Statistical Science

With a Master of Science (M.S.) in Statistical Science, you'll learn to effectively apply statistical principles and data analysis in a number of diverse industries. Or, you may choose to teach statistics at the high school (teacher certification is required) or community college level.

An advanced degree in statistics opens doors to an infinite number of career opportunities. Because of the applied nature of statistics, you may begin your studies with a bachelor’s degree in a related program, such as business, biological sciences or chemistry. Our program gives you an understanding of the broad applications and theoretical aspects of statistics, allowing you to explore relationships among variables in your chosen field.

For example, with an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or health sciences and a graduate degree in Statistical Science, you may build a successful career with a pharmaceutical company where you develop experiments and apply statistical methods to prove a drug is ready for the final stages of FDA testing. Or, with a background in economics, you may use your master's degree in statistics to build a career in market research, business analysis or forecasting.

The University of Idaho Department of Statistical Science is made up of an interdisciplinary team of dedicated faculty from business, geography, fish and wildlife resources, economics and more. Depending on your research interest area, you will be assigned a faculty member to act as your adviser. This faculty member will help formulate a study plan designed specifically to meet your goals and to guide you through the program. Topics you may explore include:

• Applying mathematical principles to the collection, analysis and presentation of numerical data.
• Designing and analyzing experiments.
• Planning and interpreting surveys.
• Exploring relationships among variables.

Group projects and research opportunities with faculty, local businesses and government agencies will give you experience you can apply immediately on the job.

Prepare for Success

To be successful in our program, you should have strengths in quantitative methods and have the ability to analyze data to make decisions which are part of a larger goal. In addition to working in labs and in an office environment, you should also know how to use computers for statistical modeling and to summarize and analyze findings. Specific prerequisites needed to enter our master's program include:

• Three semesters of calculus.
• Six hours of statistics, including Stat 431(formerly Stat 401): Statistical Analysis, or equivalent.
• One computer programming course or the demonstrated ability to write programs.

Your First Year

Required subjects include differential and integral calculus, statistical methods, mathematical modeling and probability theory. Graduate statistics courses include:

• Sample Survey Methods (422)
• Probability Theory (451)
• Mathematical Statistics (452)
• Seminar (501)
• Experimental Design (507)
• Non-parametrics (514)
• Multivariate Analysis (519)
• Consulting Practicum (597)

What You Can Do

With a Master of Science in Statistics, you may become a:

• Secondary statistics teacher
• Teacher at the community college level
• Economist
• Computer programmer
• Software engineer
• Actuary
• Financial analyst
• Research and development manager
• Quality assurance engineer

Opportunities

The federal government and state agencies are always looking for graduates with an advanced statistics degree. In private industry, those with a statistics background are sought out particularly by organizations involved with scientific research and development services, insurance, and pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing companies. Employers who frequently hire individuals with a advanced statistics degree include:

• Department of Commerce
• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Computer and hardware manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Software and computer engineering firms
• Financial planning or insurance agencies

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual wage-and-salary earnings of statisticians was $72,830 and the average annual salary for statisticians in the federal government was $94,970 in 2011, while mathematical statisticians averaged $108,868.

Current Research

As well as being excellent educators, our faculty members are extremely active in research pursuits, with projects designed specifically around the involvement of students.

Activities

The Department of Statistics Applied Statistics in Agriculture Seminar Series and the Department of Mathematics Seminars & Colloquia explore important industry topics that will prepare you for success in your chosen career.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on research efforts will give you exposure to real-world challenges you’ll face throughout your career.

A limited number of assistantships are available for on campus students.

Facilities

The University of Idaho has extensive research facilities, and in many cases our faculty have established relationships with professors at neighboring universities, which will give you access to even more high-tech equipment. Equipment and facilities, include:

• A private computer lab containing three PC's running Windows 7 Professional.
• Available software includes the most current versions of SAS, Minitab, SPSS, and R, as well as, other productivity software.
• Student labs across campus are equipped with PC computers, MacIntosh computers, access to the university system of Unix workstations, laser printers and scanners.

Online & Outreach

You also have the option to earn a M.S. in Statistical Science through our distance education program, Engineering Outreach.