II. MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Department of Statistics and Probability offers two majors that lead to master's degrees: statistics and applied statistics. For the master's degree, a student may emphasize either theoretical or applied material. An academic advisor coordinates the student's program of study, which must be approved by the chairperson of the department. The Graduate Director, Dr. Yang and the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Dass will be advising all master's students. If a student chooses the thesis option (Plan A) he/she must choose a faculty member who will direct the thesis. The student also must arrange for a guidance committee of at least three faculty members. The committee may be changed at any time, with the agreement of the department chairperson.

A written examination is required of all masters’ candidates. Ordinarily the written examination is given twice a year at about the mid-points of fall and spring semesters. The examination is based on STT 861-2. This exam is waived for those who choose MTH 828 and STT 865 and one of the two sequences STT 871-2 or STT 881-2 as parts of their degree requirements.

Each of the master's degree programs is described below.

IT IS ALWAYS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL UNIVERSITY AND DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE SATISFIED. SEE “MASTERS PROGRAMS” IN THE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC PROGRAMS CATALOG.

II.1 Master of Science or Arts with a Major in Statistics

The goal of the master's degree programs in Statistics is to provide students with a sound foundation in probability, mathematical statistics, and statistical methodology. The degree may be earned under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). Almost all students choose Plan B. To distinguish this degree from the degree in Applied Statistics, we refer to it as the "regular MS degree".

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

II.2.1 Admission

A candidate for the master's degrees in statistics should have completed at least 9 credits of junior or senior level mathematics with a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.00 over the last 9 credits. Preferably courses in advanced calculus and matrices would be included among the 9 credits. No previous course work in statistics or probability is required.

 II.1.2 Requirements for the Degree in Statistics

 An academic advisor coordinates the student's program of study, which must be approved by the chairperson of the Department.

1. At least 30 credits in courses in the Department of Statistics and Probability, or in a field of application of probability and statistics.
2. Complete: STT 861, 862 and MTH 415, 421
3. Electives: At least 9 additional credits at 800 level STT courses beyond the STT 861-862 that are primarily administered by the Department of Statistics and Probability.
4. Pass a written master's exam, based on materials covered in STT 861, 862

A student who is choosing to write a thesis (also know as Plan A) will do it under STT 899 with a minimum of 4 credits. The student will also have to pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis in front of a committee consisting of at least 3 MSU regular faculty members out of which at least 2 must be from the Department of Statistic and Probability.

II.2 Master of Science with a Major in Applied Statistics

The goals of the master's degree program in applied statistics are to provide students with a broad understanding of the proper application of statistical methodology and with experience in using computers effectively for statistical analysis. Special emphasis is placed on the concerns that an applied statistician must address in dealing with practical problems.

II.2.1 Admission

A candidate for the master's degree in applied statistics should have completed at least 6 credits of junior or senior level mathematics with a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 over the last 6 credits. No previous course work in statistics or probability is required.

II.2.2 Requirements for the Degree in Applied Statistics

 An academic advisor coordinates the student's program of study, which must be approved by the chairperson of the Department.

The student must:

1. Complete either
a) STT 461, 861, 862 and MTH 415, (requires 33 credits) or
b) STT 441, 442, 461, MTH 415, and an additional mathematics course at the 400 level or above (requires 36 credits).

2. Complete at least an additional 21 credits in courses offered by the Department of Statistics and Probability or in courses in a field of application of program and statistics. Among these 21, 15 credits must be chosen from among the following courses: STT 455, 471 and any 800-level courses which are primarily administered by the Department of Statistics and Probability.

3. Pass a written master's examination, based on materials covered in STT 861-862 or by STT 441-442, depending on the sequence the student has taken.

4. At least 16 credits must be at the 800 level or above.

II.3 Masters Examination

A candidate for the master's degree, regular or applied, must pass a written examination in probability and statistics. The examination is given in October and March each year, usually is four hours in length, and includes questions concerning the material covered in the courses 861 and 862. Copies of examinations given in previous years are available to students.

II.4 Annual Progress Report for Masters Students, both Regular and Applied:

In May or June of each year the student must submit an "Annual Progress Report for Plan A (or B) Masters Students." These forms are available from http://grad.msu.edu/progress.htm. Copies are included in the Appendix of this Handbook. The student's advisor and the graduate director for the Department are responsible for completion of the second page of the report .

Graduate assistants and international students on F-1 visas are expected to complete at least nine credits during each of Fall and Spring semesters, with the possible exception of the student’s last semester. Other students, especially those holding jobs, may choose to take fewer than nine credits, keeping in mind the university requirement that all work be completed within a seven year period.