Statistics, M.S.

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Master of Science in Statistics

(30 UNITS)

The M.S. in Statistics offers a modern and state-of-the-art technology-oriented curriculum that prepares students for any career in government, business or industry that involves applications of statistics. Students who complete the program will also be well placed to continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. Students have the option of attending courses fully online or in-person at the CSUF campus. All courses will be broadcast live via online two-way streams to students attending them remotely.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics or related fields at an accredited institution with grade-point average of 3.0 or better in mathematics and statistics courses, and 2.5 GPA in related sciences. Applicants with a degree in a related discipline must minimally have completed: a two-year calculus sequence; courses in linear algebra (equivalent to MATH 250B ), statistical methods (equivalent to MATH 338 ) and computer programming (equivalent to MATH 320 , CPSC 120 or CPSC 121 ); and one upper-division course in probability theory (equivalent to MATH 335 ).

Applicants with grade deficiencies and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics may be considered for conditionally classified standing if they meet all other departmental requirements. The conditional classification may be removed by completing up to nine units of statistics graduate committee-approved postgraduate courses in mathematics and statistics with grades of “B” (3.0) or better.

Classified Standing

Students may apply for classified standing when the following requirements have been met:

Completed all university and departmental admission requirements, including the University Writing Requirement
Developed a study plan approved by the Mathematics Department and graduate programs and research associate vice president (or designee)

A classified graduate student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all coursework to remain in good standing.

Required Core Courses (24 units)

Electives (6 units)

Students will be required to take six units of elective courses, approved by the statistics graduate committee, that are most suited to their educational objectives.

Culminating Experience

With approval of the graduate statistics committee, students may write a master’s thesis in lieu of the six elective units. Those who are not approved to write a thesis will be required to take a two-part comprehensive exam based on material in MATH 502A , MATH 502B and MATH 537 . The first part of the exam will consist of theoretical concepts; the second will involve conducting data analysis and writing a report. Students are allowed two attempts to pass both sections of the exam.