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.

Students that aim to pursue a career in data science have the option to select the concentration in Statistical Data Science.

Admissions

In addition to satisfying general admission requirements for graduate study, all applicants are expected to have basic computer literacy. They must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field that includes one year coursework in calculus, and one semester coursework in matrix or linear algebra. 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 listed Mason courses.

Note that coursework taken to correct deficiencies in undergraduate preparation are not counted toward the degree.

MATH 113Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)4
MATH 114Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 203Linear Algebra3
Or MATH 321 Abstract Algebra

Specific application deadlines and requirements are available through the Office of Graduate Admissions. 

Banner Code: EC-MS-STAT

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30

Core Courses

Select 15 credits from the following:15
STAT 521
Applied Probability and Statistical Inference
STAT 544
Applied Probability
STAT 554
Applied Statistics I
STAT 572
Applied Statistical Learning
STAT 634
Case Studies in Data Analysis
STAT 652
Statistical Inference
STAT 654
Applied Statistics II
STAT 663
Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization
Total Credits15

Concentrations

Students must select one of the concentrations below.

Concentration in Statistical Data Science (SDSC)

The Statistical Data Science Concentration prepares students for making contributions in statistical data science for positions in industry and government.

Required Courses
STAT 521Applied Probability and Statistical Inference 13
STAT 554Applied Statistics I 13
STAT 634Case Studies in Data Analysis3
STAT 654Applied Statistics II 13
STAT 663Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization 3
Total Credits15
1

Grade of B- or better required.

Methodology Courses
STAT 572Applied Statistical Learning3
Select 6 credits from the following:6
STAT 507
Introduction to Statistical Data Science
STAT 540 - 799 1
Total Credits9
1

Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 521 and STAT 544.

Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 521 and STAT 652.

Electives
Select 6 credits of electives from the following: 16
STAT 500
Special Topics
STAT 517
Experimental Design
STAT 540 - 799 2
CS 504
Principles of Data Management and Mining
INFS 580
Analytics: Big Data to Information
Total Credits6
1

Subject to prior approval from the Department of Statistics, other graduate level courses offered by other departments may be allowed.

2

Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 521 and STAT 544.

Credit toward the MS in Statistical Science will not be given for both STAT 521 and STAT 652.

Concentration in Modern Statistics (MSTA) 

The Modern Statistics Concentration provides students a rigorous curriculum encompassing theoretical underpinnings, sophisticated statistical modeling methodologies, and state-of-the-art techniques essential for addressing modern statistical challenges and advancing statistical practice in diverse fields.

Required Courses
STAT 544Applied Probability 13
STAT 554Applied Statistics I 13
STAT 634Case Studies in Data Analysis3
STAT 652Statistical Inference3
STAT 654Applied Statistics II 13
Total Credits15
1

Grade of B- or better required.

Methodology Courses
Methodology courses may be chosen from any STAT courses numbered 540-7789
Total Credits9
Electives
Select 6 credits of electives from the following:6
STAT 500
Special Topics
STAT 515
Applied Statistics and Visualization for Analytics 1
STAT 517
Experimental Design
STAT 540 - 799
ECE 535
Digital Signal Processing
ECE 630
Principles of Digital Communications
ECON 637
Econometrics I
MATH 551
Regression and Time Series
MATH 553
Advanced Mathematical Statistics in Actuarial Sciences
MATH 555
Actuarial Modeling I
MATH 556
Actuarial Modeling II
MATH 653
Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models I
MATH 654
Construction and Evaluation of Actuarial Models II 2
OR 531
Introduction to Analytics and Modeling
OR 541
Operations Research: Deterministic Optimization
OR 542
Operations Research: Stochastic Models
OR 645
Stochastic Processes
OR 647
Queuing Theory
OR 675
Reliability Analysis
or SYST 675
 Reliability Analysis
OR 719
Graphical Models for Inference and Decision Making
or CSI 775
 Graphical Models for Inference and Decision Making
SYST 664
Bayesian Artificial Intelligence
or CSI 674
 Bayesian Artificial Intelligence
Total Credits6
1

Credit will not be given for both STAT 515 and STAT 663.

