2008-2009 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
College of Arts and Sciences
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Statistics
Head:
John Boyer
Director of graduate studies:
James Neill
Graduate faculty:
John Boyer, Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Suzanne Dubnicka, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University.
Gary L. Gadbury, Ph.D., Colorado State University.
James Higgins, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia.
Dallas Johnson, Emeritus, Ph.D., Colorado State University.
Kenneth Kemp, Emeritus, Ph.D., Michigan State University.
George Milliken, Emeritus, Ph.D., Colorado State University.
Leigh W. Murray, Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
James Neill, Ph.D., Kansas State University.
Paul Nelson, Ph.D., Rutgers University.
Weixing Song, Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Haiyan Wang, Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University.
Winston Yang, Ph.D., Iowa State University.
Careers
To solve problems we need information. But, what kind? How much? And after we get it, what do we do with it? Statisticians deal with numerical information usually called data. Their job is to match the data with the problem, and to figure out what to collect and how to make the numbers manageable so that other people can understand them. All areas that involve the collection and analysis of data can benefit from the skills of a statistician. Monitoring the environment, developing new vaccines, making more reliable products, growing crops more efficiently, and setting insurance rates are just some endeavors in which statisticians have had a significant impact. Statistics is a field in which experts have virtually unlimited opportunities.
Perhaps the most recognizable careers in statistics are those in the state and federal governments. Professionals are not only hired into such areas as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census, but are in demand in many service agencies.
Universities hire statisticians in many academic departments, including mathematics, management sciences, economics, genetics, history, and psychology, and at the administrative and service levels, including business affairs, research support, and personnel.
Private industry is a heavy user of the skills of the statistician. For example, the pharmaceutical industry employs many statisticians to design studies and analyze data to show the safety and effectiveness of new drug compounds. Manufacturing industries are increasingly using statisticians to help them improve quality and productivity. Private consulting can be lucrative for the experienced statistician who works with both private industry and government. Companies of all sizes employ staff statisticians to keep the business progressing and competitive.
Preparation
The Department of Statistics accepts students from many different disciplines. Students entering the M. S. program should have a background of calculus, matrix algebra,computer programming, and introductory statistics. Students entering the Ph.D. program should have additional course work in statistics and mathematics.
Programs
The Department of Statistics offers studies leading to a master of science or a doctor of philosophy degree. A master’s degree is recommended for a career in industry or government. The Ph.D. degree is usually required for post-secondary teaching and higher level positions. The department offers concentration in applied and mathematical probability and statistics.
Graduate certificate in applied statistics
The department offers the Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics to recognize the preparation and proficiency of non-majors in data analysis in a wide variety of subject matter areas. Graduate students in a variety of academic disciplines are conducting research that requires knowledge in applied statistics. Such students may wish to demonstrate proficiency in applied statistics as it may be useful when looking for meaningful employment opporutnities, in addition to helping them become better researchers in their chosen fields. In order to strengthen their educational programs and the quality of graduate education, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics has been developed.
Consulting opportunities
The department does a tremendous amount of consulting work for researchers and students on campus and for individuals and agencies off campus. Projects vary in length of time and sophistication of methods needed to complete them. Students may contact the department head to find out what is available. Those who wish to do consulting will be assigned a faculty member to direct the work. At the student’s discretion, up to 2 hours credit may be earned for consulting by registering for STAT 945.
For more information
For additional information and application materials please contact:
Department of Statistics
Kansas State University
101 Dickens Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-0802
Phone: 785-532-6883
FAX: 785-532-7736
E-mail: gradrec@stat.ksu.edu
Home Page: http://www.ksu.edu/stats/
Doctor of Philosophy
Graduate Certificate
Master of Science
Statistics
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