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M.S. in Statistics

The Department of Statistics offers thesis and non-thesis Master of Science programs, both requiring 34 semester hours, including at least 31 semester hours of work within the department. Students should expect to complete the master's degree in 18 months of graduate study.

The program requires the following first-year core courses:

  • STAT 5014 Introduction to Statistical Program Packages (1H)
  • STAT 5034 Inference Fundamentals (3H)
  • STAT 5044 Regression and ANOVA (3H)
  • STAT 5104 Probability and Distribution Theory (3H)
  • STAT 5024 Statistical Collaboration and Consulting (3H)
  • STAT 5114 Statistical Inference (3H)
  • STAT 5204 Experimental Design and Analysis (3H)
  • STAT 5124 Linear Models Theory (3H)

Additional courses which round out a program may be taken at the graduate level in statistics, mathematics, operations research, or in approved areas of application. Each student will participate for one semester in statistical collaboration and consulting activities. For graduate assistants, this is usually part of their duties for the assistantship.

After completing the first-year core courses, each student must pass a written qualifying examination at a level appropriate for the master's degree. A final oral examination is also required for the M.S. degree.

For more information: 

Scotland Leman
Director of Graduate Programs
401-A Hutcheson Hall
leman@vt.edu

John DeLong
Graduate Programs Coordinator
406-A Hutcheson Hall
jodelong@vt.edu