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Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 2024

Statistics

Master of Science

The master of science (MSc) in statistics program offers exposure to a wide range of statistical techniques and provides experience in the application of statistical methods. It teaches statistical expertise for careers in either theoretical or applied statistics.

The MSc program in statistics combines applied and theoretical training in state of the art statistical methodology, hands-on consulting experiences, a project in data analysis or in the development of new statistical methodology, and the opportunity to gain work experience through co-operative education. The program prepares graduates for careers as statisticians in industry, government, consulting, and research organizations. In addition, graduates receive the foundational training to continue on to PhD studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Applicants with degrees in areas other than statistics are encouraged to apply provided they have some formal training in statistical theory and practice.

Program Requirements

This program consists of required courses and a project for a minimum of 34 units. Students with backgrounds in other disciplines, or with an inadequate background in statistics, may be required to complete two undergraduate courses in addition to the program requirements for a minimum of 40 units. The undergraduate courses will not be included in the program cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Students complete all of*

STAT 811 - Statistical Consulting I (2)

This course is designed to give students some practical experience as a statistical consultant through classroom discussion of issues in consulting and participation in the department's Statistical Consulting Service under the direction of faculty members or the director.

STAT 812 - Statistical Consulting II (2)

Students will participate in the department's Statistical Consulting Service under the direction of faculty members or the director.

STAT 830 - Statistical Theory I (4)

The statistical theory that supports modern statistical methodologies. Distribution theory, methods for construction of tests, estimators, and confidence intervals with special attention to likelihood and Bayesian methods. Properties of the procedures including large sample theory will be considered. Consistency and asymptotic normality for maximum likelihood and related methods (e.g., estimating equations, quasi-likelihood), as well as hypothesis testing and p-values. Additional topics may include: nonparametric models, the bootstrap, causal inference, and simulation. Prerequisite: STAT 450 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for STAT 801 may not take this course for further credit.

STAT 850 - Linear Models and Applications (4)

A modern approach to normal theory for general linear models including models with random effects and "messy" data. Topics include experimental units, blocking, theory of quadratic forms, linear contrasts, analysis of covariance, heterogeneous variances, factorial treatment structures, means comparisons, missing data, multi-unit designs, pseudoreplication, repeated measures mixed model formulation and estimation and inference. Prerequisite: STAT 350 or equivalent.

STAT 851 - Generalized Linear Models and Discrete Data Analysis (4)

The theory and application of statistical methodology for analyzing non-normal responses. Special emphasis on contingency tables, logistic regression, and log-linear models. Other topics can include mixed-effects models and models for overdispersed data. Prerequisite: STAT 830 and STAT 850 or permission of instructor.

STAT 852 - Modern Methods in Applied Statistics (4)

An advanced treatment of modern methods of multivariate statistics and non-parametric regression. Topics may include: (1) dimension reduction techniques such as principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling and related extensions; (2) classification and clustering methods; (3) modern regression techniques such as generalized additive models, Gaussian process regression and splines. Prerequisite: STAT 830 and STAT 853 or permission of instructor.

STAT 853 - Applications of Statistical Computing (4)

An introduction to computational methods in applied statistics. Topics can include: the bootstrap, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, EM algorithm, as well as optimization and matrix decompositions. Statistical applications will include frequentist and Bayesian model estimation, as well as inference for complex models. The theoretical motivation and application of computational methods will be addressed. Prerequisite: STAT 830 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

*Other courses may be substituted for these courses with supervisor and graduate program chair approval.

and a project

STAT 898 - MSc Project (10)

Students are required to submit and successfully defend a project based on a statistical analysis problem or on the development of new statistical methodology. The project is examined as a thesis and must be submitted to the library. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 TBD
G200 TBD

All students are required to submit and successfully defend a project based on a statistical analysis problem or on the development of new statistical methodology. The project is examined as a thesis and must be submitted to the library. See the Graduate General Regulations Section 1.10 and 1.11 for further information.

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four to five terms.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.