The Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Statistics (GCAS) is primarily designed to provide a companion credential for students in other graduate programs (including Mathematics) who have demonstrated expertise in methods and techniques for the quantitative analysis and modeling of data. Graduate programs that share a common interest in the application of statistical methods to the analysis of data and the solutions of problems include: Psychology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Economics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering and Technology Management, Environmental Sciences and Resources, Mechanical Engineering, Political Sciences, Sociology, Urban Studies, Systems Science. However, the GCAS program equally serves those who want to pursue just the graduate certificate.
Admission:
Program prerequisites:
Prospective students must have a basic preparation in mathematics and statistics and in a particular disciplinary field that would allow for advanced work in statistical methods as well as applications in one or more content areas. This preparation must be demonstrated by the completion of calculus-based courses in probability and distribution theory. A background in basic statistical methodology is assumed. Prerequisites for the GCAS are: 3 terms of Calculus (Mth 251-253), Linear Algebra (Mth 261), and a statistical methods course (Stat 452/552 or Stat 244). As the sequence Stat 551, Stat 552 is a prerequisite, it is not applicable toward program requirements.
In addition to the program prerequisites, applicants must meet the university's minimum admission requirements including English language proficiency.
Please note that this program is not appropriate for students currently enrolled in the MS Statistics program.
This program currently offers rolling admissions.
Instructions on how to apply: if you are not already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Portland State University, see this page for admission instructions: https://www.pdx.edu/math/how-to-apply. If you are currently a graduate student and wish to add the certificate to your program, please submit a GO-19 Request for Change of Major form. The form must be signed by your current department's Chair before submitting it to the Mathematics and Statistics department.
Program Goals, Objectives:
Many graduate programs include a research methods component that requires the student to acquire some exposure to statistical methods as the basis for the design of experiments and analysis of data. The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics (GCAS) goes well beyond those requirements -- the student develops both a depth of understanding of methods and a breadth of application across disciplines. It is expected that a student who earns this certificate would be capable of performing sophisticated statistical analysis and modeling for problems within his or her particular discipline. They would also be expected to be able to access and understand consultation with professional statisticians and provide consultation in the application of statistical methods for research purposes and in the solution of practical problems. The goal of the GCAS program is a coordinated plan for which students will be assured of exposure to statistical techniques needed in most applications.
Core Requirements:
This Graduate Certificate credential may be completed with a minimum of 24 credit hours of statistical graduate coursework with no comprehensive exam, while the MS in Statistics requires more extensive coursework and examinations.
Graduate certificate students must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on all courses applied to the program of study, as well as a minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate-level courses taken at PSU. Although grades of C+, C, and C- are below the graduate standard, they may be counted as credit toward a graduate certificate with the specific written approval of the program.
Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the certificate. These policies and procedures are in the Graduate Studies section of the PSU Bulletin. Several of the most frequently asked questions about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School website: https://www.pdx.edu/ogs/.
Course of Study
The program of study leading to a GCAS requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours of coursework distributed as three components:
- Applied statistics core sequence: The goal of this sequence is to introduce students to fundamentals of applied statistics. The three-term core course sequence: Stat 564 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits) and Stat 565, Stat 566 Experimental Design: Theory and Methods I, II, (3 credits each)
- Additional applied statistics courses: The objective is developing a breadth of knowledge in the application of statistical methods within the discipline and in related areas. A minimum of 12 additional hours chosen from the list of interdisciplinary courses below. Please note that 510/610 courses and Stat 551, Stat 552 are not acceptable toward the certificate.
- Statistical consulting: To provide experience in dealing with real statistical problems Stat 570 Statistical Consulting (3 credits). Please note that this course is only offered during spring term.
All courses applied to certificate program must have a B- or better grade. To continue in the program, students are required to maintain regular graduate student status, requiring a cumulative 3.00 GPA for all coursework and a term GPA of at least 2.67.
Theory courses
| Mth 667 | Stochastic Processes and Probability Theory I | 3 |
| Mth 668 | Stochastic Processes and Probability Theory II | 3 |
| Mth 669 | Stochastic Processes and Probability Theory III | 3 |
| Stat 561 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| Stat 562 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| Stat 563 | Mathematical Statistics III | 3 |
| Stat 661 | Advanced Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| Stat 662 | Advanced Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| Stat 663 | Advanced Mathematical Statistics III | 3 |
| Stat 664 | Theory of Linear Models I | 3 |
| Stat 665 | Theory of Linear Models II | 3 |
| Stat 666 | Theory of Linear Models III | 3 |
| Stat 671 | Statistical Learning I | 3 |
| Stat 672 | Statistical Learning II | 3 |
| Stat 673 | Statistical Learning III | 3 |
Additional applied statistics interdisciplinary course list:
Please contact the program adviser during the term prior to the term of anticipated graduation to confirm that all program requirements have been completed. Instructions for applying to graduate as well as application deadlines can be found on the Graduate School's website: https://www.pdx.edu/ogs/.