Statistics

• Department Information
• Program Description
• M.S. in Statistics
• Other Degree Requirements
• Certificate Programs
• Post-baccalaureate Courses
• Graduate Courses

Department Information

Department of Statistics and Biostatistics
College of Science
Office: North Science 229
Phone: (510) 885-3435

Professor Emerita
Julia A. Norton Ph.D. Harvard University

Professor
Eric A. Suess (Chair), Ph.D. University of California, Davis

Associate Professors
Lynn Eudey, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Shenghua (Kelly) Fan, Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Mitchell R. Watnik, Ph.D. University of California, Davis
YanYan Zhou, Ph.D. University of Maryland

Assistant Professor
Joshua D. Kerr, Ph.D. University of California, Davis

Graduate Coordinator: Mitchell R. Watnik

Back to top

Program Description

The Department of Statistics and Biostatistics offers graduate study leading to the degree Master of Science in Statistics. The program is flexible in order to serve the needs of students with varying backgrounds (including statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, business, economics and other quantitative fields) and with different career objectives. The program includes options in Applied Statistics, Computational Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, and Actuarial Science. All students are expected to master a wide variety of applied statistical, computational, and probabilistic techniques and the theoretical foundations upon which these techniques are based. Students are expected to be familiar with recent developments in the field and to be able to use the statistical literature to learn new techniques and theories throughout their professional careers. In addition to the general requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog, students must satisfy the departmental requirements stated in the following paragraphs.

Students interested in pursuing an M.S. degree in Biostatistics should see the Biostatistics chapter in the university catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Statistics from Cal State East Bay will have achieved the following:

1. Mastery of fundamental statistical methodologies, including:
   1. descriptive statistics and graphical displays
   2. probability models for uncertainty, stochastic processes, and distribution theory
   3. hypothesis testing and confidence intervals
   4. ANOVA and regression models (including linear, and multiple linear) and analysis of residuals from models and trends.
2. At the level of this degree, mastery includes the ability:
   1. to derive and understand basic theory underlying these methodologies
   2. to formulate and model practical problems for solutions using these methodologies
   3. to produce relevant computer output using standard statistical software and interpret the results appropriately
   4. to communicate statistical concepts and analytical results clearly and appropriately to others; and
   5. to understand theory, concepts, and terminology at a level that supports lifelong learning of related methodologies.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
2. Differential and Integral Calculus, including multiple integration and infinite series (MATH 1304, 1305, 2304).
3. Departmental approval.
4. For "Classified Graduate" status, fulfillment of the University Writing Skills Requirement. For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay.edu/testing or call 510.885.3661.

In addition to the above minimal requirements for admission, if students have some of the following background they will be at an advantage both as to selection for admission to the program and optimal progress toward the degree if admitted:

• basic statistics and probability at the level of STAT 3401, 3502 (or beyond)
• additional mathematics at the level of MATH 2101 (or beyond)
• knowledge of a computer programming language
• experience in a setting where studies or experiments are conducted for the collection of data.

Advancement to Candidacy Requirements

1. Completion of at least 15 quarter units of approved coursework beyond the baccalaureate, with an average of "B" (3.0) or higher.
2. Departmental approval.

Back to top

M.S. in Statistics

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the following unit, grade, and course requirements.

1. Unit and Grade Requirements
   The M.S. in Statistics program consists of at least 48 quarter units of approved upper division and graduate work. The university requirement for the minimum number of 6000-level units applies. All work applied toward the 48 units must be at an average grade of "B" (3.0) or higher. No graduate-level required course may be at a grade below "B-."
2. Course Requirements (48 units)
   Elective courses referred to in section 3 below must be chosen with advanced written approval of an advisor.
   1. Required Graduate Level Courses (32 units)
      • STAT 6204 Probability Theory (4)
      • STAT 6205 Statistical Theory (4)
      • STAT 6304 Advanced Statistical Inference (4)
      • STAT 6305 Analysis of Variance Models (4)
      • STAT 6401 Advanced Probability I (4)
      • STAT 6501, 6502 Mathematical Statistics I and II (4, 4)
      • STAT 6509 Theory and Application of Regression (4)
   2. Required Upper Division Courses (4 units)
      • MATH 3100 Linear Algebra (4) or MATH 3300 Analysis I (4)
      Students entering the program with acceptable credit for either of these courses (or equivalents) will select additional courses from approved graduate-level coursework, section 3 below, or courses from other departments designated as acceptable by a graduate advisor.
   3. Elective Courses (12 units)
      Select one of the options below or complete 12 units of advanced courses chosen with the advanced written approval of an advisor:
      1. Option in Applied Statistics (12 units)
         Topics include a broad background in the practice of statistics, including data modeling and the use of computing packages for data analysis.
         
