Applied and Engineering Statistics
Web: www.gmu.edu/departments/aes/ FacultyProfessors: Carr, Gantz, Gentle, Wegman Associate professors: Bell, Bolstein (chair), Habib, J. Miller, C. Sutton Adjunct professors: Faxon, Kamocsai, Keller, Marchette, Papp, Sims, Sirgany, Solka Term Assistant professor: Rytikova Course WorkThe Applied and Engineering Statistics Department offers all courses designated STAT in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Statistical methods and methods for data analysis are crucial for researching and exploring the natural sciences, the social sciences, business, nursing, education, and engineering. The Applied and Engineering Statistics Department offers a variety of introductory courses as well as more advanced course work in specialized statistical methodology and applications. The focus of the department's offerings is applied, with special emphasis on computing, graphics and visualization, federal and survey statistics, and engineering applications of statistics and data analysis. Introductory courses are targeted for undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences and in the College of Nursing and Health Science, as well as in the School of Information Technology and Engineering. The STAT 250-350 sequence is targeted for general audiences while the STAT 344-354 sequence is targeted for technical and scientific audiences. STAT 362 deals with computer statistical packages and is appropriate as a second or third course for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Although the department does not offer an undergraduate degree in statistics, it does offer a certificate program in applied statistics and a minor in data analysis. Also, a variety of advanced undergraduate courses are available for inclusion in other degree programs. Undergraduate ProgramsCertificate in Applied StatisticsThe Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics offers a certificate program to complement undergraduate degree programs in computer science, systems engineering, electrical engineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, and mathematics. Undergraduates majoring in other discipline areas may be admitted to the certificate program at the discretion of the department. Because the demand for people with interdisciplinary training, which includes a background in statistics and data analysis, is great in the Washington metropolitan area, this program expands the career options available to students. Inquiries should be directed to the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics. Students who plan to work toward the certificate should seek advice from the department's undergraduate coordinator. Certificate RequirementsThis certificate program requires 24 credits, consisting of STAT 344, 362, and 354 or 554, along with five courses chosen from STAT 455, 457, 463, 474, 498, 499, 544, 574; OR 435, 442, 481; and SYST 473. Minor in Data AnalysisThe undergraduate minor in data analysis is designed to provide students with a background in data analysis and statistical methodology. The minor is intended to complement undergraduate degree programs in the School of Information Technology and Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences, especially computer science, economics, geography, mathematics, public administration, sociology, and systems engineering. RequirementsThe minor requires 15 credits consisting of a core sequence of 6 credits plus 9 credits of electives. Grades of C or better are required in all courses. At least 9 of the 15 credits must be in STAT courses. To satisfy the core requirement, the student must complete one of these sequences with grades of C or better: STAT 250-350 or STAT 344. STAT 554 may be substituted for STAT 344-354. Mathematics majors may substitute MATH 351-352 for STAT 344-354, provided the 9 elective credits are all STAT courses. The 9 elective credits must be chosen from a list of courses approved by the undergraduate program coordinator in the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics. Courses currently approved for the minor are STAT 362, 455, 463, 474; CEIE 410; CS 450; ECON 445; GEOG 300, 311; GOVT 400; OR 435; SOCI 405; and SYST 473. BS/Accelerated MS in Statistical ScienceThe BS/Accelerated MS degree option provides a way for a George Mason student to earn an MS in Statistical Science in less time than if he or she first graduated from a suitable George Mason BS program and then applied to the MS program. Admission RequirementsTo enroll, the student must begin his or her MS work within six months following completion of a BS degree in any one of the IT&E major areas, or a BS in Mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission is guaranteed to any student with an overall GPA of 3.000 in courses taken after the first two undergraduate years (60 credits) and with grades of B or better in the two 500-level STAT courses selected from STAT 544, 554, and 574. Degree RequirementsThe BS/Accelerated MS program consists of a minimum of 144 credits that satisfy the requirements for both the BS in the student's undergraduate major and the MS in Statistical Science, with 6 credits of overlap. Twenty-four credits are required for the MS, provided that the student has taken two of the following three courses as part of his or her BS course work: STAT 544, 554, and 574. Graduate ProgramsStatistical Science, MSStatistical science is regarded as one of the oldest and most successful information technology subjects. It focuses on the conversion of raw data into information. In this graduate program, students are trained in the theory and practice of statistical methodology, particularly as they impinge upon high-technology applications. The MS program offers a choice of the following subject matter emphases: applied statistics, computational statistics, engineering statistics, federal statistics, and statistical signal processing. A student will normally select one of these emphases or design a customized curriculum in conjunction with a faculty advisor. The student also selects either the research or professional option. The research option is intended for students planning to continue with the PhD degree, or to begin or continue careers in statistical methodology research. The professional option provides MS degree qualifications to those seeking an expanded knowledge base in modern statistical theory and practice, but not wishing to pursue a research career. Such students might plan to work in applied statistics, go on to professional schools, teach statistics at a secondary level, or pursue other careers in which advanced work in statistical methodology is necessary or advantageous but in which independent research is not involved. Admission RequirementsIn addition to satisfying the general admission requirements for graduate study, all applicants to this program must meet the following requirements:
