Statistics, M.S. Program
Program Description
The Department of Statistics and Biostatistics offers graduate study leading to the degree Master of Science in Statistics. The program is flexible in order to serve the needs of students with varying backgrounds (including statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, business, economics and other quantitative fields) and with different career objectives. The program includes concentrations in in Actuarial Science, Applied Statistics, Data Science, and Mathematical Statistics. All students are expected to master a wide variety of applied statistical, computational, and probabilistic techniques and the theoretical foundations upon which these techniques are based. Students are expected to be familiar with recent developments in the field and to be able to use the statistical literature to learn new techniques and theories throughout their professional careers. In addition to the general requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog, students must satisfy the departmental requirements stated in the following paragraphs.
Students interested in pursuing an M.S. degree in Biostatistics should see the Biostatistics chapter in the university catalog.
Career Opportunities
Actuary • Biostatistician • Business Analyst • Census Analyst • Credit Analyst • Customer Analytics Specialist • Data Analyst • Data Manager • Data Scientist • Data Visualization Designer • Educational Researcher • Financial Modeler • Information Systems Analyst • Marketing Analytics Specialist • Quality Control Specialist • R programmer • Research Statistician • Sales Analyst • SAS Programmer • Statistical Programmer • Sports Analyst • Statistician • Survey Designer • Systems Analyst • Teacher
Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
- Differential and Integral Calculus (MATH 130, 131).
- A statement of purpose;
- A list of math and statistics courses taken with brief descriptions of content and grades;
- At least two, maximum three letters of recommendation (OR recent GRE scores).
In addition to the above minimum requirements for admission, if students have some of the following background they will be at an advantage both as to selection for admission to the program and optimal progress toward the degree if admitted:
- interest or experience in a setting where studies or experiments are conducted for the collection of data.
- multiple integration and infinite series matrix algebra
- basic statistics and probability
- knowledge of a computer programming language
Please note that the application has to be submitted, in its entirety, online through Cal State Apply.
Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree
Advancement to Candidacy Requirements:
- Completion of at least 16 semester units of approved coursework beyond the baccalaureate, with an average of “B” (3.0) or higher.
- Departmental approval.
Cause for Dismissal from Program
Students may be dismissed from the program at any time “for cause.” “For cause” includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, violation of the student code of conduct, academic dishonesty, and/or interference with the educational environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Statistics from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Apply statistical methodologies, including a) descriptive statistics and graphical displays, b) probability models for uncertainty, stochastic processes, and distribution theory, c) hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, d) ANOVA and regression models (including linear, and multiple linear) and analysis of residuals from models and trends at the Master’s level.
- Derive basic theory underlying these methodologies.
- Model practical problems for solutions using these methodologies.
- Produce relevant computer output using standard statistical software and interpret the results appropriately.
- Communicate statistical concepts and analytical results clearly and appropriately to others; and,
- Employ theory, concepts, and terminology at a level that supports lifelong learning of related methodologies.
Statistics Degree Requirements (32 units)
Foundation Requirements
The M.S. in Statistics program consists of at least 32 semester units of approved upper division and graduate work. The university requirement for the minimum number of 600-level units applies. All work applied toward the 32 units must be at an average grade of “B” (3.0) or higher. No graduate-level required course may be at a grade below “B-.”
Core Courses
The following 22 units are required:
Concentrations
Students may select one (1) concentration listed below for 8 units, or students may choose no concentration that requires 8 units of approved electives to complete the degree:
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; and the 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
