statistics

The M.S. degree program in statistics trains the candidate to become a practicing statistician. The M.S. degree in statistics with a named option in biostatistics trains the candidate to contribute substantially to the statistical analysis of biomedical problems.

An M.S. in statistics with a named option in data science is also available to students meeting the criteria (see the data science page for more details). In addition, the department is closely involved with the Biometry M.S., and with the School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, both listed separately in the Guide.

The Statistics Department provides extensive computing facilities, both hardware and software, to support instruction and research. Several computers and advanced graphic workstations are available for use in advanced courses enabling students to pursue the latest research directions in statistical computing and graphics. Common statistical packages and libraries are available on a variety of machines.

The department may be consulted for specific career information. See the department website for application materials and deadlines. 

Students apply to the Master of Science in Statistics through one of the named options:

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

PROGRAM RESOURCES

Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.

On This Page

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Major Requirements

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Credit Requirement 30 credits
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement 16 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement Half of degree coursework (15 credits out of 30 total credits) must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide (https://registrar.wisc.edu/course-guide/).
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement 3.00 GPA required.
Other Grade Requirements A grade of B or better must be received in any course used to fulfill the required and elective course requirements.
Assessments and Examinations See Named Options for policy information.
Language Requirements No language requirements.

Required COURSES 

Select a Named Option for courses required.

Named Options

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Statistics must select one of the following named options:

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

  1. Demonstrates understanding of statistical theories, methodologies, and applications as tools in scientific inquiries.
  2. Selects and utilizes the most appropriate statistical methodologies and practices.
  3. Synthesizes information pertaining to questions in empirical studies.
  4. Communicates data concepts and analysis results clearly.
  5. Recognizes and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.

Faculty: Professors J. Zhu (chair), Ane, Chappell, Chien, Keles, Larget, W-Y Loh, Newton, Shao, Y. Wang, Yandell, C. Zhang, Z. Zhang; Associate Professors P-L Loh, Raskutti, Rohe; Assistant Professors Garcia Trillos, Kang, Patel, Raschka, M. Wang, A. Zhang