Master of Science in Statistics

Preparation

Before entering the program, the student should have completed the following.

3 semesters of calculus
1 semester of linear algebra
2 semesters of calculus-based probability theory
Working knowledge of a programming language

Students lacking some of the above undergraduate coursework may be admitted conditionally and may make up this coursework during the first year of the program (these courses will not be counted toward the degree course requirements).

Required Courses (31+ units)

The student must complete a minimum of 31 units of coursework as described below. Core courses must be completed with no grade less than B in each course.

Adviser

Juanjuan Fan
Professor
GMCS-519
[email protected]

Core courses

Stat 610 - Applied Regression Analysis (3 units)
Stat 670A - Advanced Mathematical Statistics (3 units)
Stat 670B - Advanced Mathematical Statistics (3 units)

9 units from the following electives

Stat 672 - Nonparametric Statistics (3 units)
Stat 673 - Time Series Analysis (3 units)
Stat 676 - Bayesian Statistics (3 units)
Stat 677 - Design of Experiments (3 units)
Stat 678 - Survival Analysis (3 units)
Stat 680A - Advanced Biostatistical Methods (3 units)
Stat 680B - Advanced Biostatistical Methods (3 units)
Stat 696 - Selected Topics in Statistics (3 units)
Stat 700 - Data Analysis Methods (3 units)
Stat 701 - Monte Carlo Statistical Methods (3 units)
Stat 702 - Data Mining Statistical Methods (3 units)
Stat 795 - Practicum in Statistical Consulting (3 units)

All of the following

6 units of graduate level or approved 500-level statistics courses,
of which at least 3 are offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
(not including Stat 799A)
Approved elective course (3 units)
Stat 720 - Seminar (1 unit)

Other requirements

Advising.
Upon entry to the program, the student will be assigned to a graduate adviser in statistics. Thereafter, the adviser will meet with the student each semester and discuss his or her academic program.

Program of study.
The program of study, to include a plan for removal of any conditions on admission, must be approved by the graduate adviser.

Plan A (thesis option) and Plan B (non-thesis option).
The thesis option (Plan A) requires approval of the graduate adviser and the statistics division faculty member who will chair the thesis committee. Students who choose Plan A must include Stat 799A in the 31-unit program and are required to pass a final oral examination on the thesis, open to the public. In most cases, Plan B will be followed. Students who choose Plan B are required to complete three additional units of 600- and 700-numbered statistics courses, not including Stat 799A, and pass a two-part comprehensive written examination. Policy and procedures for the Plan B examination are documented and available from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Degree Learning Outcomes

Listed below are the applicable Degree Learning Outcomes (DLOs) for this degree.

Describe and formulate statistical hypotheses based on scientific questions at hand.
Choose and apply correct methods and modeling approaches for data analysis.
Evaluate multiple approaches for a given problem and data set using statistical or computational tools such as cross validation and/or Monte Carlo simulations.
Evaluate the fit of a statistical model and improve the fit by methods such as variable transformations and interactions as appropriate.
Interpret statistical inferences in terms of real-life problems.
Appraise and apply a new method in the literature for problem solving and data analysis as appropriate.
Be able to critically evaluate, select, and use appropriate statistical software.
Communicate and report statistical findings orally and in writing to both statisticians and other quantitatively oriented scientists.