Academic Program Descriptions

Current students should consult their advisor for advice on choosing courses and other academic advising issues. Prospective students may use the contact information listed below if their question is not addressed in the Graduate Admissions FAQ or the Undergraduate FAQ.

• Undergraduate Minor in Statistics:
  A demonstrated knowledge and working understanding of basic statistical techniques and methods is a critical element in today's competitive marketplace. The Undergraduate Minor in Statistics is designed as a valuable asset to enhance most any undergraduate major. With careful planning and subject to certain GPA requirements, students pursuing this minor may be eligible to obtain a Master of Applied Statistics (MAS) with one additional academic year of coursework. [Program Guide] [undergradinfo [at] stat [dot] osu [dot] edu (subject: Undergraduate%20Minor%20Information%20Request) (Email)]
   
• Master of Applied Statistics (MAS):
  The goal of the Master of Applied Statistics (MAS) is to prepare graduate students to enter positions in applied statistics in business, industry, and government. [Program Guide] [gradinfo [at] stat [dot] osu [dot] edu (subject: MAS%20Information%20Request) (Email)]
   
• Master of Science (MS) in Statistics:
  The MS in Statistics degree can act as either a terminal degree or as a stepping-stone to the PhD program. The requirements for this degree are more theoretical than those for the MAS. This degree program is flexible enough to provide preparation for a career in applied statistics or it can be composed entirely of the first two years of coursework for the statistics or biostatistics PhD programs. [Program Guide] [gradinfo [at] stat [dot] osu [dot] edu (subject: MS%20Information%20Request) (Email)]
   
• PhD in Statistics:
  The PhD program in statistics presupposes a mathematical background which includes linear algebra and advanced calculus. The core of the PhD program consists of coursework in mathematical statistics as well as a variety of applied and theoretical courses in various topical areas. [Program Guide] [gradinfo [at] stat [dot] osu [dot] edu (subject: PhD%20in%20Statistics%20Information%20Request) (Email)]
   
• Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Biostatistics:
  The Program in Biostatistics is a joint venture between the Department of Statistics and the Division of Biostatistics in the College of Public Health.  Students in this program choose between two specializations: a Methodology Specialization and the Public Health Specialization.  The coursework in the Methodology Specialization is primarily based in the Department of Statistics whereas students in the Public Health Specialization are based primarily in the College of Public Health.  The first two years of coursework in either program is similar and students in both programs are awarded a MS in Statistics degree en route to the PhD. [Program Guide] [Program Website]
   
• Graduate Minors in Statistics:
  The Department of Statistics offers two graduate minor programs. Official recognition of the completion of either of these minor programs will appear on the student's university transcript. The first minor is a Graduate Minor in Statistics. This program includes a theoretical component in addition to applied coursework. Students must have a good calculus background in order to complete this minor degree. The second minor is a Graduate Minor in Statistical Data Analysis. All coursework for this minor is applied. The Graduate Minor in Statistical Data Analysis does not require any formal mathematics beyond the ability to work with simple formulas and equations, material ordinarily covered in a high school algebra course. [Program Guide] [gradminor [at] stat [dot] osu [dot] edu (subject: Graduate%20Minor%20Information%20Request) (Email)]
   
• Graduate Interdisciplinary Specializations:
  A graduate interdisciplinary specialization (GIS) provides graduate students with access to interdisciplinary study and provides formal recognition of such study on the student's transcript. A graduate interdisciplinary specialization involves two or more graduate programs outside the student's major graduate program. More information is available from the Graduate School. [Affiliated GIS Programs]