Master's Degree in Statistics at the University
of Chicago
Statistics, the art and science of analyzing data, is about being
quantitatively literate. The master's program in statistics at the University
of Chicago is an exciting combination of a professional degree, a liberal
education, and, for those who wish, a preparation for doctoral study
in any field in which statistics is heavily used. It is possible to
pursue either statistics as such, or in combination with any of the
main areas where statistics is applied. For students with the appropriate
background, the program can be completed in one academic year.* Part-time
study is also possible, both as a degree candidate and as a graduate
student at large in a nondegree program.
Special Tracks
There are a number of areas of specialization possible within the
program. Some of these include:
- Data Analysis
- Mathematical Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Statistical Genetics
- Statistics and Finance
- Computer Vision
- One can also tailor-make tracks to suit special interests or needs.
Theoretical and Applied Excellence
The diversity of the program reflects the interdisciplinary orientation
of nearly all our faculty. The fields mentioned above are all represented
by active researchers in the department, as are other areas such as
statistical computing, environmental statistics and the history of statistics.
What makes the University of Chicago program special is our unique
blend of theoretical excellence and true appreciation for the subjects
in which our field is applied. We educate our students to the same high
standards.
The Program
The program has several constituent parts, which go together to form
a comprehensive quantitative education. The program includes:
- Courses in theoretical and applied statistics that provide a broad
knowledge and understanding of statistical methods and their practical
use.
- Consulting experience: the department runs a consulting service
for researchers in other departments in the University. You get to
be the consultant, working as the quantitative expert to solve important
research problems of our day. Typically, two graduate students work
together under the supervision of a faculty member.
- Exposure to the cutting edge of the field through seminars and special
courses.
- A chance to study a problem in depth through a master's paper on
a subject chosen by you together with your faculty adviser.
- Training in presentation: all master's students give a short seminar
to the department midway through the year, and a long seminar on their
master's paper at the completion of the program. Students are also
expected to participate actively in courses and seminars.
The Special Tracks
In the following, we give a synopsis of some of the possible areas
of specialization.
Data Analysis
This is the core of the subject, teaching you the principles and methods
for analyzing data and designing experiments. Provides a broad background
for working as a statistician in industry or government.
Mathematical Statistics
Focuses on theoretical statistics, probability and stochastic processes.
Provides an excellent background for pursuing doctoral studies in statistics,
finance and other disciplines in which probability and statistics are
heavily used.
Biostatistics
Biology, medicine and psychology are major areas where quantitative
analysis are essential. The program relies on an intimate collaboration
with practitioners in the University
of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Several courses that are
suitable for this track are offered by the Health
Studies Department.
Statistical Genetics
Statistics plays an important role in modern genetics and bioinformatics. Faculty in
the Department of Statistics have broad interests in this area including
gene mapping, analysis of gene expression data, and other mathematical
and statistical problems arising in genetics. Additional coursework
beyond the usual program may be required, and even well-prepared students
may need at least part of a second year to specialize in statistical
genetics.
Statistics
and Finance
The use of statistics and probability both for derivative securities
and in other areas of finance is a rapidly increasing phenomenon. The
program is, in particular, designed to provide you with a deep understanding
of the hedging principles that underlie options theory. Sophisticated
mathematical techniques for analyzing both standard and exotic options
are taught. Due to the advanced nature of some of the topics covered
in the relevant courses, even well-prepared students may need at least
part of a second year to specialize in finance.
Computer Vision
Object recognition and detection, in medical imaging, regular photos,
digitized documents and a variety of other sources - is a recurrent
and critical issue in science, industry and modern communications.
The faculty includes specialists in the analysis of visual signals.
Survey Statistics
Statistical surveys are important and pervasive in the modern world. Governments
use survey statistics to establish policy and trigger actions; businesses
use survey data to make important decisions about products and services,
prices, and promotions; academic and other researchers conduct analysis
of survey data to make new scientific discoveries in fields such as
education, labor economics, environmetrics, health care, agriculture,
forestry, sociology, and criminal justice, among many others. This
program provides students instruction in the design, operations, and
analysis of modern surveys. It offers students an opportunity
to collaborate with survey experts among the faculty of the university
and with survey practitioners at the NORC, a renowned survey organization
that is affiliated with the university.
For more information about our course offerings:
* By the appropriate background, we mean advanced calculus
and linear algebra, a year of calculus-based probability and statistics
and familiarity with some statistical data analysis. Students missing
part of this background can and do gain admission to the program but
should not expect to be able to complete the program in one academic
year.
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