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.
Admissions
In addition to satisfying general admission requirements for graduate study, all applicants are expected to have basic computer literacy and some experience using statistical software (such as SAS and R). 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, calculus-based probability, and statistical software. These requirements are normally satisfied if students have successfully completed courses equivalent to the following Mason courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or STAT 344 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
| STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
| or MATH 351 | Probability | |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
| Coursework taken to correct deficiencies in undergraduate preparation is not counted toward the degree. | ||
Specific application deadlines and requirements are available through the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 30
In addition to meeting general requirements that apply to master's degrees at Mason, all students must complete the 15-credit core requirements for the degree. Grades of B- or better are required in three of the core courses: STAT 544 Applied Probability, STAT 544 Applied Probability, and STAT 654 Applied Statistics II. Students build on these core requirements by choosing 9 credits of methodology courses and 6 credits of electives.
Students select either the professional or research option, depending on career ambitions. 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: 15 credits of core courses (taken by all MS students), 9 credits of methodology courses, and 6 credits of electives.
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 with approval 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 15 core credits and 9 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
The core coursework covers the basic elements of statistics at the graduate level. STAT 544 Applied Probability covers the major mathematical framework for statistical theory and practice. STAT 652 Statistical Inference provides basic statistical theory. After completing this course, students have the theoretical basis from which statistical methods are derived.
STAT 554 Applied Statistics I 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. STAT 654 Applied Statistics II, provides an overview of principles of statistical modeling.
The final core course is STAT 634 Case Studies in Data Analysis, which is a writing intensive course that serves as a capstone experience. Students synthesize methods and ideas acquired in their coursework in a statistical consulting environment.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 634 | Case Studies in Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 652 | Statistical Inference | 3 |
| STAT 654 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Methodology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology courses may be chosen from any STAT courses numbered 540-775 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of electives from the following: | 6 | |
| Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Statistical Communication Theory | ||
| Econometrics I | ||
| Regression and Time Series | ||
| Advanced Mathematical Statistics in Actuarial Sciences | ||
| Actuarial Modeling I | ||
| Actuarial Modeling II | ||
| Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models I | ||
| Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models II | ||
| Analytics and Decision Analysis | ||
| Operations Research: Deterministic Models | ||
| Operations Research: Stochastic Models | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Queuing Theory | ||
| Reliability Analysis | ||
or SYST 675 | Reliability Analysis | |
| Graphical Models for Inference and Decision Making | ||
or CSI 775 | Graphical Models for Inference and Decision Making | |
| Bayesian Inference and Decision Theory | ||
or CSI 674 | Bayesian Inference and Decision Theory | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Notes:
- Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 515 Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics and STAT 663 Statistical Graphics and Data Exploration I.
- Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both MATH 654 Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models II and STAT 668 Survival Analysis.
- A student concurrently enrolled in the Actuarial Sciences Graduate Certificate and the MS in Statistical Science may count MATH 551 Regression and Time Series and MATH 553 Advanced Mathematical Statistics in Actuarial Sciences as elective courses and may count MATH 555 Actuarial Modeling I and MATH 653 Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models I 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 551 Regression and Time Series, MATH 553 Advanced Mathematical Statistics in Actuarial Sciences, MATH 555 Actuarial Modeling I, and MATH 653 Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models I can be counted toward the MS in Statistical Science as elective courses; none can be applied as methodology courses.
Mathematics and Statistical Science Dual-Degree MS
This program allows students to earn an MS in Mathematics and an MS in Statistical Science by completing 48 credits of coursework in both areas instead of the 60 that would be required if the degrees were sought independently.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy admission requirements for both the MS in Mathematics and the MS in Statistical Science programs. A joint faculty committee from the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Statistics make final admission decisions into the dual-degree program.
MS-MATH/STAT Dual-Degree Requirements
Total credits: 48
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 621 | Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 675 | Linear Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 677 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 678 | Partial Differential Equations | |
| MATH 685 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 634 | Case Studies in Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 652 | Statistical Inference | 3 |
| STAT 654 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 elective credits in MATH courses numbered 615 or higher 1 | 12 | |
| Select any STAT courses numbered 540-775 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
| 1 | Excluding MATH 653 Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models I, MATH 654 Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models II, MATH 655 Pension Valuation, and MATH 799 MS Thesis |
Notes:
- Students in either the BS/Accelerated MS in Mathematics program or the BS(selected)/Accelerated MS in Statistical Science program cannot get a reduction of 6 credits toward this dual degree. Students who want to proceed to a PhD degree will only be able to waive the number of credits specified in the associated PhD degree requirements, even though they will have 48 credits at the MS level.
- If a student decides not to complete the required 48 credits, a single MS degree will not be granted unless the student fulfills the requirements for either the MS in Mathematics or the MS in Statistical Science.
