Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- understand the mathematical and statistical theory that underlies commonly used statistical methods;
- choose appropriate statistical methods for data analysis;
- correctly and effectively implement descriptive and inferential statistical methods;
- identify and criticize inappropriate use of statistics;
- consult with non-statisticians to help collect and analyze data; and
- acquire effective communication skills for disseminating statistical findings.
The Master of Science program in statistics requires 32 s.h. of graduate credit. It includes a solid foundation in statistical computing, statistical modeling, experimental design, and mathematical statistics plus electives in statistical methods and/or theory. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on theory or applications or a combination of the two.
In addition to required coursework, students must pass a two-part graduate final examination and complete the MS creative component.
Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.00 in all work toward the degree and in additional relevant coursework. Students must take a computer programming proficiency test during the first semester of study; those who display inadequate programming skills are assigned activities to build their proficiency.
The MS with a major in statistics requires the following work.
Statistics Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| STAT:5090 | ALPHA Seminar | 1 |
| STAT:5100 | Statistical Inference I | 3 |
| STAT:5101 | Statistical Inference II | 3 |
| STAT:5200/IGPI:5199 | Applied Statistics I | 4 |
| STAT:5201 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| STAT:5400/DATA:5400/IGPI:5400 | Computing in Statistics | 3 |
| STAT:6220 | Statistical Consulting | 3 |
| STAT:6300 | Probability and Stochastic Processes I | 3 |
| STAT:6990 | Readings in Statistics (two consecutive enrollments) | 2 |
| At least 7 s.h. from these: | ||
| STAT:4520/IGPI:4522/PSQF:4520 | Bayesian Statistics | 3 |
| STAT:4540/BAIS:4540/DATA:4540/IGPI:4540 | Statistical Learning | 3 |
| STAT:4580/DATA:4580/IGPI:4580 | Data Visualization and Data Technologies | 3 |
| STAT:5120 | Mathematical Methods for Statistics | 3 |
| STAT:6301 | Probability and Stochastic Processes II | 3 |
| STAT:6530/IGPI:6530 | Environmental and Spatial Statistics | 3 |
| STAT:6547/PSQF:6247 | Nonparametric Statistical Methods | 3 |
| STAT:6560 | Applied Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| STAT:6970 | Topics in Statistics | 3 |
| DATA:4750/STAT:4750 | Probabilistic Statistical Learning | 3 |
| A PhD-level course numbered 7000 or above, including seminar courses | 1-3 | |
Students planning to enter the doctoral program may wish to include STAT:5120 Mathematical Methods for Statistics in their course selections because it is part of the required PhD core.
Final Examination
The final examination consists of two parts. One covers the topics presented in STAT:5100 Statistical Inference I and STAT:5101 Statistical Inference II; the other part covers the topics presented in STAT:5200/IGPI:5199 Applied Statistics I, STAT:5201 Applied Statistics II, and STAT:5400/DATA:5400/IGPI:5400 Computing in Statistics. Each part includes a few problems that test readiness for the PhD program.
Final examinations are offered the week before the fall semester begins in August. Study guides are available in the department office. Students who do not succeed the first time they take the exam may repeat it once, with the possibility to retake it the week before the spring semester begins in January.
Students must complete all requirements and be granted the Master of Science degree within one calendar year of passing the MS final examination; those who do not meet this deadline are required to take the exam again.
Students entering the PhD program, who will choose either biostatistics, probability/mathematical statistics, or data science as their concentration area, and who already have taken the equivalent of the first-year courses, may take the MS final examination in statistics before beginning further studies.
Creative Component
Students also must complete a creative component that is related to their application and career interests. Students wishing to qualify for the PhD program are encouraged to write a research-oriented creative component. The creative component entails writing an 8–15 page report on a suitable topic, under an advisor's supervision (with two consecutive 1 s.h. enrollments in STAT:6990 Readings in Statistics, normally during the fall and spring semesters of the second year). A draft of the paper should be completed by the end of the first enrollment in STAT:6990, and polished by early- to mid-semester in the second enrollment. The paper is then presented orally in a public seminar. A faculty committee, in consultation with the creative component advisor, evaluates the work and the presentation, and assigns a grade of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
For students wishing to qualify for the PhD program, the creative component represents one piece of the body of work used to determine PhD qualification. The creative component must be satisfactorily completed within one calendar year of passing the MS final examination; failure to meet this deadline requires reexamination of the student.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Statistics and probability are vital to many fields, so the demand for well-trained statisticians is strong. Statisticians work in medicine, engineering, law, public policy making, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, varied social and natural sciences, and numerous other areas.
The MS program prepares students for careers as professional statisticians or for entry into a PhD program. To learn more about job opportunities, see ASA JobWeb on the American Statistical Association website.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Statistics, MS
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 32 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STAT:5090 | ALPHA Seminar | 1 |
| STAT:5100 | Statistical Inference I | 3 |
| STAT:5200 | Applied Statistics I | 4 |
| STAT:5400 | Computing in Statistics | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| STAT:5101 | Statistical Inference II | 3 |
| STAT:5201 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
| Statistics elective b | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Written Final Exam c | ||
| Creative Component d, e | ||
| STAT:6300 | Probability and Stochastic Processes I | 3 |
| STAT:6990 | Readings in Statistics f | 1 |
| Statistics elective b | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| Present Creative Component g | ||
| STAT:6220 | Statistical Consulting | 3 |
| STAT:6990 | Readings in Statistics f | 1 |
| Statistics elective b | 1 | |
| Final Exam h | ||
| Hours | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Must complete at least 7 s.h. of additional statistics coursework; students planning to enroll in the PhD program are encouraged to take STAT:5120. See the General Catalog for list of approved courses.
- c
- The two-part written final examination is offered the week before classes begin in August; it covers the material presented in STAT:5100, STAT:5101, STAT:5200, STAT:5201, and STAT:5400. Students who do not succeed on their first attempt may repeat it once, with the possibility to retake it the week before classes begin in January.
- d
- Students must complete a creative component that is related to their application and career interests. It entails writing an 8-15 page report on a suitable topic, under an advisor's supervision with two consecutive 1 s.h. enrollments in STAT:6990, normally during the fall and spring semesters of the second year. Students wishing to qualify for the PhD program are encouraged to write a research-oriented paper.
- e
- Satisfactorily complete the creative component requirement draft by the end of the semester.
- f
- Two consecutive enrollments required.
- g
- The creative component requirement must be completed and presented by mid-spring; the paper is then presented orally in a public seminar.
- h
- Successful completion of all degree requirements including the two-part written examination and creative component.