Statistics

Master of Statistics students can choose from several concentrations. In addition to the basic (no concentration) Master of Statistics degree, concentrations are available in Biomedical Statistics, Environmental Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Statistical Genetics, and Financial Statistics. The differences among the concentrations are the required coursework, most often the choices of electives. Students can also choose the Master of Science degree, though currently most students do not. The Master of Science degree requires a Thesis.

• No Concentration
  The goal of the 'no concentration' is a solid foundation in the traditional areas of statistics, such as survey sampling and design of experiments. This route may provide the best preparation for someone working as a lone statistician on an interdisciplinary team.

• Biomedical Statistics
  The concentration in Biomedical Statistics will provide training in statistical methods useful in the design and analysis of studies conducted in medical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the area of public health. Students will learn fundamentals of clinical trials and epidemiological studies and will be exposed to recent advances in statistical methods for the analysis of time-to-event, categorical, and longitudinal data.

• Environmental Statistics
  It is recommended that students in the Environmental Statistics Concentration be involved with research and consulting in the environmental area and interact with environmental scientists. This may be accomplished through projects of the department or University, or through formal internships with EPA and the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) at RTP.

• Mathematical Statistics
  The Mathematical Statistics concentration will provide training in theoretical statistics. It provides the necessary foundation for a doctoral degree in statistics. One of the main purposes of this concentration is to provide the students a faster track to obtaining their doctoral degree, and hence is recommended mainly for those students that are considering a doctoral degree. Passing the Basic Exam at the PhD level at the beginning of the second year of study may serve as an indication whether one should consider this concentration.

• Statistical Genetics
  The Statistical Genetics concentration is appropriate for those who are interested in the relevance of genetic data to areas that include genomic science, medicine, and agriculture. This is a different program than the Master of Bioinformatics program.

• Financial Statistics
  The Financial Statistics concentration complements the Statistics core courses with electives related to the analysis, interpretation, and understanding of financial data. This is a different program from the Masters of Financial Mathematics program, or the Masters of Economics program.