Statistics

专业详情

The Department of Statistics offers programs of instruction that include theoretical and applied statistics and probability. The department also offers cooperative programs in Data Science with the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, in the Mathematics of Finance with the Department of Mathematics, in Actuarial Science with the School of Professional Studies, and in Quantitative Methods in Social Science with the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy. Columbia University and the New York area are notable for wide-ranging opportunities for the application of statistics. The department maintains ties with industry, Wall Street, and medical and basic science researchers in New York and also helps to serve the statistical needs of the University community. There is a continuing demand for well-trained statisticians, and the department has been successful in placing its graduates in positions at universities and research institutes as well as in government, business, industry, and Wall Street.

The MA program is designed for students with the goal of enhancing their knowledge of statistical theory and applications. Although some students in the MA program are preparing for doctoral study in statistics or other quantitative fields, most are preparing for, or are working in, positions that use statistics, and do not plan on applying to a PhD program. The program has a full-time and part-time option for domestic students. International students fulfill the program requirements full-time.

The MA program consists of four required courses and six or more electives. The required courses include basic probability theory and mathematical statistics as well as courses in standard statistical methods. Many of the courses entail practical experience using statistical software. The majority of our full-time students satisfy the minimum requirements for the MA degree in three semesters. Required courses are scheduled, as much as possible, for early evening times to accommodate students with full-time employment. Students who complete the free-standing MA program and apply to the PhD program will be considered on the same basis as other applicants.

Graduates of the MA program have found employment in a variety of areas, including pharmaceutical research, finance, insurance, market research, public health, and government. Professionals with strong interest in broadening their knowledge of applied statistics to prepare for a new career or advance in their current positions are particularly encouraged to apply.