Program Overview

Master of Science in the Field of Statistics (STEM)

Overview

The master of science in statistics program is ideal for students who are preparing for professional positions or doctoral programs in statistics and other quantitative fields. Thesis and non-thesis options are available, and students may enroll full-time or part-time. Use of statistical software packages is required for most courses. This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

• Admission deadlines:
  • Fall - April 1 (February 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for fellowships)
  • Spring – October 1
• Standardized test scores:
  • GRE not required
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction
  • Minimum scores for the program are:
    • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0
    • TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based
    • PTE Academic: 53
    • Duolingo: 110
• Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
• Prerequisite requirements: Course work in multivariate calculus, matrix theory, and at least two undergraduate statistics courses
• Prior academic records: Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript
• Statement of purpose: In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field, including your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans

Requirements

• General prerequisite: coursework in multivariate calculus, matrix theory, and at least two undergraduate statistics courses
• The following requirements must be fulfilled:
  • The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs
  • Non-thesis option—30 credits, including 6 credits in required courses and 24 credits in elective courses
  • Thesis option—30 credits, including 12 credits in required core courses, which includes 6 credits in thesis, and 18 credits in elective courses
• Course List:
  • Required core:
    • STAT 6201: Mathematical Statistics I
    • STAT 6202: Mathematical Statistics II
  • For the thesis option:
    • STAT 6999: Thesis Research (taken twice for a total of 6 credits)
  • Electives:
    • Non-thesis option: 24 credits in elective courses, at least 18 of which must be in STAT courses
    • Thesis option: 18 credits in elective courses, at least 12 of which must be in STAT courses
    • Elective courses outside Statistics can be taken in related fields, such as economics, mathematics, finance, management, computer science, engineering, public health, and data science

Combined Program

• Dual Master of Science in the field of statistics and Graduate Certificate in the field of data science