University of Pittsburgh

Master's Degree in Statistics

(This degree is primarily intended for students working toward their PhDs.)

Prerequisites

  • Three semesters of calculus
  • Linear algebra
  • Year of mathematical statistics (equivalent to STAT 1151-1152)

The Master of Arts (Nonthesis) Option Requirements

  1. STAT 1631-1632, Intermediate Probability and Intermediate Mathematical Statistics
  2. STAT 2131-2132, Applied Statistical Methods 1 and 2
  3. Seven additional 3-credit statistics courses of which no more than two can be undergraduate courses (course numbers 1200 or higher and not including STAT 1221 and STAT 1231).
  4. Passing the preliminary exam, usually given at the beginning of the fall semester of the second year of graduate study. The exam covers the topics taught in STAT 1631-1632 and STAT 2131-2132.

The Master of Science (Thesis) Option Requirements

  1. STAT 1631-1632, Intermediate Probability and Intermediate Mathematical Statistics
  2. STAT 2131-2132, Applied Statistical Methods 1 and 2
  3. Five additional 3-credit statistics courses of which no more than two can be undergraduate courses (course numbers 1200 or higher and not including STAT 1221 and STAT 1231)
  4. Six credits of STAT 2001, Research and Thesis for the Master of Science degree
  5. An oral defense of the thesis
  6. Passing the preliminary exam, usually given at the beginning of the fall semester of the second year of graduate study. The exam covers the topics taught in STAT 1631-1632 and STAT 2131-2132.

To qualify for this degree option, a student must find a faculty member in the department to direct the student's thesis. For full-time students, this should be done no later than the start of the student's second year in graduate school.