         Required Courses:
         • Three graduate electives in statistics or biostatistics, approved by a graduate advisor. (12)
      2. Option in Computational Statistics (12 Units)
         Topics include regression modeling, multivariate statistics, factor analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, Markov Chain, Monte Carlo methods, bootstrapping, data mining, and other computationally intensive methods.
         
         Required Courses:
         Choose two courses from:
         • STAT 6310 Advanced Stochastic Processes and Simulation (4)
         • STAT 6515 Advanced Multivariate Analysis (4)
         • STAT 6550 Bayesian Statistics (4)
         • STAT 6555 Statistical Time Series Analysis (4)
         • STAT 6601 Advanced Statistical Computing (4)
         
         
         Choose one additional course from one not taken above, or:
         One approved course from STAT 6860-6864 Selected
         • Topics in Graduate Probability and Statistics (4)
         • STAT 6835 Statistical Pattern Recognition (4)
         • STAT 6865 Mathematical Modeling (4)
         • One approved upper-division or graduate level course in computer science (4) (graduate level preferred)
      3. Option in Mathematical Statistics (12 units)
         Advanced coursework in mathematics is strongly recommended, particularly MATH 3100 Linear Algebra and MATH 3300 Analysis I (real analysis).
         
         Required Courses:
         Choose one course from:
         • STAT 6310 Advanced Stochastic Processes and Simulation (4)
         • STAT 6402 Advanced Probability II (4)
         Two approved upper-division or graduate level courses in mathematics. Ordinarily, these would be at the 4000- or 6000-level. (8)
      4. Option in Actuarial Science (12 units)
         Graduate coursework in the College of Business and Economics relevant to insurance, finance, and operations research is recommended. MATH 3100 Linear Algebra is also recommended. Areas of interest include stochastic modeling, force of mortality, life tables, and other topics from actuarial mathematics.
         
         Required Courses:
         Choose one course from:
         • STAT 6310 Advanced Stochastic Processes and Simulation (4)
         • STAT 6402 Advanced Probability II (4)
         
         One course from STAT 6851-6859 Selected Topics in Actuarial and Decision Science (4)
         
         Choose one course from:
         • One approved 6000-level course from the College of Business and Economics (4) (or)
         • One additional approved 6000-level course from statistics (4)

Comprehensive Examination

Successful completion of a departmental examination is required. This written examination will cover the contents of the courses in the candidate's approved program. Other material may be included, the general nature of which will be specified in advance. The examination is given only in the Fall and Spring quarters, and will cover both applied and theoretical topics.

In each quarter of offering, the department Chair will appoint three or more members of the graduate faculty to administer the examination. Each student will generally take the Comprehensive Examination in the quarter of intended graduation or in the preceding quarter, after consulting with the graduate advisor. Students enrolled in the Actuarial Science Option may substitute a passing grade on an approved national actuarial exam for a designated portion of the comprehensive examination, with the approval of the graduate advisor. The examination committee is the final departmental authority in deciding eligibility to take the examination.

Back to top

Other Degree Requirements

In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the university requirements for graduation which are described in the Graduate Degree Information chapter in this catalog. These include the 32-unit residence requirement, the five year rule on currency of subject matter, the minimum number of units of 6000-level courses, the 3.00 grade point average, and the University Writing Skills requirement.

Back to top

Certificate Programs

Applied Statistics

The Certificate in Applied Statistics combines basic work in statistics, which is required for many majors and graduate degree programs, with additional coursework in applied statistics. The coursework is designed to broaden the abilities of scientists and social scientists who already have degrees, but who need more training in applying statistics to their research and employment activities.

