The program is intended to prepare students for careers as practicing statisticians, to provide enhanced research expertise for students pursuing advanced degrees in other fields, and to strengthen the mathematical and statistical training of students preparing for PhD studies in statistics or a related field. The M.S. degree requires 32-36 hours (8 or 9 courses) beyond the prerequisites. There is no thesis requirement for this degree. The entire program must be approved by the Graduate Advisor before a degree can be awarded.