Program Overview

Master of Science in Statistics

The Master of Science in Statistics program at Washington State University offers two option areas: applied and theoretical. The program requires a total of 30 hours, including core requirements and courses chosen from four field areas: Advanced Theory and Stochastic Processes, Linear Models and Multivariate Analysis, Data Analysis, and Econometrics and Time Series.

Degree Description

The core requirements include Stat 443, 512, 530, 533, 556, at least one course in statistical computing, and a minimum of two credit hours of statistical consulting (Stat 590) spread over two semesters. The remainder of the 30 hours must include a total of at least 3 courses from 2 field areas, chosen from the following:

• Advanced Theory and Stochastic Processes: Stat 542, 544, 548, or 549
  • Linear Models and Multivariate Analysis: Stat 519, 520, 535
  • Data Analysis: Stat 422, 428, 513, 514, 515, 518, 536, 547, 555, 572, or 573
  • Econometrics and Time Series: Stat 516, 531, 552, 555, or 586

The final Master’s oral exam is a two-hour oral exam conducted by the student’s M.S. committee. The oral exam will consist of:

• a 30-minute presentation of the student’s Master’s project
• a 15-minute period following the Master’s project presentation for questions by the committee related to the results contained in the Master’s project
• a 75-minute period devoted to a comprehensive oral exam covering the material in Stat 443, Stat 512, Stat 530, Stat 533, Stat 556 as well as material covered in additional course work

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites for admission include courses in:

• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Computer Programming
• Statistical Methods Analysis and Advanced Linear Algebra is recommended, as well as additional statistics classes.

For international students, either a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score is required. The minimum score for admission is:

• 540 TOEFL
• 75 TOEFLI
• 6.5 IELTS
• 105 Duolingo

The application will require:

• Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions
• GPA above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Resume/CV
• Email contact information for 3 references
• Personal statement
• GRE scores are not required but encouraged

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for individuals trained in statistics abound in:

• Business
• Industry
• Government
• Academia

Career Placements

Graduates have found employment in:

• Pharmacy
• Banking
• Credit card companies
• Consulting
• Government agencies
• Information management

Program Statistics

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 35
• Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program: 30
• Graduate Students in Program: 9
• Students Receiving Assistantships: 1
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: January 10
  • Spring: September 10
• Campus: Pullman