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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