2003-2005 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

420 The University of AlabamaINTERDISCIPLINARYPROGRAMSAPPLIED STATISTICS (APST)Professor Michael D. Conerly, DirectorOffi ce: 353 Alston HallThe programs described below lead to the master of science and doctor of philosophydegrees in applied statistics. They provide broad yet thorough training in the methodologyand theory of statistics, as well as an appreciation for the application of statisticsin a variety of disciplines.For more detailed information and recommendations, students are encouraged toconsult theApplied Statistics Program Graduate Handbook, available at www.cba.ua.edu/~apstat.Admission RequirementsThe requirements for admission to the Graduate School are detailed in an earlier sectionof this catalog. The candidate for a graduate degree in applied statistics is normallyexpected to have completed courses in mathematics equivalent to three semesters ofundergraduate calculus, and to have a working knowledge of computer programmingand matrix algebra. The Graduate Record Examination general test is required of allapplicants.Degree RequirementsM.S. degree requirements. The general requirements for the M.S. degree in appliedstatistics are those set forth for the master’s degree under Plan II, in the section on theacademic policies of the Graduate School (see p. 96). A minimum of 36 credit hours isrequired, of which at least 24 must be in statistics. The required courses are ST 535,ST 552, ST 553, ST 554, ST 555, ST 560, ST 561, and ST 575. An interdisciplinaryfi eld requirement can be fulfi lled by taking 6 hours of coursework in an approved fi eld.The remaining 6 hours may be earned in additional coursework in statistics or relatedareas, with the approval of a faculty adviser. The program of related courses may varyfrom student to student, and depends on the student’s interests and academic background.When most of the coursework is com plet ed, the student must pass a writtencom pre hen sive examination.Ph.D. degree requirements. The general requirements for the Ph.D. degree in appliedstatistics are those set forth for the doctorate in the section on the academic policies ofthe Graduate School (see p. 100). A minimum of 57 hours of coursework and 24 hours ofdissertation research is required. The program of study is arranged for each student byan advisory committee of graduate faculty representing the applied statistics program.By the end of the second year of coursework, the student must pass a written qualifyingexamination covering all courses required for the M.S. degree. This exam is typicallyoffered in January of the second year. If the student does not pass this exam on his orher fi rst attempt, the student is allowed one more attempt in the following year. In additionto the courses required for the M.S. degree, the Ph.D. requires ST 603, ST 610,ST 640, and either ST 615, ST 635, or ST 675. An interdisciplinary fi eld requirement canbe fulfi lled by taking 12 hours of coursework from one or two approved fi elds (such asmanagement science, en gi neer ing, educational research, economics, fi nance, com put erscience, math e mat ics, and psy chol o gy). When most of the course work is com plet ed,the student must pass a written com pre hen sive ex am i na tion.