Statistics and Data Science, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Dr. Anna Panorska
Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, NV 89557
ania@unr.edu
(775)784-6773

II. Brief Description

The Statistics and Data Science program at the University of Nevada Reno offers instruction in the fundamental concepts and methodology of statistics and practical training in the modern computational methods of data science. The program highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary work and communication skills required in the current and future job market. Our graduates are competitive in the job market, with a well-established record of employment in the academy, industry, and government.

III. Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of and apply methodological and computational methods of SDS.
• Effectively function as professionals in the discipline and on interdisciplinary research teams.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, results and methods of their work to disciplinary and interdisciplinary audiences.

IV. Admission Requirements

Students must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School.

Applicants must submit:

• official transcripts,
• at least one letter of recommendation, and
• a satisfactory Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General score.

Students are admitted to our program on a rolling basis. To guarantee full consideration, apply by March 1 (for Fall admission), by November 1 (for Spring admission).

Applicants must have completed the following courses or their equivalents or hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Computer Science or a related field from an accredited university:

• MATH 181   (Differential Calculus of one variable)
• MATH 182   (Integral Calculus of one variable),
• MATH 283   (Multivariable Calculus),
• MATH 330   (Linear Algebra), and
• STAT 352    (Probability and Statistics).

All applicants are required to fill out an online application form. With the exception of the ‘Online Application’, all other application materials (Transcripts, Letter(s) of Recommendation, GRE, TOEFL) must be sent to:

Graduate School
Student Services Building, Room 225
Mailstop 0326
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
USA

Students should consult this General Catalog to ensure that they are in compliance with all of the requirements of the Graduate School, including residence requirements and limits on transfer and graduate special credits.

International Students

All international students must comply with the appropriate Graduate School requirements. In particular, candidates whose native language is not English must include a TOEFL or IELTS score.

V. Program Requirements (30-31 units)

The program offers two options: thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B), with different credit requirements.

• All students who follow a thesis option must earn 30 graduate credits including 6 thesis credits (STAT 797).
• Students following the non-thesis option must earn 31 graduate credits including passing a comprehensive exam.
• All students must earn 18 of their credits in 700-level STAT courses. 
• The Graduate Program Director must approve all of the courses required for graduation.

VI. Recommended Schedule - Thesis (Plan A)