Accelerated BS/MS

Beginning in Fall 2018, the Statistics department will begin an ent BS/MS program. This combined program allows exceptional undergraduates in the Department of Statistics the opportunity to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in less time than typically required to obtain each degree separately. This is accomplished by allowing courses that are required for the MS degree to serve as upper-level electives for the BS degree. Both degrees can be earned in five years, which is at least two semesters shorter than the time required to obtain each degree separately.

In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students need to apply for admission to the Statistics department and they must also apply for admission to the K-State Graduate School. All admissions applications are submitted online; details are given below.

The MS degree can be completed in either the Mathematical Statistics track or the Data Science and Analytics track. For students intending to pursue a PhD or an academic career, the Mathematical Statistics track is recommended. The Data Science and Analytics track is designed for students who will pursue more applied endeavors, such as collaboration or consulting within industry or government.

Once the coursework is complete, the MS degree culminates in either a comprehensive exam or a capstone project. Either of these two options can be selected for either the Mathematical Statistics track or the Data Science and Analytics track.

For more information about this opportunity, contact one of the program coordinators.

Admission Requirements

Sophomores and juniors are eligible for admission, but certain coursework and grade point averages must be satisfied.

Students may apply for the accelerated BS/MS program from the second semester of the sophomore year through the second semester of the junior year (when they have accumulated 45-90 credit hours toward the BS degree). Students may apply with higher credit-hour accumulation or during first semester of their senior year with special permission from the Department Head or the Director of Graduate Studies of the Statistics department.

Students must have completed all of the STAT/MATH core courses, consisting of MATH 220, MATH 221, MATH 222, STAT 325 (or STAT 340 or STAT 350 or higher), STAT 341 (or STAT 351), STAT 510, and one additional STAT course at the 500-level or higher, either at K-State or by transfer credit.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the time of admittance.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (3.5 recommended) in the STAT/MATH core courses (listed above).

Retention in the program requires maintaining at least a 3.00 GPA in both undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Application Process for Admission

Eligible students need to apply to both the Statistics Department and the Graduate School.

The application process will be the same as for the traditional MS degree except completion of the BS degree is not required. The following steps are required:

Fill out the online KSU graduate application. (http://www.k-state.edu/grad/admissions/application-process/) Required supporting documents should be uploaded to the online application as requested in the application.
All supplemental documents required by the Statistics Department (e.g., statement of objectives, scanned copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation) will be requested as the online application is completed.
A copy of an applicant’s statement of objectives is to be uploaded. A written personal statement of academic objectives, giving specific reasons for the selection of the discipline of Statistics for study, contemplated research areas and professional plans. In addition, the statement can also mention one or more KSU faculty with which the applicant has an interest in working with.
An electronic copy (PDF preferred) of applicant’s transcript(s) from each college or university where applicant completed any undergraduate coursework and completed any post-baccalaureate course work or degrees is to be uploaded.
Provide three references. Recommenders will upload their letters of recommendation directly to the applicant’s application.