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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 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.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in selected bachelor’s of science programs.  See BS (selected)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS  for specific requirements.

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 coursework 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 , MATH 114 , MATH 213 ; MATH 203  or MATH 321 ; STAT 250  or STAT 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. Grades of B- or better are required in two of the core courses: STAT 544  and STAT 554 . Students build on these core requirements by choosing 12 credits of methodology 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. 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. The research option is for students planning to continue with a PhD degree, or begin/continue careers in statistical methodology research. 

Professional Option:

The professional option focuses on completing coursework in modern statistical theory and practice.  30 credits are required for the degree: 12 credits of core courses (taken by all MS students), 12 credits of methodology 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 complete a master’s research project resulting in a technical report. This report is not an original research report but a scholarly essay on a topic of current interest in the statistical science discipline. The technical report 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 report 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 report to further develop their skills in preparing reports on technical subjects. The report is usually written in the context of 3 credits of STAT 798 - Master's Research Project , which count as elective credits.  Students opting not to complete a research project 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 methodology credits.

In addition to satisfying general university requirements for a master’s degree, candidates who select the research option must submit a thesis 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 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 coursework 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 654 , which provides an overview of principles of statistical modeling.

Methodology Courses (12 credits)


Methodology courses may be chosen from any STAT courses numbered 540-775.

Notes:


  • Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 515  and STAT 663 .
  • Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both MATH 654  and STAT 668 .
  • A student concurrently enrolled in the Actuarial Sciences Graduate Certificate  and the MS in Statistical Science may count MATH 555  and MATH 556  as elective courses and may count MATH 653  and MATH 654  as methodology courses. The Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Sciences must be completed prior to or concurrently with the MS in Statistical Science. Otherwise, at most two of MATH 555, 556, 653, and 654 can be counted toward the MS in Statistical Science as elective courses; none can be applied as methodology courses.

Total: 30 credits