Joint Graduate Degree Program: Ph.D. in Economics or Agricultural Economics and Masters in Statistics
Economics and Agricultural Economics is a field that requires significant training in statistics to facilitate effective quantitative economic analysis. One natural avenue for students at WSU to obtain this training is to pursue an M.S. in Statistics concurrent with their Ph.D. program. A number of students at WSU have chosen and are choosing this option, not only because it provides the training they need to do research in their primary field of Economic or Agricultural Economics, but also because, in many cases, such a degree can enhance their overall marketability.
Who Should Apply
Students who are in Economics and Agricultural Economics and also want to receive advanced statistical training (at the M.S. level) which will better prepare them to do research in their field. By pursuing this option, a student can simultaneously be enrolled in the Statistics Program and the Economics and Agricultural Economics program.
Required Course Work
Students must complete the required graduate course work for both the M.S. in Statistics and the Ph.D. in Economics and in Agricultural Economics. All students pursuing an M.S. in Statistics should have had training in intermediate Calculus, introductory Linear Algebra, a course in Computer Science, and at least one course in Statistical Methods. Students are encouraged to take Introduction to Analysis I and II (Math 401, 402), and Linear Algebra (Math 420) as well as obtain a strong computer programming background.
Declaration of Intent
Students wishing to pursue the M.S./Ph.D. option should file a Declaration of Intent with the Graduate School at the earliest possible time. They must also notify the School of Economic Sciences and the Department of Statistics of their intent to pursue the joint degree option and must obtain written approval from both departments. The Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Economic Sciences must also give written approval for the student to simultaneously pursue the M.S. in Statistics. The Declaration of Intent should contain the following:
- An M.S./Ph.D. Option Application Form.
- Proposed curriculum to complete both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
The basic idea is to design a curriculum which satisfies the requirements of both the School of Economic Sciences and the Department of Statistics. Up to 11 credits may be shared by both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. A 2-4 credit project, which is required for the M.S. in Statistics, may be related to the Ph.D. thesis. Students on the WSU-Pullman campus may apply for admission into the M.S./Ph.D. option at any time with approval of the School of Economic Sciences.
For the specific requirements for the Master's degree program in Statistics, go to the following link:
www.stat.wsu.edu/academics/academics.asp
Additional Information for M. S. Students
In addition to the two primary advisors, the student should, as early as feasible, set up degree committees in both the School of Economic Sciences and the Department of Statistics. Normally, the Ph.D. committee in the student's primary department will consist of three to five faculty members whereas the M.S. degree committee will be comprised of three faculty members from the Department of Statistics. These committees will generally function independently in terms of how they carry out unit requirements for the respective degree programs.
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