The Department of Statistics at Florida State University offers two master's degrees: an M.S. in statistics, where students pursue either the applied statistics track or the mathematical statistics track, and an M.S. in statistics with a major in statistical data science. The department also offers an M.S. in biostatistics. All M.S. degrees may be obtained through coursework or a thesis option.
All of the M.S. degrees provide a route to a career in statistics. Prospective students should note that the M.S. in statistics, mathematical statistics track, and M.S. in biostatistics provide the best preparation for continuation into doctoral programs in statistics or biostatistics. A student who finishes the applied statistics program can continue into a Ph.D. program upon completion of the core courses for the M.S. in mathematical statistics or the M.S. in biostatistics and passing the Ph.D. qualifying exams.
The total academic credits required for graduation for each the statistics and biostatistics M.S. degrees is 36 credit hours. The M.S. in statistical data science requires 32 credit hours. The minimum cumulative GPA in all courses is 3.0. No more than two courses for the M.S. degrees (mathematical statistics, applied statistics, biostatistics, and statistical data science) may be taken S/U and all required courses must be taken for a letter grade.
For all of the degrees, programs of study are developed individually in consultation between students and their academic advisors. A program of study must by completed by all students by the end of their first semester in the department, and the program should be updated annually. Each student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor and the department chair. If a student has already taken a course listed as required, it does not need to be repeated. Instead, the student should substitute a more advanced course or an alternate course.
M.S. in Statistics – Applied Statistics Track
The master's degree in the applied statistics track is for a student preparing for a career as an applied statistician or statistical consultant. This program emphasizes statistical computation, methodology and consulting.
Required Courses
All courses are three credit hours.
- STA5166 Statistics in Applications I
- STA5167 Statistics in Applications II
- STA 326 Distribution Theory and Inference
- STA5327 Statistical Inference
At least two of the following courses:
- STA5066 Data Management and Analysis with SAS
- STA5106 Computational Methods in Statistics I
- STA5168 Statistics in Applications III
- STA5856 Time Series and Forecasting Methods
Typical Course Program
Year 1
Fall
- STA5166
- STA5326
- Required course or elective
Spring
- STA5167
- STA5327
- Required course or elective
Year 2
Fall
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
Spring
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
M.S. in Statistics – Mathematical Statistics Track
The master's degree in the mathematical statistics track places additional emphasis upon probability theory and statistical inference. This degree prepares graduates for professional careers in industry, government or education, and is a preparatory program for pursuing the Ph.D. in statistics. The program emphasizes statistical theory, probability theory and mathematical analysis, as well as applied statistics.
Students selecting the mathematical statistics option have often completed the essentials of an undergraduate mathematics major. Normal entry to the program is in the fall semester. Students selecting this option without two semesters of advanced calculus (MAA 4226-7 or its equivalent) may require more than four semesters to complete their M.S. requirements.
Required Courses
All courses are three credit hours.
- STA5106 Computational Methods in Statistics I
- STA5107 Computational Methods in Statistics II
- STA5207 Applied Regression Methods
- STA5208 Linear Statistical Models
- STA5326 Distribution Theory and Inference
- STA5327 Statistical Inference
- STA5334 Limit Theory of Statistics
- STA6346 Advanced Probability and Inference I
- STA6448 Advanced Probability and Inference II
At least three of the following courses:
- STA5507 Applied Nonparametric Statistics
- STA5707 Applied Multivariate Analysis
- STA5721 High-Dimensional Statistics
- STA5856 Time Series and Forecasting Methods
- STA6709 Spatial Statistics
Typical Course Program
Year 1
Fall
- STA5207
- STA5326
- STA5334
Spring
- STA5208
- STA5327
- STA5106
Year 2
Fall
- STA6346
- STA5107
- Elective
Spring
- STA6448
- Elective
- Elective
This typical program for the student who has taken none of the required core courses. Additionally, attendance, each semester, in STA 5920r, Statistics Colloquium is encouraged.
M.S. in Statistics – Major in Statistical Data Science
The MS in Statistics with major in Statistical Data Science Major emphasizes hands-on training in the application of data management and statistical methods and the use of data management, computational, and analytic software geared toward producing highly employable masters degree students. In this program, students will obtain a background in applied statistical methods, and proficiency in the software packages SAS and R to solve data management and analysis problems for the most common scenarios facing data-driven decisions in government and industry.
The Master of Science in Statistical Data Science emphasizes hands-on training in the application of statistical methods and the use of computational and analytic software geared toward producing highly employable masters degree students. In this program, students will obtain a background in applied statistical methods, and proficiency in the software packages SAS and R to solve data management and analysis problems for the most common scenarios facing data-driven decisions in government and industry. A SAS certificate adds to employability and may be obtained simultaneously. The degree may be completed in three semesters and requires 32 units.
Required Courses
Parenthetical numbers are credit hours.
- STA5207 Applied Regression Methods (3)
- STA5208 Linear Statistical Models (3)
- STA5066 Data Management and Analysis with SAS (3)
- STA5067 Advanced Data Management and Analysis with SAS (3)
- STA5106 Computational Methods in Statistics I (3)
- STA5856 Time Series and Forecasting Methods (3)
- STA5635 Applied Machine Learning (3)
- STA5910 Supervised Research: Professional Skills Seminar (2)
- STA5939 Introduction to Statistical Consulting (Capstone project) (3)
Typical Course Program
This list provides only one possible sequence for taking the required courses.
Semester 1
- STA5207
- STA5066
- STA5910 (2 hr)
- Elective (STA 5934)
Semester 2
- STA5208
- STA5067
- STA5106
- Elective
Semester 3
- STA5856
- STA5939
- STA5635
M.S. in Biostatistics
The M.S. in biostatistics prepares students to apply statistical principles, processes, applications, and analytical methods to design, implement, and analyze health related studies including both experimental studies, such as clinical trials, and observational, or epidemiological studies. The degree prepares graduates for employment in private, academic and public sector research and health care settings.
The degree requirements of 36 semester credit hours include coursework in biostatistics and statistical theory and methods. Students usually begin working toward this degree during the fall semester.
Required Courses
All courses are three credit hours.
- STA5198 Epidemiology for Statisticians
- STA5207 Applied Regression Methods
- STA5208 Linear Statistical Models
- STA5244 Fundamentals of Clinical Trials
- STA5326 Distribution Theory and Inference
- STA5327 Statistical Inference
- STA5334 Limit Theory of Statistics
At least one of the following courses:
- STA5066 Data Management and Analysis with SAS
- STA5179 Applied Survival Analysis
- STA5197 Longitudinal Analysis
Flexibility is allowed in selecting additional coursework for the biostatistics degree. The final selection of courses will be determined by the student and their major professor.
Typical Course Program
Year 1
Fall
- STA5207
- STA5326
- STA5334
Spring
- STA5208
- STA5327
- STA51998
Year 2
Fall
- STA5244
- Elective
- Elective
Spring
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
M.S. in Statistics or Biostatistics - Thesis Option
The thesis option requires writing a thesis and an oral defense before the thesis committee. For the thesis option, the student may replace two of the elective courses with thesis hours.
A student selecting the thesis option must meet the university requirements for thesis submission. These requirements include clearance and formatting, human subjects clearance (if appropriate), and meeting the deadline for the submission of the final version of the thesis to the graduate school. For a complete list of requirements, consult the degree requirement section of the university graduate bulletin.
Elective and Outside Courses for all Master's Degrees
All courses listed on the graduate courses webpage will be accepted as elective courses, except STA5126, STA5172, STA5206, STA5207, STA5323, and STA5440 — these six courses were designed for graduate students in other departments and colleges.