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MASTER'S DEGREE

Please note that this Program was updated in April 2001 and supercedes previous versions

The regular Masters degree (Master of Arts in Statistics) is regarded by the Department as an embedded degree earned while a student is working towards a Ph.D. degree in Statistics or as a dual degree earned while a student is working towards a Ph.D. degree in another field. A student who is interested in only a Masters degree in Statistics should apply to the Masters Program in Applied Statistics, and not to this program.

Within the Masters program there are several options, and some flexibility within each option. Specific degree requirements for each of these options are to be detailed below.

Application and Admission

Applicants must have already been accepted in a Rackham graduate program. The student is expected to have a working knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and introductory probability and statistics. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Chair in the Statistics prior to application. Students should apply by submitting a Change in Status form to the Statistics Graduate Chair. Admission will be determined by the Statistics Graduate Chair (in consultation with the "Statistics Coordinator" in the student's program where appropriate). The application must also be approved by the Graduate advisor in the student's home department. Applications are accepted at any time.

Curriculum

This program requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work that includes two cognate courses. The program must be approved by the Graduate Chair and must include the following courses:

  1. Statistics 500 (Applied Statistics 1) and Statistics 503 (Applied Multivariate Analysis). (6 credit hours)

  2. Biostatistics 601/ Biostatistics 602 (Probability/Theoretical Statistics) or Statistics 610 (Statistical Inference) and Statistics 611 (Large Sample Theory). (minimum 6 credit hours)

  3. Two statistics courses from graduate-level courses listed by the Statistics Department. (6 credit hours).

  4. Two cognate courses from another department. (minimum 4 credit hours)

More advanced courses may be substituted for required courses by well-prepared students in the Ph.D. program. In addition, a student who has completed courses that substantially overlap with any of the required courses may, with permission, substitute other graduate courses in Statistics or closely related fields for them.

Options in Other Departments

The Departments of Statistics has agreements with the Departments of Economics, Psychology, and Sociology, and the School of Education whereby a doctoral student in any of these disciplines may earn a Masters degree in Statistics. Each of these academic units has a "Statistics Coordinator" serving as consultant to the Graduate Chair in the Department of Statistics. A doctoral student in any other department may receive special counseling toward a Masters degree in Statistics by applying to the Statistics Department Graduate Chair.

Option in Econometrics

A doctoral student in the Department of Economics must replace the core requirements A and C by, C. Four statistics courses from graduate-level courses listed by the Statistics Department. (12 credit hours). At least 12 of the minimum 24 credit hours of course work must be obtained by enrolling in graduate-level statistics courses listed with Statistics as the home department. Special arrangements can also be made with permission of the Graduate Chair in consultation with the "Statistics Coordinator" in Economics.

Option in Psychology

Core requirements C & D provide flexibility to create a program of study that complements the student's research interests. Statistics 414 cannot be used to satisfy core requirements C& D. Special arrangements can also be made with permission of the Graduate Chair in consultation with the "Statistics Coordinator" in Psychology.

Option in Sociology

It is recommended that a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology take advanced statistical methodology classes such as Sociology 542 or Survey Methodology 612 to fulfill the cognate requirement (D). Special arrangements can also be made with permission of the Graduate Chair in consultation with the "Statistics Coordinator" in Sociology.

Option in Quantitative Methods in Education

It is recommended that a doctoral student in the Quantitative Methods in Education program of the School of Education take Education 637. He/she may use Education 637 toward the cognate requirement (D). Special arrangements can also be made with permission of the Graduate Chair in consultation with the "Statistics Coordinator" in Education.

Graduate Courses