- Once a student receives one of the MS degrees from either department, the student will no longer be eligible for the reduction in credit (i.e., will need to complete 30 credits) if the student later decides to earn the other MS degree.
Operations Research and Statistical Science Dual-Degree MS
This program allows students to earn an MS in Operations Research and an MS in Statistical Science by completing 48 credits of coursework in both areas instead of the 60 that would be required if the degrees were sought independently.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy admission requirements for the MS in Operations Research Program and the MS in Statistical Science Program. A joint faculty committee from the Statistics and Systems Engineering and Operations Research Departments make final admission decisions into the dual-degree program.
MS-OPRS/STAT Dual Degree Requirements
Total credits: 48
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OR 541 | Operations Research: Deterministic Models | 3 |
| OR 542 | Operations Research: Stochastic Models | 3 |
| OR 635 | Discrete System Simulation | 3 |
| OR 699 | Masters Project | 3 |
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 634 | Case Studies in Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 652 | Statistical Inference | 3 |
| STAT 654 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Elective Credits in OR Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 elective credits in OR courses at the 600 level, including at least one deterministic methods course and at least one stochastic methods course: | 12 | |
Deterministic Methods Courses: | ||
| Linear Programming | ||
| Integer Programming | ||
| Network Modeling | ||
| Nonlinear Programming | ||
Stochastic Methods Courses: | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Queuing Theory | ||
| Dynamic Programming | ||
| Reliability Analysis | ||
| Bayesian Inference and Decision Theory | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Elective Credits in STAT Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 elective credits from any STAT courses numbered 540-775 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Notes
- Students currently enrolled in one of the MS programs must declare pursuit of the dual MS within one year of matriculation into the first MS program.
- A maximum of 6 credits across the two disciplines may be in independent research (thesis). The requirements for independent research are the same as detailed for the associated MS program.
- Students in either the BS (selected)/Operations Research, Accelerated MS program or the BS (selected)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS program cannot get a reduction of 6 credits toward this dual degree. Students who want to proceed to a PhD degree will only be able to waive the number of credits specified in the associated PhD degree requirements, even though they will have 48 credits at the MS level.
- If a student decides not to complete the required 48 credits, a single MS degree will not be granted unless the student fulfills the requirements for the MS in Operations Research or the MS in Statistical Science.
- Once a student receives one of the MS degrees from either department, the student will no longer be eligible for the reduction in credit (i.e., will need to complete 30 credits) if the student later decides to earn the other MS degree.
BS (selected)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified students in BS programs have the option of applying to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Admission Requirements
No specific undergraduate BS degree is required. Students enrolled in any BS degree may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if such an accelerated Statistical Science, MS pathway is allowable from the student's BS program, which will be determined by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs; and if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of 3.00. Students must have successfully completed the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the accelerated program:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or STAT 344 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
| STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
| or MATH 351 | Probability | |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Accelerated Option Requirements
Students must complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with 6 credits overlap chosen from the following courses: STAT 515 Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics, STAT 544 Applied Probability, STAT 554 Applied Statistics I, STAT 560 Biostatistical Methods, and STAT 574 Survey Sampling I. (Credit may not be received for both STAT 474 and STAT 574; nor for both STAT 460 and STAT 560.) The graduate courses selected for overlap must be approved by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs. All graduate course prerequisties must be completed prior to enrollment. Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree.
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.
Statistics, BS/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified students in the Statistics, BS program have the option of applying to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Admission Requirements
Students in the Statistics, BS program may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of 3.00. Students must have successfully completed the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the accelerated program:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 334 | Introduction to Probability Models and Simulation | 3 |
| or STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | |
| STAT 354 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II | 3 |
| or STAT 360 | Introduction to Statistical Practice II | |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Accelerated Option Requirements
Students must complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with 6 credits overlap chosen from the following courses: STAT 515 Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics, STAT 544 Applied Probability, STAT 554 Applied Statistics I, STAT 560 Biostatistical Methods, and STAT 574 Survey Sampling I. All graduate course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment. Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree. For Statistics, BS candidates:
- STAT 560 Biostatistical Methods replaces the corresponding undergraduate version STAT 460 Introduction to Biostatistics as a Statistical Elective. Credit may not be received for both STAT 460 and STAT 560.
- STAT 574 Survey Sampling I replaces the corresponding undergraduate version STAT 474 Introduction to Survey Sampling as a Statistical Elective. Credit may not be received for both STAT 474 and STAT 574.
- STAT 515 Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics, STAT 544 Applied Probability, and STAT 554 Applied Statistics I may be counted as Technical Electives toward the BS program requirements.
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and the VSE Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.