M.S. in Statistics, Analytics, and Data Science (STANDS)
专业介绍
The department offers the master of science (M.S.) in statistics, analytics, and data science (STANDS) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in statistics and operations research (STOR).
The M.S. program is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in data science and analytics or as a preparation for continuing on to further graduate studies in related areas. This program focuses on training students in advanced quantitative thinking due to the increasing demand for skills in data-driven decision making in the modern world. It is possible for motivated students to complete the requirements in three semesters, though the typical duration is four. For students graduating with an undergraduate STAN degree, there is also an option of five-year M.S.-STANDS program.
The Ph.D. degree in STOR is designed for students planning a career in teaching or research. The educational and research profile of the STOR Ph.D. program is focused on the core disciplines of statistics, optimization, probability, and stochastic modeling. These disciplines have driven, and continue to drive, progress in data science and machine learning, as well as business and medical analytics. The STOR Department is one of the few in the U.S. that brings together experts in each of these disciplines under one academic roof. STOR offers a rigorous but flexible interdisciplinary Ph.D. program within which students can benefit from the strength and diverse expertise of the department’s core faculty, while also having the opportunity to interact with domain scientists and researchers working in other fields. STOR Ph.D. students complete foundational coursework in the four core disciplines before undertaking more specialized coursework and directed dissertation research. Dissertation research is completed under the supervision of one or more faculty advisers. Research topics may lie within a single core discipline, or may span several core disciplines. Many research topics involve interdisciplinary research, with active collaboration with faculty and students at UNC including Environmental Sciences, Biology, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Computer Science, Biostatistics, Economics, and the Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, as well as industry in the Research Triangle Park and across the U.S. The breadth and depth of the STOR Ph.D. program prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers, ranging from academia to industry, and from the public to the private sector. Recent graduates have taken jobs in mathematics, statistics, IE, OR departments, and high-tech, biotech companies, and government agencies, etc. The Ph.D. degree requires at least three (but usually five) years of full-time graduate study, predicated upon substantial undergraduate mathematical preparation. Research is a central component in the work of doctoral candidates. Research training consists of required core coursework as well as electives that are designed to bring students up to date in their research field and intensive one-on-one work with a faculty member on a specific dissertation topic. Doctoral students who want to pursue academic careers are provided with ample opportunities to teach introductory undergraduate courses, and they are given extensive training to develop their instructional skills. Doctoral students may also participate in paid internships with local industrial employers to gain experience in a business environment. Their professional skills are further enhanced by work on real-world projects with clients in the department’s consulting courses. Several courses provide opportunities for students to give technical presentations and refine their communication skills.
Further information on the graduate degree programs can be obtained from the department’s website.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to the department is highly competitive, and preference is given to applicants who have solid technical preparation. Although the department welcomes promising students from all disciplines, entering students must have a substantial mathematical background and applicants must satisfy the entrance requirements of The Graduate School. A student admitted with a deficiency in any area must make up for it at the beginning of her or his graduate work. If the deficiency is not severe, this can be accomplished without interrupting the normal program.
Students can indicate on this application form whether they intend to pursue the M.S. degree program or a Ph.D.
Funding basics including links for financial aid are provided by The Graduate School.
Most of our Ph.D. students receive some form of financial support, such as Graduate School fellowships, departmental assistantships, research assistantships, or internships. Departmental assistantships involve grading or teaching an undergraduate course. Some of our students are supported as research assistants by faculty. Our supported students receive a tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance for the duration of their studies.