The student must demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research and scholarship in statistics and the ability to work independently and present results effectively. There are two ways of meeting this requirement in Statistics. By an independent investigation of some subject related to the student's program. After approximately three quarters of graduate study, the student selects a faculty member to direct work on the Plan B project. This faculty member usually serves as an adviser and chair of the final oral examining committee.
Wide latitude is given in the selection of projects.
Projects must be approved by the advising faculty member and the Director of Graduate Studies. By taking three Statistics courses at the 8xxx level, each carrying at least three credits, and passing the written Ph.D. preliminary examination. The additional courses must be approved by the student's adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies, and cannot be included in the minimum 44 credit requirement for the M.S. degree. A final oral examination for the M.S. degree is administered by an examining committee which consists of two members of the Statistics graduate faculty and one faculty member from the minor or related area. The oral examination often focuses on the Plan B project, but may be a comprehensive examination of the M.S. program course work.