The minimum required GPA for the awarding of the certificate is 2.0. Consult an advisor in the Department of Statistics and Biostatistics for clarification and interpretation of requirements. The certificate consists of 24-25 units, plus 4-5 units of prerequisites. At least 4 units must be at the graduate level.

Prerequisites:

• STAT 2010
• STAT 3010 (requires STAT 1000)
• STAT 3031 (requires MATH 1130)
• STAT 3502 (requires MATH 1305)
• STAT 3601 (requires MATH 1305)

1. Core Courses (12-13 units)
   Applied Statistical Methodology (8-9 units)
   Choose one of the following five pairs of courses:
   • STAT 2010 Elements of Statistics for Business and Economics (5) and STAT 4000 Analysis of Variance in the Behavioral Sciences (4)
   • STAT 3010 Statistical Methods in the Social Sciences (4) and either STAT 4000 Analysis of Variance in the Behavioral Sciences (4) or STAT 6010 Applied Analysis of Variance (4)
   • STAT 3031 Statistical Methods in Biology (4) and either STAT 4000 Analysis of Variance in the Behavioral Sciences (4) or STAT 6010 Applied Analysis of Variance (4)
   • STAT 3502 Statistical Inference I (4) and STAT 3503 Statistical Inference II (4)
   • STAT/ENGR 3601 Statistics and Probability for Science and Engineering I (4) or STAT/ENGR 5601 Introductory Statistics and Probability for Science and Engineering (4) and STAT/ENGR 3602 Statistics and Probability for Science and Engineering II (4)
   Data Analysis Using Statistical Packages (4 units)
   • STAT 3900 Data Analysis Using Statistical Packages (4) or STAT 4950 Advanced Statistical Packages for Data Analysis (4). A person skilled in statistical programming may provide evidence of such proficiency and substitute a course for one of these, with the approval of an advisor.
2. Electives (12 units)
   Choose from the following courses not taken above:
   • ENGR/STAT 5300 Quality Engineering (4)
   • ENGR/STAT 6300 Applied Quality Assurance (4)
   • STAT 3050 Statistics: from Data to Decisions (4)
   • STAT 3415 Introduction to Decision Theory (4)
   • STAT 3510 Sampling Procedures for Surveys (4)
   • STAT 3910 Statistical Software Usage (4) or STAT 4910 Advanced Statistical Package Usage (4)
   • STAT 4515 Applied Multivariate Analysis (4) or STAT 6515 Advanced Multivariate Analysis (4)
   • STAT 4601 Regression or STAT 6509 Theory and Application of Regression (4)
   • STAT 4603 Operations Research II (4)
   • STAT 4610 Introduction to Nonparametric Statistical Methods (4)
   • STAT 4860-69 Undergraduate Seminar (4)
   • STAT 6010 Applied Analysis of Variance (4)
   • STAT 6011 Statistical Modeling for Management and Economics (4)
   • STAT 6020 Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials (4)

Mathematical Statistics

The Certificate in Mathematical Statistics is designed to enhance a student's understanding of theoretical statistics and probability in preparation for employment in the engineering, information science, and technology sectors. The certificate also prepares students for further graduate study.

The minimum required GPA for the awarding of the certificate is 3.0. Consult an advisor in the Department of Statistics and Biostatistics for clarification and interpretation of requirements. The certificate consists of 16 graduate level units, plus any necessary prerequisites. All required courses are cross-listed with Mathematics.

Prerequisites

• STAT 6401 requires MATH 3300 and either STAT 3402 or 4401
• STAT 6501 requires MATH 3300 or MATH 3100, and STAT 6205 or graduate standing in mathematics
• STAT 6510 requires MATH 2101 and STAT 3503

1. Core Courses (12 units)
   • STAT 6401 Advanced Probability I (4)
   • STAT 6501 Mathematical Statistics I (4)
   • STAT 6502 Mathematical Statistics II (4)
2. Electives (4 units)
   Choose at least one course from the following (advisor approval required):
   • STAT 6402 Advanced Probability II (4)
   • STAT 6510 Analysis of Variance (4)
   • STAT 6860-69 Selected Topics in Probability and Statistics (4)

Back to top

Post-baccalaureate Courses

Back to top

Graduate Courses

Back to top