a foundation for further study, including the following coursework with a grade of at least B: a two-course sequence in theoretical statistics, two courses in statistical modeling, one course in computational methods, and one course in research; (2) six hours of statistics courses chosen from an approved list; (3) six hours of supporting coursework, which may be in a subject area other than statistics but must be logically related and, together with the other degree coursework, constitute a coherent degree program; and (4) three hours of master’s report, which is expected to approximate a publishable journal article in length and quality.

Doctor of Philosophy

A doctoral student in statistics must complete a core set of courses in statistical theory and methods. At the end of the first year, students must complete a preliminary written examination covering the main concepts in these core courses. By the end of the second year, students must successfully present a plan of study and demonstrate research proficiency in an oral examination to qualify for candidacy. Students are expected to write and defend their dissertation within two years of admission to candidacy.