Master of Applied Statistics
Overview
The Department of Experimental Statistics is the principal source of statistical education, research, and service at LSU. This department is unique in its strong orientation toward the application of statistics. Faculty provide expert statistical support for the University community. Faculty also routinely serve on graduate committees in other departments and collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects, in addition to directing graduate students in statistics and conducting independent research programs. The department has approximately 30 master's students, who interact closely with the faculty.
Degree Programs
The Department of Experimental Statistics offers the Master of Applied Statistics (MAPST) degree. Students can opt for a non-thesis (36 credits) or a thesis (36 credits) degree. Students who choose the thesis degree must write a thesis involving the extension of current statistical methodology or novel/extensive use of statistical methods in a real application. Students gain valuable experience while working closely with faculty and clients during the statistical consulting practicum courses. Each student may present a departmental seminar and must pass the oral and written comprehensive final examination.
Some students in the department pursue dual master's degrees or work toward the M.Ap.Stat. degree while pursuing a Ph.D. in another department. Students completing the M.Ap.Stat. degree are prepared to serve as applied statisticians or to pursue a Ph.D. in Statistics or related field. Employment opportunities exist for applied statisticians in business, industry, government, and in educational and research organizations.
Students may also pursue a minor in Applied Statistics.
Admission
Students must satisfy all admission requirements of the Graduate School. Application materials, obtained from the department, must be completed and returned to the Graduate School. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation must also be sent to the Graduate School. Letters should be written by individuals who have knowledge of the student's academic and professional qualifications.
Admission is based on aptitude, interest, and background, as documented in application materials. Evidence of a strong aptitude comes from GRE scores and grades in previous college courses. Breadth of background, particularly in the applied sciences, is advantageous. Previous training in probability and statistics is desirable but not required.
To complete the program successfully, students need a working knowledge of multidimensional calculus and linear (matrix) algebra. Qualified students who have not had adequate training in mathematics can be admitted and allowed to schedule appropriate courses to satisfy this requirement without credit toward the degree.
Financial Assistance
Graduate assistantships, awarded competitively with the approval of the department head, pay $15,000 for nine months for a full-time assistantship of 20 hours per week. Academic qualifications and ability to carry out assistantship duties are the major considerations in awarding assistantships.
Some assistantships, particularly those funded by contracts, may require special skills or qualifications. The department normally will provide assistantship support for a maximum of two calendar years.
Degree Requirements
The Department of Experimental Statistics offers the Master of Applied Statistics (M.Ap.Stat.) degree. Students can opt for a non-thesis or a thesis degree, with 36 credit hours required for either option.
Students who choose the thesis degree will write a thesis involving the extension of current statistical methodology or novel/extensive use of statistical methods in a real application. Students gain valuable experience while working closely with faculty and clients during the consulting practicum courses. Each student must pass the oral and written comprehensive final examination.
Some students in the department pursue dual master’s degrees or work toward the M.Ap.Stat. degree while pursuing a Ph.D. in another department. Students completing the M.Ap.Stat. degree are prepared to serve as applied statisticians or to pursue a Ph.D. in Statistics or related field. Employment opportunities exist for applied statisticians in business, industry, government, and in educational and research organizations.
Master of Applied Statistics
Core methods and theory courses (14 credits):
- Statistical Methods I (4): EXST 7003, 7004, or 7005
- Statistical Methods II (4): EXST 7013, 7014, or 7015
- Statistical Theory I (3): EXST 7060
- Statistical Theory II (3): EXST 7061
Professional courses (4 credits):
- Practicum in Statistical Consulting I (2): EXST 7083
- Practicum in Statistical Consulting II (2): EXST 7084
In addition, students must select a thesis or non-thesis option. Each option's additional requirements are given below.
Non-thesis option (18 credits):
Advanced statistical courses (9 credits)
Three advanced EXST courses approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee
Minor area of concentration (9 credits)
Three graduate courses approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee
Thesis option (18 credits):
Advanced statistical courses (12 credits)
Four advanced courses, with at least 9 hours in EXST, approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee
EXST 8000 Thesis research (6 credits)
