Statistics and Probability

Statistics is a fundamental tool in modern science, industry, business and government. Applied statisticians work closely with scientists, engineers and managers in the interpretation and control of phenomena and processes subject to variability. Theorists study and develop new statistical procedures, which are often motivated by real applications, by using advanced mathematical and computational methods.

The Department of Mathematics offers graduate study in both theoretical and applied statistics at the masters and Ph.D. level. The statisticians in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and others from the Departments of Economics, Industrial Engineering, Accountancy, and Supply Chain management form the Committee on Statistics which offers the interdisciplinary - Master of Science in Statistics. Information about the M.S. in Statistics program can also be obtained by writing to the Director of the Committee on Statistics at the Graduate College.

Besides the general departmental prerequisites, students studying statistics must have a course in Introductory Applied Statistics, and have proficiency in a high level computer language.

Masters students take courses in Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Theory of Linear Models, Applied Regression Analysis and Applied Analysis of Variance. Additional course work (to complete 24 hours for the thesis option and 30 hours for the non-thesis option) is selected from other theoretical and applied courses offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Six hours of thesis (STP 599) is required for those choosing the thesis option.

In addition to completing the courses outlined above for masters students, Ph.D. students take course work in Advanced Probability and Advanced Statistical Inference. Additional course work in statistics and mathematics is selected in consultation with the supervisory committee and may include study in statistics in other departments at Arizona State University.

For the MA degree, students who choose the thesis option take the Qualifying Examination in Mathematical Statistics. Those who choose the non-thesis option take the Qualifying Examination in Mathematical Statistics and one of the following two examinations:

(a) a Special Master's Examination in Applied Linear Models (STP 530 and STP 531)
or
(b) a Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination in Advanced Probability and Theory of Linear Models (STP 525 and STP 526).
Students pursuing the MNS degree take the Qualifying Examination in Mathematical Statistics. Ph.D. students take the Mathematical Statistics qualifier, another qualifying examination, and
a Comprehensive Examination in Advanced Probability and Theory of Linear Models (STP 525 and STP 526).

For more information on specific aspects and content of this program, contact one of the Statistics and Probability faculty: