MS in Statistics
Program Description
The primary purpose of the M.S. program in the Department of Statistics is to train skilled, broadly-based statisticians, prepared to practice statistics in business, government or academic settings. Therefore, the master's program seeks to develop in each student a firm grounding in the fundamentals of statistical theory and methodology and its correct applications.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements Prior work in statistics is not a requirement for admission to graduate study. Applicants for admission to the graduate program must hold a bachelor's or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.8 overall and 3.2 in mathematical courses.Applicants must submit scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The scores on each of the three components of the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) typically fall within the following percentile ranges:
- Verbal: 50 to 99
- Quantitative: 80 to 99
- Analytical: 50 to 99
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or better in mathematical courses may substitute scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for the GRE. The GMAT scores must also fall within the above percentile ranges.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or better in mathematical courses can be used to offset a marginal score on the quantitative component of the GRE. Grades of B or better in college-level English courses can be used to offset marginal scores on the verbal and analytical components of the GRE.
Foreign students whose native language is not English must submit scores on the TOEFL exam. The minimum score is 575, and the typical range is 590 to 660. A score above 610 may be used to offset a marginal score on the verbal component of the GRE.
Two letters of recommendation and a statement of goals are required. Admission is competitive. The applicant's academic record and test scores are given the highest weight in the admissions process, although other factors, such as the applicant's ability and potential for further study as demonstrated by research publications, are also taken into consideration. A personal interview is not required but highly recommended. Degree Requirements Students must satisfactorily complete 30 hours of course work and pass a written comprehensive examination.