The Master of Science with a major in statistics provides students with the foundation in theory and practice required for careers in applied statistics. In addition to the education traditionally offered in such a program, the department offers a concentration in industrial statistics, which provides unique opportunities for experiences in practical applications of statistics. Through involvement in the University of Tennessee Practical Strategies for Process Improvement Institute and related programs, department faculty members participate in a variety of consulting and research projects in industry. Students may supplement their classroom study with an industrial internship and participation in research projects dealing with industrial problems. Department faculty members also collaborate with researchers from many academic disciplines. Statistics graduate students may gain consulting experience by working with faculty involved in these consulting activities. All students are encouraged to participate in supervised internship or consulting activities as part of their graduate program.
Individuals with undergraduate or graduate degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to enter the program. The candidate’s mathematical background should include differential and integral calculus of several variables. Individuals with limited mathematical background should seek departmental guidance regarding specific ways in which they may prepare themselves for the program by taking course work as non-degree students. Requests for application forms and further information may be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Statistics, Operations and Management Science, Stokely Management Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0532 or fguess@utk.edu or http://stat.bus.utk.edu.
Submit online application to the Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants for statistics must submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general portion, although GMAT exam scores may be substituted. Applicants must have completed at least two years of college-level mathematics, including the calculus of several variables and matrix algebra, and be proficient in a computer language. Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
A minimum of 33 hours must be completed for the master’s degree. Six hours in statistical methods, 6 hours in statistical theory, and 1 hour in statistical computing are required of all students. Students must complete a minimum of 21 hours in approved statistics courses, exclusive of consulting, internship, independent study, or thesis.
The thesis option for the master’s degree requires the student to complete 6 hours for the thesis. Alternatively, the non-thesis option requires a minimum of 3 hours for an independent study project.
Students must pass a two-part written comprehensive examination covering theory and methods. Upon failing either part of the examination, the student may retake it. The result of the second examination is final. For students writing a thesis, this examination must be passed before the thesis is defended.
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