MS Degree in Statistics
Last update: 11/10/23
Statistics, the theory, methodology and practice of analyzing data, is a fundamental tool in all sciences, and has emerged as a central tool for prediction in a host of applications that have evolved around mobile computing, finance, marketing and the world wide web. The Master's program in Statistics at the University of Chicago is an exciting combination of a professional degree preparing you for work in these emerging fields, and, for those who wish, a preparation for doctoral study in any field in which statistics or data science is heavily used.
Theoretical and Applied Excellence
The Department of Statistics has been recognized for the high quality of its faculty and the diversity of its interests. Beyond expertise in statistics methodology, machine learning, biostatistics, and probability, the faculty is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research areas, such as genetics, mathematical finance and econometrics, environmental statistics, computational neuroscience, computational chemistry, machine learning and pattern recognition, scientific computation, survey methodology, and more.
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. Master’s students are fully integrated in the academic activities in the department, alongside the PhD students. All statistics courses are open to Master’s students, and Master’s students can customize their program to their interests.
The Program
The Statistics Master’s 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.
- Exposure to the cutting edge of research fields through seminars and special courses.
- Consulting experience (optional): For educational purposes, the department runs a consulting program for researchers in other departments in the University. You have the option to become a consultant, working as the quantitative expert to solve important research problems of our day. Typically, three or four graduate students work together as a team to meet with the researcher client for an hour. The team will share their experience by presenting the questions and their analysis to the group of student consultants and faculty directors for discussion at the weekly consulting seminar.
- A chance to study a problem in depth through a Master's paper on a subject chosen by you together with your faculty advisor.
- Training in presentation: In addition to presentations in the consulting program, all Master's students give a seminar on their Master's paper at the completion of the program. Students are also encouraged to participate actively in courses and seminars.
- The program can be completed in one to two academic years, depending on the background and study plan of the student.
Students with questions may contact Yali Amit for PhD Studies, Mei Wang for Masters Studies, and Keisha Prowoznik for all other questions, Bahareh Lampert (Dean of Students in the Physical Sciences Division), or Amanda Young (Associate Director, Graduate Student Affairs) in UChicagoGRAD.