Program Overview

          There are many students in other departmental graduate programs who share a common interest in the application of statistical methods to the analysis of data and the solution of problems (e.g. Psychology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Economics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering and Technology Management, Environmental Sciences and Resources, Mechanical Engineering, Political Sciences, Sociology, Urban Studies, Systems Science).

     The Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Statistics (GCAS) provides a companion credential for students in departmental graduate programs (including Mathematics) who have demonstrated expertise in methods and techniques for the quantitative analysis and modeling of data.  This Graduate Certificate credential may be completed with a minimum of 24 credit hours of statistical graduate coursework with no comprehensive exam, while  the MS in Statistics requires more extensive coursework and examinations. Please note that this program is not appropriate for students currently enrolled in the MS Statistics program. 

The Department approved and implemented the Graduate Certificate in Applied Sciences in Winter 2001.  In addition, the Department implemented the MS Degree in Statistics in Spring 2003.

Program Goals, Objectives

Many graduate programs include a research methods component that requires the student to acquire some exposure to statistical methods as the basis for the design of experiments and analysis of data. The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics (GCAS) goes well beyond those requirements -- the student develops both a depth of understanding of methods and a breadth of application across disciplines. It is expected that a student who earns this certificate would be capable of performing sophisticated statistical analysis and modeling for problems within his or her particular discipline. They would also be expected to be able to access and understand consultation with professional statisticians and provide consultation in the application of statistical methods for research purposes and in the solution of practical problems.  The goal of the GCAS program is a coordinated plan for which students will be assured of exposure to statistical techniques needed in most applications.

Course of Study

The program of study leading to a GCAS  requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours of course work distributed as three components:

1. The three-term core course sequence:
   STAT 564 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits) and
   STAT 565, 566 Experimental Design: Theory and Methods, (3 credits each)
2. a minimum of 12 additional hours chosen from the attached list of interdisciplinary courses. Please note that 510/610 courses are not acceptable,
3. STAT 570 Statistical Consulting (3 credits) Please note that this course is only offered during Spring term.

It is expected that most students would pursue the program in conjunction with a disciplinary graduate program (MS, MA, or Ph.D.). However, it is possible to pursue just the graduate certificate.

Prerequisite requirements: Prospective students must have a basic preparation in mathematics and statistics and in a particular disciplinary field that would allow for advanced work in statistical methods as well as applications in one or more content areas. This preparation must be demonstrated by the completion of calculus-based courses in probability and distribution theory. A background in basic statistical methodology is assumed. Prerequisites for the GCAS are: 3 terms of Calculus, Linear Algebra (MTH 261), and STAT 452/552 or STAT 244 or an equivalent Statistical Methods course. As the sequence STAT 551,552 is a prerequisite, it is not applicable toward program requirements.

Applied statistics core sequence: All students would be expected to complete the core sequence in applied statistics: STAT 564 Applied Regression Analysis and STAT 565, 566 Experimental Design: Theory and Methods. The goal of this sequence is to introduce students to fundamentals of applied statistics.

Additional applied statistics courses: Beyond the required sequence, the student will be required to complete three or more courses totaling at least 12 credits with the objective of developing a breadth of knowledge in the application of statistical methods within the discipline and in related areas. The following list of courses is designed to help meet this requirement. Please note that 510/610 courses are not applicable toward the certificate.

Statistical consulting: To provide experience in dealing with real statistical problems, each student will be required to complete STAT 570, Statistical Consulting (3 credits). Please note that this course is only offered in Spring term.

Admission and Continuation requirements: Admission to the certificate program is subject to existing University criteria for admission to graduate programs and the additional requirement of the completion of the aforementioned course work listed in the paragraph titled Prerequisite requirements. Please refer to the following website on how to apply for a graduate program: http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/how-apply-graduate                     Note that application materials must be sent to both the Office of Admissions and the Mathematics & Statistics Department. Please send official transcripts and the Departmental Graduate Admission Application form to: Portland State University, Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Graduate Programs Secretary, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751. 

STAT 551, 552 may not be included as part of the certificate program requirements. All courses applied to certificate program must have B- or better grade.  To continue in the program, students are required to maintain regular graduate student status, requiring a cumulative 3.00 GPA for all coursework and a term GPA of at least 2.67.

Advising: Students should contact Professor Robert Fountain (fountainr@pdx.edu, 503-725-5204) for advising. Students are encouraged to meet with their adviser at the beginning of their program and consult with them regularly throughout their program.  Please meet with your adviser early in the term you plan on finishing your program so the appropriate paperwork can be completed.

 For questions regarding the admissions process, please contact the Math & Statistics Department at (503)725-3621

Department of Education Mandated Certificate Program Information