MSTAT - Statistics (MS)

All master students should have a background in mathematics at least at the level of calculus, along with prior knowledge of matrix or linear algebra. The Data Science and Analytics track requires proficiency of course  and course  or equivalent, and at least 3 credit hours of a programming language course that uses C, C++, Fortran, R or Python, for admission.  Students without the background of course  and course  prior to admission are required to take extra credits to fulfill the requirement.

Two master’s degree completion options are available for each track: the master’s report option and the non-report option.

• For the master’s report option, the student must take 30 hours of coursework and write a report for 2 additional hours of credit in course.

• For the non report option, the student must take 36 hours of coursework and pass a comprehensive exam for the Mathematical Statistics track, or complete a Capstone Project for the Data Science and Analytics track.  

• Students must select either the report option or the non-report option by the first week of the fall semester of their second year in the MS program. At this time, the student is required to file a program of study. Students that do not file a program of study that specifies an explicit choice of degree option in a timely manner will be automatically assigned to the non-report option. Students are not allowed to switch between report versus non-report options after filing the program of study unless the switch is approved by the Graduate Program Committee.

• Students that are interested in pursuing the report option should contact potential faculty advisors by the end of their first year in the MS program in order to allow time to identify a suitable project.

• For both the Report Option and the Non-Report option: Students must be enrolled in at least one hour the semester in which they plan to complete the final examination or defend their report and graduate. In addition, international students should check with International Student and Scholar Services to be certain of the enrollment required.

A culminating experience is required for this option. The graduate student works with the major professor and the supervisory committee to determine the parameters of the culminating experience.

For both tracks, electives can be selected from Statistics courses at the 700 level and above, as well as from other departmental offerings, which requires approval by the department. Such approval is at the department’s discretion.

Note:

• Students planning to pursue the PhD in Statistics at K-State are required to take course . 

• Master’s students wishing to continue for the PhD must apply for admission to that program. Students should meet with the Department Head regarding available funding.