2

Credit will not be given for both MATH 654 and STAT 661.

Project or Thesis

Depending on career ambitions, students in the Modern Statistics Concentration may select either the professional (Project) or research (Thesis) option, with approval of a faculty advisor and Department Chair or their designee.

  • The project (professional) option is for students who do not wish to pursue a research career. 
    • Students need to register for STAT 798 Master's Research Project only once for 3 credits.
    • Students 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 advisor, 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 thesis (research option) is for students planning to continue with a PhD degree, or begin/continue research careers in statistical methodology research. 
    • Students register for STAT 799 Master's Thesis at least twice (6 credits).
    • Research is conducted, with approval, under the guidance of a faculty member. Please see AP.6.9. for more information. 
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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

MATH 621Algebra I3
MATH 675Linear Analysis3
MATH 677Ordinary Differential Equations3
or MATH 678 Partial Differential Equations
MATH 685Numerical Analysis3
STAT 544Applied Probability3
STAT 554Applied Statistics I3
STAT 634Case Studies in Data Analysis3
STAT 652Statistical Inference3
STAT 654Applied Statistics II3
Total Credits27

Electives

Select 12 elective credits in MATH courses numbered 615 or higher 112
Select any STAT courses numbered 540-7759
Total Credits21
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

OR 541Operations Research: Deterministic Optimization3
OR 542Operations Research: Stochastic Models3
OR 635Discrete System Simulation3
OR 699Masters Project3
STAT 544Applied Probability3
STAT 554Applied Statistics I3
STAT 634Case Studies in Data Analysis3
STAT 652Statistical Inference3
STAT 654Applied Statistics II3
Total Credits27

Elective Credits in OR Courses

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:
OR 641
Linear Programming
OR 642
Integer Programming
OR 643
Network Modeling
OR 644
Nonlinear Programming
OR 670
Metaheuristics for Optimization
Stochastic Methods Courses:
OR 645
Stochastic Processes
OR 646
Stochastic Optimization
OR 647
Queuing Theory
OR 674
Dynamic Programming
OR 675
Reliability Analysis
SYST 664
Bayesian Artificial Intelligence
Total Credits12

Elective Credits in STAT Courses

Select 9 elective credits from any STAT courses numbered 540-7759
Total Credits9

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.
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BS (any)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's  program (BAM) and obtain an undergraduate BS degree and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program. 

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway 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.

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. 

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0. 

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form: 

  • Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation.
  • An overall GPA of 3.00.
  • Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
MATH 213Analytic Geometry and Calculus III3
MATH 203Linear Algebra3
or MATH 321 Abstract Algebra
STAT 250Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)3
or STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
STAT 346Probability for Engineers3
or MATH 351 Probability
STAT 362Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages3

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:

STAT 544Applied Probability3
STAT 554Applied Statistics I3
STAT 560Biostatistical Methods3
STAT 574Survey Sampling I3
STAT 663Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization 3

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.

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.

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies.

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 undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program (BAM) and obtain the Statistics, BS and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program. 

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program. 

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. 

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:

  • Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation. 
  • An overall GPA of 3.00,
  • Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
MATH 114Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 203Linear Algebra3
STAT 334Introduction to Probability Models and Simulation3
or STAT 346 Probability for Engineers
STAT 354Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II3
or STAT 360 Introduction to Statistical Practice II
STAT 362Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages3

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits that satisfy requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:

STAT 544Applied Probability 13
STAT 554Applied Statistics I 13
STAT 560Biostatistical Methods 23
STAT 574Survey Sampling I 33
STAT 663Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization 13
1

May be counted as a Technical Elective towards the BS program requirements.

2

Replaces the corresponding undergraduate version STAT 460 as a Statistical Elective.  Credit may not be received for both STAT 460 and STAT 560.

3

Replaces the corresponding undergraduate version STAT 474 as a Statistical Elective.  Credit may not be received for both STAT 474 and STAT 574. 

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. 

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. These can be chosen from STAT 500-519 and STAT 540-799. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies. 

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 Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.