This degree program is flexible enough to provide preparation for a career in applied statistics or it can be composed entirely of the first two years of coursework for either the statistics or biostatistics Ph. D. program. A student will normally take this examination in the Autumn Quarter of the second year of graduate work. However, the department does not view either plan as an alternative once the other plan has resulted in failure. Since most students in recent years have elected to take the M.S. degree by examination, a few words about the M.S. degree with thesis are in order.
Some professors have problems that are suitable for theses.
These topics can range from the very mathematical to applications in other fields. In fact, some thesis topics could be direct extensions of problems arising in the Statistical Consulting Service. A thesis written on such a problem converts the degree to an applied degree, in substance, if not in name. All requirements for the M.S. degree must be completed within four years.