The Masters in Applied Statistics is intended to equip the student for a career as an applied statistician working in government, industry, research organizations, engineering and consulting firms, health care organizations, public utilities, and so on.

These degree programs are not interdepartmental programs, although they do rely, in part, on courses offered by the Biostatistics, Computer Science, Economics, Industrial and Operations Engineering, Mathematics, Sociology, and other Departments.

We recommend that a prospective student has had some calculus, linear algebra, and one course each in probability and mathematical statistics. Students without these prerequisite courses will generally elect them in their first year, with no credit toward the requirements for the degree.

For other admission requirements, see the section on Admission earlier in this brochure.

The Curriculum

The program consists of at least 30 credit hours (10 courses) of graduate studies. You may take more than 10 courses. Core courses in the program are

• Statistics 500 Applied Statistics I

• Biostatistics 601, 602 Probability and Theoretical Statistics

• Statistics 504 Statistical Consulting

and any four from Statistics 406, 430, 501, 503, 526, 531, 535, 550, 560, 570, 580, or any approved 600 or higher level Statistics course. Substitutions are allowed with approval from the Graduate Chair.

Two graduate level cognate courses (taken outside the Department of Statistics or cross-listed with another department) must also be taken. These courses must be approved by the Graduate Chair.

Options and Cognate Courses

Here are some suggestions for optional and cognate courses. You are not restricted to the courses listed below. We are also open to specializations in other areas.

Survey Sampling Option

The use of sample surveys to obtain information on a myriad of subjects is becoming ever more popular. The demand for statisticians trained in this subarea is extremely high. The University of Michigan has, in various departments and in the Institute for Social Research, the faculty talent to be able to offer one of the best programs in the country.

Under this option, we suggest students should elect Statistics 580 (Theory of Sampling) and Statistics 502 (Analysis of Categorical Data). (Note that Statistics 580 is cross-listed as Biostatistics 617 and as Sociology 717. The course has recently been taught most frequently by Biostatistics.) Other possible courses are

• Sociology 612 -- Methods of Survey Sampling

• Sociology 613 -- Advanced Methods of Survey Sampling

• Sociology 621 -- Workshop on Sampling Techniques

• Sociology 711 -- Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Coding

• Other courses in sample survey offered by the Department of Sociology or the Institute for Social Research.

Actuarial Science Option

The University of Michigan has enjoyed, since 1905, the reputation of having one of the best actuarial programs offered anywhere. There is also a continuing demand for statisticians specializing in actuarial science.

Under this option a student should consider the following options

• Statistics 550 -- Bayesian Decision Analysis

• Mathematics 520 -- Life Contingencies I

• Mathematics 521 -- Life Contingencies II

• Mathematics 523 -- Risk Theory

• Biostatistics 675 -- Survival Analysis

Econometrics and Forecasting Option

Another subarea of increasing importance involves the uses of statistical and econometric models in predicting or forecasting various phenomena, economic and otherwise.

Under this option the following courses should be considered:

• Stat 576/ Econ 679 -- Econometric Theory II

• Statistics 531 -- Statistical Analysis of Time Series

• Economics 501 -- Microeconomic Theory

• Economics 502 -- Applied Macroeconomics

• Economics 671 -- Econometric Analysis

• Economics 675 -- Applied Econometrics

Some students electing this option may have the opportunity to obtain further experience and training by serving an apprenticeship in the Seminar in Quantitative Economics run by the Department of Economics.

Industrial Statistics Option

With American industry becoming increasingly aware of the need to assure quality by the application of statistical methodology and of the uses of statistics in basic research, the demand for statisticians having interests in this area is increasing.

Under this option a student should consider the following courses:

• Statistics 535 -- Reliability

• IOE 515 -- Stochastic Industrial Processes

• IOE 645 -- Reliability, Replacement and Maintenance

• Other Engineering courses

Statistical Computing Option

With the computer revolution, there is increasing pressure to apply new computing technology in statistics. With present-day computing capabilities and graphics it is possible to implement and apply statistical analyses which were inconceivable not very long ago. There is a very large demand, and virtually no supply, for individuals with training in modern statistical computing.

The following courses are suggested:

• Mathematics 571 -- Numerical Analysis

• EECS courses depending on interest and ability.