MS Program

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Overview

The primary mission of the MS degree program in Mathematics and Statistics is to prepare students for professional careers in disciplines which make use of the mathematical and statistical sciences. Our evening-only curriculum is intended for individuals who have strong backgrounds, but not necessarily baccalaureate degrees in mathematics. It is the only such program in the greater DC area.

The program enrolled its first class in the fall semester of 2006 and has grown to a stable and continuing size of about 90 students. Each fall semester we enroll roughly 30-35 new students, and there is an admission window for spring semesters as well, with an average of about 5-7 new students.

Professional Development

The program derives its philosophy from government and industry organizations in the DC area and has placed graduates into government agencies, defense and financial firms and nonprofits. There is a steady demand for highly trained professionals in data analytics, applied mathematical and statistical modeling and cloud computing, and our students have proven to be exceptionally competitive in the job market. A long standing and successful internship program in mathematical and statistical consulting helps to train and place students and graduates into exciting jobs and satisfying careers.

Degree Requirement

From a rich and diverse curriculum, our students emerge with key practical skills in areas of national priority. In addition to the career-enabling aspects of the degree, our students also develop a love and appreciation for the beauty and excitement of the world of applied mathematics and statistics. The degree requires 10 graduate courses.

• 4 core courses in applied mathematics and statistics consisting of probability (MATH 501: Probability Theory/Applications), applied mathematics (MATH 502: Deterministic Math Models), mathematical statistics (MATH 503: Mathematical Statistics), and numerical mathematics (MATH 504: Numerical Methods).
• Math/stat electives. Math/Stat electives include computational science (Matlab, SAS, R, and cloud introduction), regression analysis, stochastic processes, financial mathematics, time series, data mining, Bayesian statistics, linear programming, machine learning, data analytics, mathematics of climate, sparse sampling and representation, social network analysis, survey sampling, and cloud computing.
• Every student is also permitted to take one non-math/stat elective. Some examples of non-math/stat electives are biostatistics, computer science, econometrics, public policy surveys and computational neuroscience.

Students

The program is open to both full time and part time students, the latter of whom are typically working professionals in the DC area who may take advantage of our evening classes to obtain relevant and up-to-date training. About 30-40% of students in the program are working professionals. These valued colleagues add diversity and seasoning to the student body, as well as key connections to the DC area workforce. The program actively facilitates robust networking within the program for all students and faculty.

Full time students can expect to complete the program in three semesters plus one summer.

Part time students may take as many courses per semester, within reason, as their work and personal obligations permit. There are successful alumni who have finished in two years as part timers, and others who have elected to take 10 consecutive semesters, including summers, to complete the 10 courses. Flexible graduate school rules allow this wide choice of options.

However, unnecessary delays in completing the degree are not in the best interests of the students or the program, and so the nominal course load is required to be three completed courses per calendar year, consecutively and including summers.

Classroom Technology

Several courses in the curriculum are now using lecture capture technology whereby registered students may participate live in classes from off-site using the Zoom teleconferencing software. The MP4 files of Zoom classes are also archived so that the class audio/video may be webstreamed for class review by registered students. This option is part of the university Instructional Continuity program and is intended as a substitute for regular class attendance during emergency campus closings. Information on which classes plan to use Zoom may be obtained by contacting the graduate program.

Outcomes

Our graduates have advanced to these organizations: