The Master of Science with a major in statistics provides students with the foundation in theory and practice required for the effective application of statistical techniques in their chosen fields of study. Department faculty members participate in a variety of consulting and research projects and collaborate with researchers from many academic disciplines.

The MS is only offered through the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Program (IGSDSP) and enables students to earn an MS in statistics simultaneously with a doctoral degree in another department. A limited amount of approved course work taken to meet doctoral requirements in the student’s home department may also be credited toward the MS in statistics. Similarly, approved course work in statistics taken to meet the requirements for a master’s or doctoral degree in another department may also count toward the statistics minor. The program is open to graduate students in all participating departments which have an approved concurrent Master’s curriculum offered through the program. The program is administered by an executive committee, consisting of college representatives from all colleges with approved programs, with advisory input from the program faculty.

Concentration (Required) and Option Available

Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science — Course Only without Comprehensive Exams

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

• Applicants for the statistics major must be current graduate students in a doctoral degree program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in a department or program which has established an approved program of study through the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Program (IGSDSP).
• Students currently enrolled in doctoral programs complete the Request for Concurrent Master’s Degree form available from Forms Central page of the Graduate School website.
• Exceptional students enrolled in a Master’s degree program may request to earn a concurrent Master of Science with a major in Statistics. Contact the Director of the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Program for more information.

Credit Hours Required

33 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• Minimum Course Requirements:
  • STAT 537  (or equivalent)
  • STAT 538  (or equivalent)
  • STAT 563  
  • STAT 564  
• 3 credit hours of STAT level B coursework as described on IGSDSP website
• 3 additional approved level B courses offered by UT units and listed on IGSDSP website

Non-Course Requirements

• An approved IGSDSP faculty member from the student’s academic college or a member of the Department of Business Analytics and Statistics who participates must serve on the committee of the doctoral student.
• Students completing the concurrent masters with the doctoral degree must pass both STAT 563  and STAT 564  with a grade of B or higher in order be awarded the degree.