The Department of Statistics at FSU offers two MS degrees in Statistics: an MS in Statistics (36 Required Credit Hours) and an MS in Statistics with major in Statistical Data Science (32 Required credit hours).<br>The department also offers an MS degree in Biostatistics (36 Required Credit Hours). All MS degrees may be obtained through course work or a thesis option.<br>Additionally, there are two tracks available for obtaining an MS degree in Statistics: the applied statistics track and the mathematical statistics track.<br>The master degree in the applied statistics track is for a student preparing for a career as an applied statistician or as a statistical consultant at the MS level. This program emphasizes statistical computation, methodology, and consulting.<br>The master degree in the mathematical statistics track places an additional emphasis upon probability theory and statistical inference. This degree prepares graduates to function as statisticians at the MS level and is a preparatory program for pursuing the PhD degree in statistics.<br>The MS in Statistics with major in Statistical Data Science Major emphasizes hands-on training in the application of data management and statistical methods and the use of data management, computational, and analytic software geared toward producing highly employable masters degree students. In this program, students will obtain a background in applied statistical methods, and proficiency in the software packages SAS and R to solve data management and analysis problems for the most common scenarios facing data-driven decisions in government and industry.<br>The MS in biostatistics degree prepares students to apply statistical principles, processes, applications, and analytical methods to design, implement, and analyze health related studies including both experimental (clinical trials) and observational (epidemiological) studies.<br>All of the MS degrees provide a route to a career in statistics. Prospective students should note that the MS in statistics, mathematical statistics track and MS in biostatistics degrees provide the best preparation for continuation into the doctoral programs (PhD in statistics or biostatistics) in this department. A student who finishes the applied statistics program can continue into a PhD program upon completion of the core courses for the MS in mathematical statistics or the MS in biostatistics and passing the PhD qualifying exams.<br>The total academic credits required for graduation for each the statistics and biostatistics MS degrees is 36 credit hours. The MS in Statistical Data Science requires 32 credit hours.