University of Minnesota
Statistics
info@stat.umn.edu
612-625-8046


School of Statistics' home page.

Home > Graduate Program : MS Requirements

MS Requirements

The MS degree program in statistics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career as a practicing statistician in industry, government, or academia. The degree is also valuable for people working in other fields who need mastery of a broad range of statistical methods.

The MS program consists of courses in both theoretical and applied statistics. An incoming graduate student who has some background in mathematics and statistics can reasonably expect to complete an MS program in 4 semesters of study.

Some of our MS graduates opt to work toward their PhD degrees. Of those that do not, nearly all are working in statistics-related jobs.

Recommended pre-program course work

  • Familiarity with basic statistical concepts and methods, and
  • Mathematics through multivariable calculus and linear algebra (at a minimum)
  • Additional post-calculus mathematics courses, including advanced calculus or real analysis, are highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with C, Fortran, or some other higher-level computer programming language.

Requirements

  • A minimum of 34 course credits, including at least 6 credits in a minor area or related field
  • a grade point average of at least 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) in program courses, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • completion of a Plan B Project

No more than 40‰ of your U of M School of Statistics MS program credits may be transferred from another institution or earned at the University as a non-degree seeking student . Consult the University's current Graduate School Catalog for details of Graduate School requirements for the MS degree.

All degree programs are planned with an adviser and are subject to the approval of the adviser and the director of graduate studies. You must file an official "Degree Program" designating the courses that will be used to satisfy the requirements for the MS This is usually done in the fall of your second year.

Required Program Coursework

  • A statistical theory sequence
  • A statistical methods sequence
  • Stat 8801 (Statistical Consulting)
  • An approved supporting field of at least six credits
  • At least nine credits of approved electives

The statistical theory sequence can be either Stat 8101–8102 or Stat 5101–5102. If you have a strong mathematical background, you will be advised into the 8xxx–level sequence.

The statistical methods sequence can be either Stat 8051–8052 or Stat 5302, 5303, 5421. If you are considering the PhD degree, you should take the 8xxx–level sequence. The 5xxx-level sequence provides coverage of traditional statistical methods.

Most 5xxx– and 8xxx–level statistics courses that do not overlap with the core courses are eligible for use as electives, and courses in statistics offered by other units may be used with the approval of the adviser and the director of graduate studies.

Supporting Field Requirement

In addition to the courses in the major field, a minimum of two 5xxx or 8xxx level courses (totaling at least 6 credits is required in one or more disciplines that supports statistics to which statistics can be applied, such as biostatistics, computer science, ecology, economics, genetics, public policy, sociology, or mathematics. Your program of study in a supporting field must be approved by your adviser and the director of graduate studies.

Students considering the PhD degree usually take mathematics courses (often Math 5615–5616 "Honors Introduction to Analysis") for their supporting field.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

You are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better in courses included in your degree program. You may take Stat 8801: Statistical Consulting and at most 4 non–core credits as S–N (pass-fail). S–N credits are not used in calculating your GPA.

Consulting Requirement

You must earn 3 credits in Stat 8801: Statistical Consulting, as shown in the coursework requirements.

Seminar Requirement

You must give one public seminar, usually on the topic of your Plan B project.

Language Requirement

There is no second language requirement. International students should consult the international students section for information on English language proficiency.

Plan B Project

The Plan B project is intended to supplement coursework and gives you a broader view of the theory and applications of statistics. You must demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research and scholarship in statistics and the ability to work independently and present results effectively.

There are two ways of meeting this requirement in sStatistics:

  1. By an independent investigation of some subject related to your program:
    After two semesters of graduate study, you select a faculty member to direct work on the Plan B project. This faculty member usually serves as an adviser and chair of the final oral examining committee. Wide latitude is given in the selection of projects. Your project must be approved by the advising faculty member. Projects appropriate for a Plan B degree include, for example:
    • A consulting project in conjunction with a client of the Statistical Consulting Service.
    • A data analysis project on a problem of interest.
    • A literature survey of an important area in applied or theoretical statistics.
    • The preparation of a coordinated set of statistical computer programs.
    • An original research project.
  2. By taking at least 9 credits in 8xxx-level statistics courses, and passing the written PhD preliminary examination:
    The additional courses must be approved by your adviser and the director of graduate studies, and cannot be included in the minimum credit requirement for the MS degree.

Oral Examination

A final oral examination for the MS degree is administered by an examining committee that consists of 2 members of the statistics graduate faculty and 1 faculty member from the minor or related area. The oral examination often focuses on the Plan B project, but may be a comprehensive examination of the MS program course work.

Related Information