Program Overview

     The Portland State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics has, for many years, developed and implemented a continuing seminar series and the Statistical Consulting Laboratory. 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. 

     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 and Statistics programs) 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.  the MS in Statistics requires more extensive coursework and examinations.

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 completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work, each course graded B- or better, 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,
3. Stat 570 Statistical Consulting (3 credits).

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 261, and Stat 452/552 or Stat 244 or the equivalent. 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 attached list of courses are designed to meet this requirement.

Statistical consulting: To provide experience in dealing with real statistical problems, each student will be required to complete Stat 570, Statistical Consulting (three credits) of statistical consulting. This course is offered in cooperation with the Statistical Consulting Laboratory and supervised by its Director.

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. 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 3.00 GPA for all coursework and a term GPA of at least 2.67.

Advising: Professor Robert Fountain is the Advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics as well as for the MS in Statistics.  Students are encouraged to meet with Prof. Fountain at the start of their program and consult with him regularly throughout their program.  Students are sent a GCAS Program Completion Form which is helpful in meeting with Prof. Fountain (fountainr@pdx.edu, 503-725-5204).