Statistics (M.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Kurt D. Cogswell, Department Head
Donald Vestal, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering 209, Box 2220C
605-688-6196
E-mail: donald.vestal@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/mathstat

Program Information
The focus of the M.S. in Statistics Program is the development of sophisticated statistical models and their implementation on high performance computing platforms. The curriculum features a balance of application, computation, and theory with particular emphasis in the areas of biostatistics/informatics and analytics. Areas of faculty and graduate student research activity include bioinformatics, biostatistics, business and financial analytics, forensic statistics, and general statistics. The program is particularly effective at preparing graduates to work in business, industry, or government as well as preparing students to continue on to the CSS Ph.D. or other Ph.D. program.

Course Delivery Format
Courses will typically be delivered in on-campus classrooms, with occasional courses offered online.

Facilities and Services
The department offices are located in Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering 209. The Math Help Center, located in AME 292 and in the Biostress Basement 0020, provides free walk-in tutoring for students in several undergraduate courses.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The department has graduate research and teaching assistantships and fellowships are available for a number of qualified applicants.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	35 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

All graduate candidates must pass two comprehensive written examinations. Each exam will test over material from a two-semester sequence of courses.

Each exam will be offered twice per year, approximately three weeks after the end of each of the fall and spring semesters.

Students may take each exam as many times as they like. After a second failure on a particular exam, a remediation program will be recommended by that exam’s committee.

The written comprehensive exam requirement must be completed prior to scheduling the final oral examination.

Statistical Inference

STAT 784 - Statistical Inference I Credits: 3
STAT 785 - Statistical Inference II Credits: 3

Regression

STAT 786 - Regression Analysis I Credits: 3
STAT 787 - Regression Analysis II Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

STAT 798 - Thesis Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
Additional electives as needed to complete option requirements

Option B - Research/Design Paper

STAT 788 - Research Paper Credits: 1-2 (2 credits required)
Additional electives as needed to complete option requirements

Option C - Coursework Only

Approved Electives

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B), 35 (Option C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 575 paper-based, 90-91 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0

Students who are interested in an assistantship are strongly encouraged to submit letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s experience with teaching and research.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .