Note: Fall 2006 finds the School of Statistics in the middle of a revision of its programs and curriculum. The timeline given here for the M.S. degree applies to those students entering in Fall 2006.

This timeline assumes a program lasting four semesters beginning in the fall. It also assumes a standard progression of courses. Students with backgrounds stronger or weaker than the norm may take other schedules.

Advising

The DGS advises all students during the first year. At the end of the first year, students are assigned other faculty advisors. These assignments need not be permanent, and if a student finds that some other faculty member would suit better, that change can be made.

First year courses

As discussed on the MS requirements page, there is some latitude in the choice of core courses in the first year. Two possibilities include

Fall semester Spring semester Stat 8101 Stat 8101 Stat 8051 Stat 8052 Outside course Outside course

or

Fall semester Spring semester Stat 5101 Stat 5101 Stat 5302 Stat 5303 Outside course Outside course

Students who are considering the Ph.D. degree will usually take mathematics (for example, Math 5615-6) for their outside courses.

Second year courses

Fall semester	Spring semester
Stat elective	Stat 8801
Stat elective	Plan B Project
Stat elective

The statistics electives must be at the 5- or 8-level, and one can be moved to the spring if desired. courses. Also, students who elect to take the 5-level core courses would normally take Stat 5421 in their second year.

Seminar and Oral

All M.S. students must give a public seminar, usually on the topic of their Plan B project. The seminar is followed by the Masters Oral Exam. This exam can be wide ranging, but often concentrates on the seminar topic. The oral exam is conducted by the student's examining committee, which consists of the student's advisor, one additional faculty member from Statistics, and one faculty member from the supporting field.

Paperwork

All M.S. students must file a "Degree Program Form" with the Graduate School. This is usually done in the fall of the second year. The program form lists the student's examining committee and all the courses that are part of the student's program. This form must be approved by the DGS.

The seminar and oral are the last steps in the M.S. degree. Obtain the "Final Examination Report" form from the Graduate School and file an "Application for Degree". Take a copy of your program form and the exam report form to the final oral. The committee must sign the Final Examination Report in order for you to obtain a degree.

Many Graduate School forms are available here.