The graduate program in statistics is designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge of the concepts and practice of statistics and related fields. Students will be prepared to assume positions of responsibility and expertise. Graduates may find employment involving diverse statistics-related activities in business, industry, government regulatory agencies, insurance companies, biotechnology firms, and marketing research firms. Graduates will possess a good foundation to pursue further advanced studies in statistical sciences and allied disciplines. The links below provide detailed information about the graduate program. Program Description Program Concentrations Admission Requirements Financial Aid Degree Requirements Graduate Courses Graduate Certificate in Statistics Contact Information Applying for Admission

The graduate program is offered in a flexible 4+1 format where currently enrolled undergraduate students in mathematics and other disciplines at USM may earn both an undergraduate degree and the M.S. degree in statistics in five years. Candidates planning to earn both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees in five years are advised to take MAT 281 (Probability) and MAT 282 (Statistical Inference) in the sophomore year, take upper-level undergraduate courses in relevant concentrations in the junior year, and take graduate-level courses in the senior year. The student will receive graduate standing after satisfactory completion of all requirements for the undergraduate degree. Candidates holding baccalaureate degrees from accredited institutions may join the program directly at the master's level. A student may earn up to two credits by way of internship with local industry.  Guidance will be provided in locating internship opportunities.

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Program Concentrations

1. Applied Statistics
Relevant courses: STA 574, STA 580 through STA 589, OPR 562, OPR 563 and OPR 564.

2. Operations Research
Relevant courses: OPR 561, OPR 562, OPR 563, OPR 564, MAT 571, and COS 562. (COS 562 is offered by the Computer Science Department)

3. Applied Mathematics
Relevant courses: MAT 570, MAT 571, MAT 572, OPR 561, OPR 562, and OPR 564.

4. Biostatistics
Relevant courses: STA 574, STA 588, STA 589, AMS 535, AMS 545, AMS 638, and AMS 677. (AMS courses are offered by the Department of Applied Medical Sciences)

Admission Requirements

We encourage applications from students with undergraduate degrees in business, computer science, education, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or one of the behavioral or social sciences. It is required that the applicant have completed the following USM courses: MAT 152D (Calculus A) , MAT 281 (Probability) , and MAT 282 (Statistical Inference). or their equivalents. Conditional admission status may be granted to students who do not fully meet these requirements, but have a good working knowledge of statistical methods. Upon successful completion of preparatory coursework, the student will be granted regular admission status.

Currently enrolled students at USM may apply for admission anytime after attaining junior standing by writing to the graduate program director. Additional requirements include copies of all transcripts, current vitae, a personal statement, a GPA of 2.75 or better, and two letters of recommendation.

A student already holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may apply directly to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Additional requirements include copies of all transcripts, current vitae, a personal statement, a GPA of 3.0 or better, GRE scores and three letters of recommendation. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit TOEFL scores.

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Application Deadlines

The program has a rolling admission policy. However, deadlines for candidates seeking financial support are April 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester.

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Degree Requirements

The requirements for the M.S. degree in statistics consist of 30 credit hours, at least 18 of which must be graduate courses (not counting Graduate Internship) and offered by the USM graduate program (i.e. STA, OPR or MAT graduate courses, see list below). STA 580 (Statistical Inference) is a required course for all degree candidates. A student meeting the above requirements may take additional courses subject to the following policies:

1. At most six of the required credits may be earned by taking pre-approved relevant upper level undergraduate courses.

2. For students within the 4+1 format, at most two pre-approved relevant graduate courses may be used for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

3. All courses applied toward the graduate degree must be completed within six years of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. A student may choose to include a pre-approved six-credit master's thesis or project towards the degree. This option is highly recommended. If one chooses to pursue a project, it should solve a relevant problem from business or industry.

4. A student may earn up to two credit hours as an intern, and up to three graduate independent study credits under the supervision of a faculty member associated with our graduate program. With the approval of the graduate committee, a student may transfer a maximum of six credit hours for graduate work completed at other institutions or in other graduate programs at USM.

Graduate Certificate in Statistics

The Department of Mathematics offers a graduate certificate in statistics for those candidates who are not interested in a full master's degree in statistics, but need only a working knowledge of statistical methodologies. The application procedure and forms can be found at USM Graduate Admissions. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, and must have completed MAT 153 (Calculus B), MAT 281 (Probability), and MAT 282 (Statistical Inference) or their equivalents. To earn the graduate certificate, a candidate will need to earn a minimum of 15 graduate credits in statistics, at least 12 of which are at the graduate level. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required in these courses. Courses taken for the certificate can also be used towards the master's degree in Statistics.

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Computer Facilities

The University offers excellent computer facilities.  There are a variety of student computer labs on campus.  All students registered in a class at USM are provided an account to access computer labs.  The University also offers numerous training seminars on the use of various software.  The commonly used statistics and mathematics software packages are available to students.

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Graduate Faculty

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University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine is a comprehensive regional university with over 10,000 students.  As the major university in Southern Maine, USM attracts many nontraditional students to its mathematics and statistics programs.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers courses on both the Portland and Gorham campuses.  Portland is a lovely city with many cultural offerings.  Opportunities for musical, culinary, and artistic experiences abound.  Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby lakes, ocean, mountains, and hiking and ski trails.

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For further information please contact:

El-Taha, Muhammad , Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
Office: 302-B Payson Smith
Phone: (207) 780-4564
e-mail: eltaha@usm.maine.edu
 

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