Program: Statistics (M.S.) - South Dakota State University

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Apr 07, 2025

View of computers on a table during a meeting.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Eun Heui Kim, 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, spatial statistics, precision agriculture, public health, business and financial analytics, forensic statistics, mathematical machine learning, 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	30 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

Thesis

STAT 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
Electives Credits: 12

Non-Thesis

Electives Credits: 17

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis & Non-Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 90-91 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

Two letters of recommendation with at least one from an individual who can address the applicant’s technical knowledge background and ability to perform research, a research statement or statement of interest area, and transcripts are required.

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 .

Statistics (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main CampusClose