The fee-based Master of Science (M.S.) in Statistics - Advanced Methods and Data Analysis (AMDS) is intended for full-time international and domestic students who wish to obtain rigorous training in Statistics. The program aims to provide students a solid foundation in statistical methodology, computation and theory that will enable them to pursue a doctoral degree as well as careers in government, research institutes and industry. There is also the option for students to specialize in areas of emphasis in statistical genetics, statistical learning, and social statistics.
The program is designed to provide students with a cohort experience and to enable close interactions with other graduate students in the department. Most students in the AMDS track will complete the Masters degree in the Winter of their second year.
Recommended Preparation
Background in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer science or a quantitative field, with 30 or more quarter credits in mathematics and statistics, to include a year of advanced (second-year) calculus, one course of linear algebra, and one course in probability theory. Knowledge of basic programming concepts along with familiarity with a high-level programming language such as R, Python or Matlab.
Admission Requirements
For application requirements and procedures, please see the graduate programs applications page.
Graduation Requirements
The (AMDS) track requires a minimum of 49 credits that cover the department-specific graduation requirement outline below. For additional details on these department-specific requirements, please consult the M.S. Student Handbook. In addition, please see also the University-wide requirements at Instructions, Policies & Procedures for Graduate Students.
- Complete the nine core program courses: STAT 502 (4 credits), STAT 504 (4), STAT 512 (4), STAT 513 (4), STAT 534 (3), STAT 536 (3), STAT 570 (4), STAT 571 (4) and STAT 528 (3).
- Pass the M.S. Theory Exam. The syllabus of the exam is available here.
- Participate in at least one quarter of the Statistics seminar.
- Complete enough elective courses to meet the 49 credits requirement for the major. At most six of these credits can be earned by participating in additional seminars, through the completion of an internship, or by participating in the research activities. A list of elective courses that have already been pre-approved or pre-denied can be found here.
Specialized Tracks
At the end of the program, students who have completed certain course sequences are provided with a letter of recognition describing those sequences. The specializations include statistical genetics, statistical learning, and social statistics. Further details about the specializations are available in the handbook.