Certificate Programs in Statistics

We offer two certificate programs which can be completed in less time than the MS degree. The first certificate is specially designed for those students whose mathematical skills are not yet as developed as would be required for our other programs. All coursework for these certificates must be completed through our department, and at least 50% of the coursework must be completed through our distance program. Note: Application is not required for either of our certificate programs.

The first program is our Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis. This provides comprehensive training in applied statistics and data analysis using modern software. It is intended for professionals or graduate students in diverse fields seeking a short-term program to strengthen their statistical skills. This program includes an introduction to probability and statistical theory, the entire STAT 511-512 sequence, and additional training in either spatial analysis or environmental statistics. The minimum required math background for this certificate is college algebra (two semesters of college calculus are required if taking STAT 315). Students who have already taken an upper division (300-level or higher) introductory statistics course should contact Dr. Jana Anderson for options on course substitutions.

The second program is our Certificate in Statistical Theory and Methods. This provides graduate-level training in the theory and methods of statistics. It is intended for those wishing to quickly complete the most important core components of the longer MS degree program. Requires a strong math background including three semesters of college-level calculus, one semester of advanced calculus or introductory analysis, and one semester of linear algebra or matrix theory; 3-6 credits of undergraduate statistics are also recommended.

Study towards either certificate requires course registration but not application for graduate admission. Either certificate can be completed in only 2-4 terms, depending on your math/stat background, the amount of time you are able to devote to study, and the semester (fall, spring or summer) in which you begin your coursework. Please note that we do not accept transfer courses toward the certificates. Courses taken previously at other institutions may, however, be used as prerequisites. If you wish to do both certificates, you should keep in mind that you must complete 4 distinct courses for each certificate, for a total of 8 courses. Some, though not all, of the courses will count toward the MS degree, should you decide to pursue it.

The course requirements for our certificates are:

Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis (four courses required)

1. STAT 301 or STAT 315: introductory probability and statistics
2. STAT 511: elementary applied statistics
3. STAT 512 or STAT 540: multiple regression/design of experiments
4. STAT 460, STAT 523 or STAT/CIVE 547: elective course in multivariate, spatial or environmental statistics.

1. STAT 520: probability theory
2. STAT 530: mathematical statistics
3. STAT 540: multiple regression/design of experiments
4. Any STAT class numbered 515 or higher, of at least 3 credits: advanced training in a topic of your choice.

You must complete each class with a C or better and achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in these courses. If you are pursuing the Statistical Theory and Methods certificate as an initial step in obtaining the MS degree, you will want to make sure that your elective course (#4) is one that will count toward the MS degree.