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Graduate Handbook (2005-2006)
Master's Program in Statistics

The Master of Science in Statistics degree program is administered through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and is offered with both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Through this program, students receive excellent training for professional employment in industry or government and at the same time obtain sufficient theoretical background to qualify them to teach elementary statistics or to continue into more advanced degree programs. Admission to the master's program in statistics is open to graduates from all disciplines. The program of study is a blend of both statistical theory and statistical methods, and it provides graduate students with the opportunity to partipicate as statistical consultants on real projects. In addition, there is ample flexibility in the non-thesis option to allow a graduate student with special interest in an area of statistical application to minor in that particular applied field.

Prerequisites
All the master's degree programs in statistics require as prerequisite expertise in the in the following:

  1. Matrix Algebra
  2. Computer Concepts
  3. Calculus at the level of MA 2743 - Calculus IV.

Statistics Core

  1. Methods Portion:
    1. MA 8533 - Applied Probability
    2. MA 8603 - Applied Statistics
  2. Theoretical Portion:
    1. ST 6543 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I
    2. ST 6573 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II
    3. ST 8613 - Linear Models I
Specific Degree Requirements
Master of Science with thesis: (30 semester hours)
  1. Pass the Statistics core courses, or equivalent;
  2. Pass the Core Examinations in Statistics;
  3. Pass ST 6111 - Seminar in Statistical Packages;
  4. Earn at least 30 semester hours of graduate credits with six hours earned as thesis; at least 15 of the total hours must be at the 8000 level or above;
  5. The graduate program should contain a minimum of 12 semester hours of coursework in statistics;
  6. Present and defend the thesis.
Master of Science with non-thesis option: (36 semester hours)
  1. Pass the Statistics core courses, or equivalent;
  2. Pass the Core Examinations in Statistics;
  3. Pass ST 6111 - Seminar in Statistical Packages;
  4. Pass ST 6211 - Statistical Consulting in two different semesters of enrollment;
  5. Earn at least 36 semester hours of graduate credit with at least 18 hours being course work in statistics; at least 18 of the total hours must be at the 8000 level or above.
  6. Three of the 36 hours of credit required in (5) will be earned by the student by studying a topic in statistics and making an oral presentation to his/her committee. The student will receive credit in MA 7003, Directed Individual Study.

Department of Mathematics and Statistics  |  Mississippi State University  |  Mississippi State, MS 39762-9715
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