Additional courses include topics such as generalized linear models, nonlinear models, nonparametric analysis, statistical computing, multivariate analysis, and time series analysis. The culmination of the program, the Masters Exam, requires the student to analyze two sets of real world data, and to defend the analysis before a selected committee of faculty members. Students pursuing a doctoral degree must take courses in several broad areas of statistical methods and theory. The Ph.D. qualifying examination is primarily based on the mathematical statistics and probability theory courses. The major requirement for the degree is to conduct original research in some area of statistics and to present the research in a dissertation.
Most students complete the Ph.D. in four to five years.
Upon completion of either degree, students usually find that their sound background of theory and application makes them very desirable employees. In addition, both a M.S. and Ph.D. in Statistics with emphasis in Biostatistics are offered in collaboration with the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics in the Medical School. For these programs, in addition to satisfying the requirements for a degree in statistics, Master's and Ph.D. students are required to take two courses in biostatistics exploring topics in clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Ph.D. students in this program are also required to take a course in survival analysis methodology. Additional courses in design, generalized linear models, nonparametrics, and categorical data analysis are also recommended.