MA Research Specialization in Statistics

The Masters Research Specialization in Statistics is designed to support qualified MA in Statistics students who are currently involved in or have previously participated in a research project to extend their studies for a fourth semester and continue their research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

This merit-based initiative is intended for students who have shown substantial progress in their research, obtained a nomination from their faculty research mentor, and maintained an excellent academic record. Once a faculty nomination is received, the Department of Statistics will invite these students to apply for the Masters Research Specialization in Statistics. The faculty nomination does not guarantee acceptance into the 4th semester option. The application will be reviewed and students will be informed whether they are approved to continue their research in the 4th semester.

Students accepted into this option must adhere to the following guidelines and eligibility requirements:

Students who are accepted into the MA Research Specialization in Statistics are required to participate for four full semesters consecutively; the first three semesters will be MA Degree in Statistics requirements, and the last semester will be research only (no other course registration is permitted.) Students who fail to enroll in consecutive semesters, forfeit their eligibility for the MA Research Specialization in Statistics, and their offer of acceptance will be automatically rescinded. 

  1. Students must have completed all MA in Statistics degree requirements by the end of their third semester.
  2. Students are prohibited from enrolling in any other courses during the fourth semester except for six credits of STAT GR 5999 (Advanced Master’s Research Specialization).
  3. Students must register for an Extended Residence (ER) in the fourth semester. Tuition will not be charged to the selected students for the specialization. Students are only responsible for student and university fees.
  4. Students must commit to spending 30 hours per week on research.
  5. Students must have successfully extended their I-20 through ISSO.

Application Requirements and Timeline

  FALL ADMIT COHORT SPRING ADMIT COHORT
SEMESTER 2 • Secure a research project and register for MA Mentored Research (GR 5398).
• Application for MA Research Specialization in Statistics must be submitted by the deadline noted in nomination notice from the Department of Statistics.		 • Secure a research project and register for MA Mentored Research (GR 5398).
• Application for MA Research Specialization in Statistics must be submitted by the deadline noted on nomination notice from the Department of Statistics.
SEMESTER 3 • Secure a research project and register for MA Mentored Research (GR 5398).
• Apply for I-20 extension via ISSO.
• Apply for May degree conferral.		 • Secure a research project and register for MA Mentored Research (GR 5398).
• Apply for I-20 extension via ISSO.
• Apply for February degree conferral.
SEMESTER 4 • Enroll in Advanced Master’s Research Specialization (GR5999) for 6 credits (30 hours of research/week).
• Register for an Extended Residence (ER).		 • Enroll in Advanced Master’s Research Specialization (GR5999) for 6 credits (30 hours of research/week).
• Register for an Extended Residence (ER).