Note: While the GRE is not required for admission, the test is recommended for those students wishing to compete for graduate teaching assistantships, fellowships, and research assistantships. International students from non-English-speaking countries who seek a graduate teaching assistantship should take the Test of Spoken English in addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is required for admission. Degree RequirementsIn addition to meeting the general requirements that apply to all master's degrees at the university, all students must complete the 12-credit core requirements for the degree:
The core course work covers the basic elements of statistics at the graduate level. STAT 544 covers the major mathematical framework for statistical theory and practice. STAT 652 provides basic statistical theory. After completing this course, students have the theoretical basis from which statistical methods are derived. STAT 554 is a survey of statistical methods that have become the backbone of statistical practice. Focus in this course is on techniques that quantify random behavior. The final core course is STAT 656, which focuses on determining the relationship between two or more quantities possibly measured with error. The prospective MS student builds on these core requirements by choosing one of five defined emphases or by designing a customized curriculum with the concurrence of his or her advisor. The defined emphases are (1) applied statistics, (2) computational statistics, (3) engineering statistics, (4) federal statistics, and (5) statistical signal processing. Each emphasis area requires the student to select four courses from a specific list and two approved electives. The lists are:
Elective courses may be chosen from any graduate STAT courses except STAT 510, 530, 535, 700, and 701. Only one of STAT 501-503 can be applied towards the degree requirements. STAT 779 and 789 may be repeated for credit with approval of the graduate coordinator. Also, certain courses from other departments may be chosen with approval of the department chair, generally not to exceed 6 credits. The prospective student selects either the professional or research option, depending on his or her career ambitions. This choice is to be made no later than the end of the semester in which the student has completed 15 credits. Professional OptionThe professional option focuses on the completion of course work in modern statistical theory and practice. A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. Twelve credits must be in the core courses taken by all MS students, with 18 additional credits taken from the approved list or with the approval of the student's advisor. Students electing this option are encouraged to pursue a broad background in statistical science and may wish to concentrate on applications of statistical methodology to other disciplines. A student who selects the professional option may elect to write a master's essay that is not an original research report but a scholarly essay on a topic of current interest in the statistical science discipline. The essay is usually about 20 to 25 pages long and demonstrates the student's ability to read and synthesize the current technical literature into a scholarly essay. The essay is evaluated by the student's advisor, taking into account the comprehensiveness of the coverage of the scientific literature, the accuracy of presentation and interpretation, and the literary style. Students are notified of their evaluations and may be required to revise their essays to develop their skills in preparing reports on technical subjects. The essay is normally written in the context of STAT 798 Master's Essay. Students who complete the essay take 27 credits of course work and 3 credits of STAT 798 Master's Essay. Students opting not to write an essay must take 30 credits of course work. Research OptionThe research option requires 30 credits, of which 6 credits must be in independent research (thesis). Research is done under the guidance of a faculty member. Research may be carried out at the university or, if appropriate, at nearby facilities. For example, students may pursue research at their places of employment on topics of interest to their employers, provided the research meets the standards of the university. The remaining 24 credits must include the 12 core credits and elective courses taken from the approved list or added with the consent of the thesis advisor. In addition to satisfying the general university requirements for a master's degree, candidates with the research option must do the following:
Certificate in BiostatisticsA joint program with the College of Nursing and Health Science. The certificate prepares participants to apply statistical methods to quantitative analysis of health care issues. It is aimed at health scientists and professionals in government agencies such as the National Institute of Health, as well as in pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, public health agencies, and other medical research organizations with the need to design medical experiments and to analyze and interpret increasingly complex health-care data. The program will also help prepare students to begin careers in such organizations. The certificate is taught jointly by faculty by from the statistics and health science programs. Admission RequirementsA bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a discipline related to health science or statistics with a GPA of 3.000 in the last 60 credits is required. Such fields include, but are not limited to, medicine, biology, nursing, health science, biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, and psychology. A course in statistics and a course in calculus at the undergraduate or graduate level with grades of B or better are required for admission to the program. Applications to this certificate are made either through the School of Information Technology and Engineering or through the College of Nursing and Health Science. Program of StudyThe student must complete one course from each of the six groups.
A minimum of 3 credits must be taken in HSCI courses and a minimum of 9 credits in STAT courses at George Mason. Certificate in Federal StatisticsThe graduate certificate in federal statistics is a professional program targeted at upgrading the skills of practitioners. The federal statistical system is a complex data collection and analysis system that requires a wide variety of multidisciplinary skills for its maintenance. The federal statistics certificate is intended to respond to the need for broad training in statistics; survey methods; data analysis, including graphics and data visualization; databases and data security; parallel computation and related technology; geographic information systems; and issues of statistics and public policy. The certificate program is extremely flexible and can be tailored to the needs of students within the federal statistical sector, but is also intended to be responsive to the needs of those in state and local governments and those in the private sector involved in the collection, interpretation, or statistical analysis of federal data. Admission RequirementsPotential candidates should have a bachelor's degree, including at least two courses in calculus and one course in probability or statistics at the 300 level or higher. The recommended minimum preparation would include MATH 113-114 and STAT 344 or their equivalents. Students with a minimal background in mathematics or statistics should consider taking STAT 530, which is intended to enhance a student's background in calculus, and probability. It does not count towards the certificate. Candidates must also be computer literate. Applicants typically have degrees in such fields as sociology, economics, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and business. Candidates should inquire with the certificate coordinator for details of program planning. Courses are offered in late afternoon and evening and are particularly suitable for part-time students. Certificate RequirementsThe certificate program consists of 15 credits (five courses), which are selected from the certificate program courses and elective courses. The certificate courses are aimed at building the foundations of statistical analysis and survey methods. They consist of the following:
All of these courses, with the exception of STAT 510 and 535, may be used for credit toward the MS in Statistical Science. Credit is granted for only one of STAT 510, 535 and 554. For the certificate program, the student must choose three of the certificate courses plus two elective courses chosen with the consent of the certificate coordinator. The electives are intended to provide a broad background supportive of the multidisciplinary needs of complex statistical systems. They include courses from computer science, economics, geography, information systems, operations research, public administration, sociology, and statistics. At most one course (3 credits) can be outside the STAT program and must be approved by the AES department chair. Suggested electives include STAT 544, 655, 656, 657, 662, 664; CSI 703; ECON 637; OR 541, 542; PUAD 741, 742; and SOCI 631. Some courses may have prerequisites for which the student must qualify or seek a waiver from the appropriate instructor. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required, and no more than one course with a grade of C may be applied toward the certificate. Only one of STAT 501-503 can be applied towards the 15 credits required for the certificate. Certificate in Signal ProcessingThe Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics, in conjunction with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers the certificate in signal processing, which provides graduate students with a program of courses and laboratory experience. Course work for the graduate certificate can be used for credit toward the MS in Statistical Science as well as the MS in Electrical Engineering. The primary purpose is to provide a well-defined target for students who want to advance or update their knowledge in this fast-moving field. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in the School of Information Technology and Engineering. Admission RequirementsThe certificate program in signal processing is open to all students who hold a bachelor's degree in any scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited university. Certificate RequirementsThe certificate consists of five graduate courses (15 credits) in signal processing. A cumulative GPA of 3.000 is required, and no more than one course with a grade of C may be applied toward the certificate. The certificate courses consist of two required foundation courses and three elective courses. See the list of courses under Certificate in Signal Processing in the Electrical and Computer Engineering section of this chapter. PhD Study in Statistical ScienceDoctoral study in statistics is available through two of the university's PhD programs, both of which are interdisciplinary and allow the student a broad range of course and research options. Within the PhD in Computational Sciences and Informatics, students can select a concentration in computational statistics with a basic science focus. This program is described in the School of Computational Sciences chapter. Within the PhD in Information Technology, students may designate a concentration in statistical science in their doctoral degree title. In that case the degree conferred upon a graduating student would be "PhD in Information Technology with Concentration in Statistical Science." This program is described below. Requirements for the PhD in Information Technology with Specialization in Statistical Science.Students must satisfy all the requirements for the PhD in Information Technology degree, as described later in this section. In addition, the following requirements must be met. Admission RequirementsStudents are normally required to have an MS degree in statistics, mathematics, operations research, biological or physical sciences, economics, electrical engineering or some related engineering or information technology area. Students with an MS in statistics are expected to have completed course work equivalent to the MS core courses STAT 544, STAT 554, STAT 652 and STAT 656 with a 3.500 GPA. Students with MS degrees in other fields typically have completed some of these courses but not all. They may be admitted provisionally on successful completion of the remaining courses. Qualifying ExaminationsThe PhD in Information Technology requires that the student pass a set of four exams from three different degree programs. For the concentration in statistical science, two of these exams must be chosen from the following course list:
Advanced Emphasis RequirementStudents with a concentration in Statistical Science must complete the following four courses as part of their 24-credit-hour doctoral plan of study:
The remaining four courses (12 credit hours) must be independent of the qualifying exams taken by the student and must be approved by the doctoral supervisory committee, the AES chair, and the associate dean of IT&E. The courses must be numbered 600 or above (655 or above for STAT courses, excluding STAT 700-701). Doctoral Supervisory CommitteeUpon admission to the doctoral program, the student is assigned a temporary advisor. No later than the end of the second semester of study, the student should select a dissertation director and a doctoral supervisory committee. The chair of the committee must be a tenured faculty member in AES. (The chair is usually the dissertation director, if a tenured member of AES, but this is not necessary.) The doctoral supervisory committee, which consists of four members, must include at least two graduate faculty members from AES and at least one from another department in IT&E. The composition of the doctoral supervisory committee is to be approved by the AES chair and the associate dean of IT&E. Permission for the comprehensive examination and the dissertation defense are requested from the IT&E associate dean on the basis of a written request and plan that has been approved by the supervisory committee and the AES chair. For additional information on the above topics, the comprehensive examination, dissertation proposal presentation, and the dissertation and final defense, see the section of this chapter titled Information Technology, PhD. E-mail specific questions to statistics@gmu.edu, or contact the graduate coordinator directly in Room 158, Science and Technology II, 703-993-3645. |
