University of Southern Maine

Program Description

The graduate program has three tracks. The highlight of the program is the new Professional Science Master’s Program in Biostatistics. The other two tracks are Applied Statistics and Operations Research/Applied Mathematics.

The graduate program is truly interdisciplinary, providing the student with the opportunity to tailor programs specifically to individual interests. Students may customize their program of study. A list of possible concentrations and relevant courses is given below:

First Track: Professional Science Master’s Program in Biostatistics

The University of Southern Maine is offering a new Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program as part of the Master’s of Science in Statistics. The PSM is a new type of two-year graduate program in the sciences and mathematics that equips students for work in public and private business sectors.

The Biostatistics track provides formal training in applied statistical methods that are commonly used in biomedical, bioinformatics, environmental, and health-related fields. The program emphasizes solving real-world problems that influence health by focusing on up-to-date statistical methodologies and their implementation with strong statistical programming capability. The areas of study include biostatistical study designs, modeling, and the reporting of rigorous statistical results for scientific decision making. Statistical areas of study include clinical trials, experimental design, categorical and longitudinal data analysis, and survival analysis. Internship, technical writing, and management skills are required components of the program. Graduates will ideally find positions in professional settings such as health care agencies, governmental agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry, among others.

Requirements for Biostatistics Track

I. Core Courses: 15 credits

Ethics:

Management - Select one of the following courses:

IV. Electives: Choose 9 credits of the following

Second Track: Applied Statistics

Required Courses:

Additional Courses to Select From:

Third Track: Operations Research/Applied Mathematics

Required Courses:

Additional Courses to Select From:

Requirements for Second and Third Tracks

The requirements for the M.S. degree in statistics consist of a minimum of 30 credit hours. At least 18 credit hours must be graduate courses offered by the graduate program, excluding graduate internship credits, independent study credits, or thesis/project credits. A student meeting the above requirements has the flexibility of taking additional courses subject to the following policies: At most six of the required credits may be earned by taking pre-approved relevant upper level undergraduate courses. Moreover, the student may earn up to three credits by way of internship with local industry. The program will provide guidance in locating internship opportunities.

Requirements for All Tracks

In addition to the specific track requirements all degree students will be subject to the following requirements.

1. For students within the 4+1 format, at most two pre-approved relevant graduate courses may be used for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. At least 18 credit hours should be taken by students after full matriculation.
2. All courses applied toward the graduate degree must be completed within six years of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Otherwise, additional coursework must be taken to fulfill program requirements.
3. Our program policies allow a student to earn up to three graduate independent-study credits under the supervision of a faculty member associated with our graduate program. With the approval of the graduate committee, a student may transfer a maximum of six credit hours for graduate work completed at other institutions or in other graduate programs at USM, including those listed in concentrations.
4. A student must register for at least one course every semester to maintain continuous enrollment. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment will be dropped from the program and will have to reapply for admission to continue. Students who anticipate being unable to take classes may apply in writing for a fixed-term leave of absence.
5. A student whose grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. In this case a student will be allowed 12 semester hours to raise their GPA to, or above, the 3.0 minimum by taking only graduate-level courses. Students unsuccessful in raising their GPA during a probationary period may be dismissed from the program.

The program has a rolling admission policy. However, deadlines for candidates seeking financial support are April 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester.

Financial Support

A limited number of teaching assistantships which cover tuition plus a stipend, and tuition waivers are available to students receiving regular graduate admission. Requests for an assistantship and/or a tuition waiver should accompany the application. 

Priority will be given to applications received by January 15.

1. At most six of the required credits may be earned by taking pre-approved relevant upper level undergraduate courses.

2. For students within the 4+1 format, at most two pre-approved relevant graduate courses may be used for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

3. All courses applied toward the graduate degree must be completed within six years of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. A student may choose to include a pre-approved six-credit master's thesis or project towards the degree. This option is highly recommended. If one chooses to pursue a project, it should solve a relevant problem from business or industry.

4. A student may earn up to three credit hours as an intern, and up to three graduate independent study credits under the supervision of a faculty member associated with our graduate program. With the approval of the graduate committee, a student may transfer a maximum of six credit hours for graduate work completed at other institutions or in other graduate programs at USM.

The University offers excellent computer facilities.  There are a variety of student computer labs on campus.  All students registered in a class at USM are provided an account to access computer labs.  The University also offers numerous training seminars on the use of various software.  The commonly used statistics and mathematics software packages are available to students.