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Statistics - MS

Division: Physical Sciences
Degree Type: MS

Program Description

Statistics, the art and science of analyzing data, is about being quantitatively literate. The master's program in statistics at the University of Chicago is an exciting combination of a professional degree, a liberal education, and, for those who wish, a preparation for doctoral study in any field in which statistics is heavily used. It is possible to pursue either statistics as such, or in combination with any of the main areas where statistics is applied. For students with the appropriate background, the program can be completed in one academic year. By the appropriate background, we mean advanced calculus and linear algebra, a year of calculus-based probability and statistics and familiarity with some statistical data analysis. Students missing part of this background can and do gain admission to the program but should not expect to be able to complete the program in one academic year.

Theoretical and Applied Excellence

The diversity of the program reflects the interdisciplinary orientation of nearly all our faculty. The fields mentioned above are all represented by active researchers in the department, as are other areas such as statistical computing, environmental statistics and the history of statistics.
What makes the University of Chicago program special is our unique blend of theoretical excellence and true appreciation for the subjects in which our field is applied. We educate our students to the same high standards.

The Program

The program has several constituent parts, which go together to form a comprehensive quantitative education. The program includes:

  1. Courses in theoretical and applied statistics that provide a broad knowledge and understanding of statistical methods and their practical use.
  2. Consulting experience: the department runs a consulting service for researchers in other departments in the University. You get to be the consultant, working as the quantitative expert to solve important research problems of our day. Typically, two graduate students work together under the supervision of a faculty member.
  3. Exposure to the cutting edge of the field through seminars and special courses.
  4. A chance to study a problem in depth through a master's paper on a subject chosen by you together with your faculty adviser.
  5. Training in presentation: all master's students give a short seminar to the department midway through the year, and a long seminar on their master's paper at the completion of the program. Students are also expected to participate actively in courses and seminars.

Contact

Application Method

Applications should be initiated through the online application.

Deadlines

Deadline for admissions and financial aid: December 31, 2012

Campus Visits

Although the Department does not interview applicants, you are welcome to visit campus and sit in on classes.

Degree Objective

The Department offers both an MS and a PhD.

Application Requirements

  1. Online Application
  2. Transcript: An official copy of your transcript from each undergraduate or graduate institution you have attended is required. If it is unclear from your transcript whether you have met the prerequisites for our program, we recommend that you include a list of the topics covered in each course that would be relevant to our program. If the original language of your transcripts is not English, you must obtain an official translation and submit official transcripts both in the original language and in English.
  3. Letters of Recommendation:A minimum of three letters of recommendation are required. Two additional letters may be included if you think the circumstances warrant it.
  4. GRE scores: GRE scores are required for all applicants. The University’s institution code is 1832; our department code is 0704.
  5. TOEFL scores: TOEFL scores are required for all applicants except those who grew up in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or the United States;and applicants who, in the last five years, completed one academic year of full-time study at an English-language institution in one of those countries. The University’s institution code is 1832; our department code is 59.
  6. Candidate Statement: Your statement should explain what interests you about statistics, what your goals are, and what you hope to accomplish in your studies here.
  7. Fee: The application fee is $65. A waiver can be considered for domestic applicants only. Students applying to both the MS and PhD programs must pay two fees, for a total of $130.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are emailed in early March.

Program Requirements

  • At least 9 courses in total:
    • The theoretical statistics sequence (STAT 24400-24500-24600)
    • The applied statistics sequence (STAT 34300-34500-34700)
    • 3 regular elective courses
    • Up to 9 other elective courses
  • A master's paper with a half-hour oral presentation.
  • Regular participation in the departmental Consulting Program.

Costs & Financial Aid

Annual tuition (for nine courses) is $43,749 and the required Student Life Fee is $930, making a total of $44,679 in tuition and fees. The department offers gift aid equivalent to a 25-percent reduction of tuition costs, or $10,937. These amounts are likely to increase slightly for the 2013-14 academic year.