2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Statistical Science, MS


Banner Code: VS-MS-STAT

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department:  Statistics 

Statistical science is regarded as one of the oldest and most successful information technology (IT) 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 it relates to high-technology applications.

The MS program offers a choice of the following emphasis areas: applied statistics, biostatistics, computational statistics, engineering statistics, and federal statistics. Students may select one of these emphases or design a customized curriculum in conjunction with a faculty advisor. Students also select the research or the professional option. The research option is for students planning to continue with a PhD degree or 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 do not wish to pursue a research career.

Admission Requirements

In addition to satisfying general admission requirements for graduate study, all applicants are expected to have basic computer literacy. They also must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field that includes course work in multivariable calculus, matrix or linear algebra, statistics, and calculus-based probability. Applicants with degrees in such fields as mathematics, statistics, and some engineering programs usually meet these requirements. For applicants with degrees in other fields, these requirements are normally satisfied if students have successfully completed courses equivalent to the following Mason courses: MATH 113, 114, 213; MATH 203 or 321; STAT 250 or 344; and STAT 346 or MATH 351. Course work taken to correct deficiencies in undergraduate preparation is not counted toward the degree.

Degree Requirements


In addition to meeting general requirements that apply to master’s degrees at Mason, all students must complete the 12-credit core requirements for the degree.  Students build on these core requirements by choosing 12 credits of emphasis area courses and 6 credits of electives.

Students select either the professional or research option, depending on career ambitions.  This choice must be made no later than the end of the semester in which 15 credits have been completed.

Professional Option:

The professional option focuses on completing coursework in modern statistical theory and practice.  Thirty credits are required for the degree:  12 credits of core courses (taken by all MS students), 12 credits of emphasis area courses, and 6 credits of electives.  Students electing this option are encouraged to pursue a broad background in statistical science, and they may seek to concentrate on applications of statistical methodology to other disciplines.

Students who select the professional option may elect to write a master’s essay. This piece 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 current technical literature into a scholarly essay. The essay is evaluated by the student’s adviser, 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 they may be required to revise their essay to develop their skills in preparing reports on technical subjects. The essay is usually written in the context of 3 credits of STAT 798 Master’s Essay, which count as elective credits.  Students opting not to write an essay must take 30 credits of coursework.

Research Option:

The research option requires 30 credits, including 6 credits that must be in independent research (thesis).  Research is done under the guidance of a faculty member. Research may be carried out at Mason or, if appropriate, at nearby facilities. For example, students may pursue research at their place of employment on topics of interest to their employer, provided the research meets the standards of the university. The thesis is usually written in the context of 6 credits of STAT 799 Master’s Thesis, which count as elective credits.  The remaining 24 credits include the 12 core credits and 12 emphasis area credits.

In addition to satisfying general university requirements for a master’s degree, candidates with the research option must submit a thesis or report based on the research to the student’s thesis committee, which must give preliminary approval. The composition and appointment of this committee follows graduate program policies. 

Candidates also must pass a final oral exam that concentrates on, but is not limited to, the area on which the thesis or report is written. The exam is administered by the student’s thesis committee, and all interested members of the graduate faculty are invited to attend and participate in the questioning. The thesis committee makes the final decision on whether the candidate passes or fails.

Core Courses (12 credits)


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 the theory and application of linear regression analysis.

Emphasis Area Courses (12 credits)


Emphasis area courses may be chosen from any of the remaining 600-level graduate STAT courses except 645 and 664. In addition, STAT 574, 751, 758, 760, and 763 may be chosen as emphasis area courses.

Elective Courses (6 credits)


Elective courses may be chosen from any 500-, 600-, or 700-level STAT courses except STAT 535. STAT 789 may be repeated for credit with prior written approval from the department’s graduate coordinator. Also, certain courses from other departments may be used as elective credits in a customized curriculum designed in conjunction with a faculty advisor and approved in writing by the department’s graduate coordinator. Customized curriculum must be submitted and approved no later than the end of the semester in which 15 credits have been completed.

Suggested Programs of Study


The following are some emphasis areas and elective courses students might consider taking depending on their particular area of interests. Students do not have to select all of their courses from any one of these lists; they are provided only as a guide.

Total: 30 credits


Note:


A student concurrently enrolled in the Certificate in Actuarial Sciences Program and the MS in Statistical Sciences Program may count MATH 555 and 556 as approved elective courses and may count MATH 653 and 654 as emphasis area courses when designing a curriculum for the MS in Statistical Science. Credit toward the MS in Statistical Sciences will not be given for both MATH 654 and STAT 668. The full curriculum should be designed with the approval of the student’s statistics academic advisor and the statistics graduate coordinator.  The Certificate in Actuarial Sciences must be completed prior to or concurrently with the MS in Statistical Sciences.  Otherwise, at most two of MATH 555, 556, 653, and 654 can be counted toward the MS in Statistical Sciences as elective courses; none can be applied as emphasis area courses.