Degrees Offered

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy program in statistics prepares students for careers in university teaching and research or in government or industrial research. Students entering the program spend four semesters acquiring a basic background in probability, mathematical statistics, and applied statistics and take general examinations on these subjects. More specialized study follows with the thesis research, which usually begins in the third year. This research may be concentrated in any area of statistics or probability in which a faculty member is interested. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience in applied statistics through participation in statistical consulting. Completion of the Ph.D. program normally requires three to five years.

M.S. Statistics Degree in Applied Statistics

The M.S in Applied Statistics program prepares students for employment as professional statisticians. It is not designed to be preparation for the Ph.D. degree program, though students completing the program with outstanding records are encouraged to consider the Ph.D. degree. The applied statistics masters program is also a suitable masters for doctoral candidates in other fields.

M.S. Statistics Degree in Computational Finance

The M.S. in Statistics with Specialization in Computational Finance (MS CF) is a highly interdisciplinary program involving course offerings from different academic departments. The goal of the program is to equip students with the tools necessary to pursue a career in a quantitative financial field. The 2-year course work provides students with comprehensive and practical knowledge of the mathematical, statistical, and computational skills needed for the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the models and products used by the financial sector to manage risk and develop investment strategies. Internship, career fairs, and recruiting programs at Purdue provide students with great opportunities before and upon graduation.

M.S. Statistics Degree in Mathematical Statistics or Probability

The M.S. in Mathematical Statistics or Probability program consists of 30 credits and has a thesis option. If the student chooses the thesis option, it is necessary to sign up for and pass STAT 698 for at least 3 credit hours of MS research, culminating in an oral defense with the advisory committee.

If the student does not choose the thesis option, an oral examination is required. The oral examination may consist of the presentation and discussion of a published paper chosen by the student and the Chair of the student's M.S. advisory committee. No credit is given for the oral examination. In the case that the student has accumulated three points from the qualifying examinations, the oral examination may be waived.

Joint Statistics and Computer Science M.S. Degree

This joint M.S. in Statistics and Computer Science program consists of 30 credits - either ten courses, or eight courses with a 6-credit thesis. Students must form an advisory committee consisting of three faculty, with at least one member with a primary appointment in each department. The non-thesis option requires five courses from each department; specific requirements are outlined below. The thesis option requires the same courses, but replaces two electives (one from each department) with six credits of M.S. research, culminating in an oral defense with the advisory committee.

Fifth Year Applied Statistics M.S. Degree

This Fifth Year M.S. in Applied Statistics program allows West Lafayette Purdue graduates of the undergraduate Statistics major to complete the M.S. in Applied Statistics in one calendar year after satisfying the requirements of the B.S. degree. Admission requires a strong mathematical and statistical background, preferably the Honors or Statistics/Math Emphasis undergraduate program in Statistics. Students should consult an advisor early in their undergraduate program, and should plan to arrange excess credits that can be applied to their graduate plan of study. Students at Purdue are encouraged to let the Statistics Graduate Secretary (graduate@stat.purdue.edu) know of their interest early in their undergraduate career. Students who exercise the 5th year option are encouraged to take the General GRE prior to completing their MS in Statistics.

Concurrent Degree

A student wishing to pursue two degrees in two different departments simultaneously must submit an application for admission to each department. Usually this happens when a student currently is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in one department and wishes to pursue a master's degree in another department. The student must submit a Concurrent Degree Request Form - GS18 (PDF) with the signatures of both department heads at the time of application to the Graduate School upon acceptance by the Department of Statistics.