Statistics

The dual core of the MS program is mathematical statistics and modern data analysis, with the option of a special Entrepreneurial Track. Expanding from this core, students develop technical facility in a variety of statistical methodologies. This breadth of competence is designed to equip graduates to go beyond the appropriate choice of method for implementation and to be able to adapt these techniques and to construct new methods to meet the specific objectives and constraints of new situations.

The MS degree in statistics requires a minimum of 27 hours of approved course work in statistics and related disciplines and an MS research project or a thesis. Each student’s program is developed in consultation with the director of graduate studies or a senior faculty mentor and must satisfy the following requirements:

The goals of this program are:

1. to give each student a balanced view of statistical theory and the application of statistics in practice or in substantive research
2. to have the student develop a broad competence in statistical methodology.

The required core course work reflects this balance. The first two requirements are for full-year sequences in data analysis and theory; the third develops the theory underlying linear modeling. The requirement for applications of statistics will be satisfied through intensive participation in the consulting forum; the selection of an MS research project provides additional exposure. Graduate students are also required to participate in a forum or seminar to gain experience in written and oral presentation.

The remainder of each student’s program is individualized to address the more specialized statistical demands of the selected field of concentration or the focus of multidisciplinary work. Each student may choose either the applied research project or the thesis option, depending on individual interests. In either case, the student can expect to work with a faculty mentor in undertaking a significant task, the results of which will be suitable for publication or for presentation at professional society meetings.

A student coming to school from a position as a professional statistician might choose a statistical problem arising in the workplace as the basis for an MS research project. A student intending to continue graduate work toward a PhD might choose an MS research project to explore the intimate relationship of statistics to substantive fields. Alternatively, either student might choose the thesis option to tailor a methodology to a new setting or to make a first essay at mathematical statistical research.

Entrepreneurial Track

The Master of Science in Statistics – Entrepreneurial Track (MSS-ET) is a professional degree designed to provide training in statistics focused on developing data analysis and decision-making skills in industrial, government, and consulting environments where uncertainties and related risks are present. It expands our master's program in statistics by creating a professional track that includes some business training. The Entrepreneurial Track provides instruction and real-world business experience to students who have a background in statistics and a vision for new and growing ventures. The MSS – ET program requires a minimum of 27 hours.

The required New Venture Creation and Technology Entrepreneurship courses will be offered by the Weatherhead School of Management. Students on internships will sign up for the consulting forum sequence. In addition, students are required to participate in an intensive (up to 30 hours) one-week annual workshop on the industrial use of statistics from the management perspective. This non-credit workshop will take place during the fall or spring undergraduate breaks.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
• Applicants must meet all of the undergraduate prerequisites for the proposed field of graduate study.
• Statement of Objectives — Some programs have this built into the application. If not, create your own using "Statement of Objectives" as the heading. The statement should be one to two pages and include your purpose in undertaking graduate work as well as an explanation of your study and research interests as they relate to your undergraduate/graduate study and professional goals.
• Academic Transcripts – You are required to identify all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended on your application form, and to submit an official transcript from each. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is conditional on final certification of degrees awarded. Note to International Students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.
• Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from those individuals sufficiently familiar with you, and who can assess your academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities.
• Test Scores – Your department will identify required standardized tests. When you fill out forms for these use 1105 as the institutional code for Case Western Reserve University. The School of Graduate Studies will forward all official score reports of standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) to the program of interest. The department will inform you which standardized tests are required for your program. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 577 if paper-based, or 90 if Internet-based. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. Some departments may require higher scores. International applicants cannot be admitted without receipt of an acceptable official TOEFL score. The TOEFL is valid for two years after the test date. The GRE is valid for five years after the test date.
• Application Fee - A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted.

Scholarships

• Global Education