The minor provides students with a background in data analysis and statistical methodology. It is intended to complement undergraduate degree programs in IT&E and the College of Science (COS). The minor requires 15 credits: a core sequence of 6 credits (STAT 250-350 or STAT 344-354), plus 9 credits of electives. The 9 elective credits must be chosen from a list of courses approved by the undergraduate program coordinator in the Department of Statistics. At least 9 of the 15 credits must be in STAT courses. At least 8 credits must be in courses not required by the student's major.
This degree option provides a way for Mason students to earn an MS in statistical science in less time than if they had first graduated from a suitable Mason BS program and then applied to the MS program. Twenty-four credits are required for the MS, provided that students have taken two of STAT 544, 554, and 574 as part of their BS course work. Students must begin MS work within six months following completion of a BS degree in any one of the IT&E major areas, or a BS in mathematics from COS. Admission is guaranteed to any student with an overall GPA of 3.00 in courses taken after the first two undergraduate years (60 credits), and with grades of B or better in the two 500-level STAT courses selected from STAT 544, 554, and 574.
Students are encouraged to visit the Volgenau Admissions office website for more information.
This is a 24 credits certificate complementing undergraduate degree programs in computer science, systems engineering, electrical engineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, and mathematics. Undergraduates majoring in other disciplines may be admitted at the discretion of the Department. The certificate is particularly helpful in expanding career options to technical professionals in the Washington area, where a background in statistics and data analysis is helpful.