2013-2014

Statistics, Master of Science

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Statistics forms the backbone of a multitude of research endeavors and is essential in the design of experiments and analysis of experimental data—in disciplines old, new, and cutting edge. This non-thesis advanced degree concludes with a comprehensive exam conducted by the student's advisory committee.

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 32
Major GPA 3.0
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • At least 23 hours of undergraduate mathematics and statistics coursework at the level of calculus and above with a grade of C or better, and have at least a 3.0 grade point average in these courses.
      • The 23 credit hours must include coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis (advanced calculus), and mathematical statistics.
    • List of courses taken in the field with titles/authors of textbooks used
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 32 units:

    Core Coursework (20 units)

    Statistics Elective (3 units)
    Coherent Area (9 units)
    • Coherent area of your own choosing, subject to advisor and department graduate operations committee approval.
    • While a coherent area may consist of additional statistics or mathematics courses, students are encouraged to choose an area in forestry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or another area of application of statistics.
    • Coherent-area coursework must be appropriate for a graduate program.
    Comprehensive Final Exam
    • Perform satisfactorily on a comprehensive final exam conducted by your advisory committee

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.