UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ · UNITED STATES
Statistical Science M.S.
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Statistical Science program at UC Santa Cruz equips students with the skills to develop and apply statistical methods for analyzing data and quantifying uncertainty. This program focuses on using statistical techniques to solve complex problems in science, technology, and engineering, preparing graduates for professional careers. Students will gain a strong foundation in statistical theory, methods, and computational techniques, with an emphasis on contemporary approaches and their practical applications.
Curriculum
The M.S. program requires the completion of seven core courses, including research and teaching in statistics, probability theory, statistical inference, and advanced statistical modeling. Students must also complete a two-credit research seminar. Additionally, three elective courses from an approved list are required, totaling 43 credits for the non-seminar coursework. Independent study courses cannot substitute for these elective requirements.
- Year 1
- Research and Teaching in StatisticsSTAT 200
- Introduction to Probability TheorySTAT 203
- Statistical Inference ISTAT 204
- Statistical Inference IISTAT 205
- Generalized Linear ModelsSTAT 215
- Regression ModelsSTAT 210
- Research SeminarSTAT 280B
Careers
The M.S. in Statistical Science is designed to prepare graduates for professional careers in various fields that rely on data analysis and statistical modeling.
- Data Scientist
- Statistician
- Data Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the M.S. in Statistical Science program?
- Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, or statistics. Your undergraduate program must include coursework in calculus (single-variable and multivariate), linear algebra, introductory statistics, and introductory calculus-based probability and statistical inference. Proficiency in programming languages like R or Python is also required.
- How do I determine my tuition and fees as an international student?
- Tuition and fee information for international graduate students is available from the UC Santa Cruz Registrar's Office. Your residency status for tuition purposes is determined by the University of California based on the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), which you will need to complete.
- What is the structure and duration of the M.S. in Statistical Science program?
- The M.S. program requires the completion of seven core courses, a two-credit research seminar, and three elective courses, totaling 43 credits for non-seminar coursework. The program is structured for completion within a standard graduate timeframe, typically two academic years.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for professional careers as Data Scientists, Statisticians, Data Analysts, Quantitative Analysts, and Researchers in fields that require data analysis and statistical modeling.
- What documentation is needed for the application?
- You will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants who are not native English speakers must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, or statistics is required. The undergraduate program must include specific coursework in statistics and mathematics, including single-variable and multivariate calculus, linear algebra, introductory statistics, and introductory calculus-based probability and statistical inference. Proficiency in a high-level programming language like R or Python is also necessary.
Students admitted to the M.S. program may be eligible to matriculate into the Ph.D. program after successfully passing the pre-qualifying examination, applying to the graduate committee, and receiving their approval. Ph.D. students have the option to receive an M.S. degree upon completion of M.S. requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the UC Santa Cruz Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information for international graduate students.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the UC Santa Cruz Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information for domestic graduate students.
LivingEstimated living costs for graduate students are available from the UC Santa Cruz Registrar's Office.
Residency status for tuition purposes is determined by the University of California based on the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR). Students must complete the SLR to ensure accurate fee assessment. Deadlines apply for SLR submission and document submission for residency determination.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and prerequisite course requirements for the Statistical Science M.S. program.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any other required documents. International applicants may need to provide TOEFL/IELTS scores if English is not their native language.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application by the program's deadline. Pay the application fee.
4. Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)After submitting your Statement of Intent to Register, you will be prompted to complete the SLR on your MyUCSC To-Do List. This form determines your residency status for tuition purposes. Submit all required documentation by the specified deadlines (e.g., July 1 for graduate students) to ensure timely review.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released after the application review period.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the M.S. in Statistical Science program?
+
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, or statistics. Your undergraduate program must include coursework in calculus (single-variable and multivariate), linear algebra, introductory statistics, and introductory calculus-based probability and statistical inference. Proficiency in programming languages like R or Python is also required.
How do I determine my tuition and fees as an international student?
+
Tuition and fee information for international graduate students is available from the UC Santa Cruz Registrar's Office. Your residency status for tuition purposes is determined by the University of California based on the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), which you will need to complete.
What is the structure and duration of the M.S. in Statistical Science program?
+
The M.S. program requires the completion of seven core courses, a two-credit research seminar, and three elective courses, totaling 43 credits for non-seminar coursework. The program is structured for completion within a standard graduate timeframe, typically two academic years.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for professional careers as Data Scientists, Statisticians, Data Analysts, Quantitative Analysts, and Researchers in fields that require data analysis and statistical modeling.
What documentation is needed for the application?
+
You will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants who are not native English speakers must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.