Master of Science in Statistics

The Master of Science (MS) in Statistics provides students with advanced training in mathematical and applied statistics, preparing them for a wide range of careers.

Program Details

Students complete specialized coursework and computational training in a number of areas of emphasis. Our alumni go on to successful quantitative, analytics, or data science careers in industry or government. Graduates of our program are also well prepared for additional graduate education leading to a Ph.D.

Students must complete 31 credits of required and elective courses to earn the MS in Statistics. After taking all required three-credit courses, students must take and pass a MS qualifying exam. They must also demonstrate proficiency in statistical computing through their coursework. There is no thesis requirement for the MS in Statistics.

The program emphasizes applied statistics and requires students to take at least one course in areas of application. The plan of study for this degree may be formulated with related work in almost any area, such as biology, business, economics, nutrition, or psychological sciences, to name a few. (Note: Individuals who would like to concentrate on biostatistics should consider the MS in Biostatistics.)

Students typically require three semesters of full-time study with four courses per semester to complete the MS degree. It is possible for a student with a strong background in statistics to complete the degree in one year.
 

Download the MS Plan of Study

View full degree requirements

Courses

Although there are no official course requirements for admission to the program, it is necessary for students to have a certain level of mathematical sophistication to make acceptable progress through the program. This mathematical maturity may be achieved by successful completion of three semesters of calculus and a semester of linear algebra. A background in statistics will be helpful but is not required.

Required Courses

Depending on a student’s background, they should take eight to 10 three-credit courses to complete the MS in Statistics. The following courses are required:

  • STAT 5585. Mathematical Statistics I (3 credits).
  • STAT 5685. Mathematical Statistics II (3 credits).
  • STAT 5505. Applied Statistics I (3 credits).
  • STAT 5605. Applied Statistics II (3 credits).
  • STAT 5725. Linear Models (3 credits).
  • STAT 5515. Design of Experiments (3 credits).
  • STAT 5095. Investigation of Special Topics (1 credit).

Note: Students can register for STAT 5095 during the summer or regular semester for an internship.

Elective Courses

Students typically must take four additional elective courses. Two-to-three elective courses must come from the Department of Statistics, and at least one course must come from an area of application in another department.

Students may choose elective courses with the approval of their major and associate advisors. Up to six credits may be transferred from another program, subject to the approval of the Department, provided that the student has taken equivalent graduate-level courses that have not been counted toward any academic degree.

Sample Course Sequences

Possible sequences of courses include:

Two-Semester Plan (for students who have taken courses equivalent to STAT 5585-5685 and some courses in applied statistics)

  • Semester one: STAT 5505 and 5725, plus two elective courses.
  • Semester two: STAT 5095, 5605, and 5515, plus two elective courses.

Three-Semester Plan

  • Semester one: STAT 5585 and 5505, plus one elective course.
  • Semester two: STAT 5685, 5515, and 5605, plus one elective course.
  • Semester three: STAT 5725 and 5095 (1 credit), plus two elective courses.

Four-Semester Plan

  • Semester one: STAT 5585 and 5505, plus one elective course.
  • Semester two: STAT 5685 and 5515, plus one elective course.
  • Semester three: STAT 5725, plus one or two elective courses.
  • Semester four: STAT 5605 and 5095 (1 credit), plus one or two elective courses.

Admissions

Fall application deadline: April 1

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any major, with a background in mathematics and statistics, are encouraged to apply.

International students must consult with UConn International Student and Scholar Services for visa rules and University requirements.
 

Full Admissions Requirements

Contact Us

For questions about the Master of Science in Statistics, please contact:

Vladimir Pozdnyakov

Professor and Director of Graduate Admission
vladimir.pozdnyakov@uconn.edu