Statistics (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

View of computers on a table during a meeting.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kurt D. Cogswell, Department Head
Donald Vestal, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall 209, Box 2225
605-688-6196

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will understand mathematical or statistical models.
Students will be able to construct and apply standard mathematical and statistical models.
Students will be able to solve problems using appropriate software to implement the appropriate models.
Students will be able to disseminate the results of their work to others.
Students will be able to apply Argument Deconstruction in mathematics and statistics.

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

STAT 684 - Statistical Inference I Credits: 3
STAT 685 - Statistical Inference II Credits: 3
STAT 686 - Regression Analysis I Credits: 3
STAT 687 - Regression Analysis II Credits: 3
STAT 779 - Advanced Statistics Synthesis Credits: 1

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

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

Option B - Research/Design Paper

STAT 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) 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: 90-91 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

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

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to the undergraduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

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

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