Statistics is a branch of mathematics that utilizes mathematical formulas to determine a number of different statistics. These formulas involve some degree of uncertainty in them. A person with a Master’s of Science in Statistics program may have all the statistical skills and knowledge needed to be able to perform research on a wide variety of topics. However, the uncertainty involved in the calculations makes it difficult to perform a number of the calculations necessary to arrive at the results desired. In other words, it would take an advanced degree in Statistics to know how to make those complicated calculations with confidence.
This does not mean however that graduate level statistics courses don’t require the same amount of knowledge and skill as undergraduate coursework. The fact of the matter is that even the most sophisticated analytical methods and mathematical formulas still rely on basic principles that are very similar no matter what level a student has completed their studies in. Therefore, a Graduate Student will still need to learn about calculus and other types of analysis. There will also be more reading to keep students up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field of statistics.
One of the main differences between graduate level statistics courses and undergraduate coursework however is that a Graduate student may actually not need to take any calculus or algebra. This means that they do not have to worry about developing a mathematical foundation in order to get a grasp of statistics. As a result, many Graduate Students spend less time learning the fundamentals and focus more on the various theories of statistics. The end result is that they are able to get a better grasp of what a statistical method is all about before spending more time understanding the formulas behind it.
Of course, there are some other differences between graduate level statistics courses and undergraduate courses in that a Graduate Student does not need to write their own papers. Rather, they will be given an assignment and then have to write an original paper after they have performed all the necessary calculations and worked out all of the numbers necessary for the research. Most graduate students spend much more time writing these papers and submitting them to their advisor in order to gain access to all the necessary statistics required for the paper. This is done because a Graduate Student has much more responsibilities and they will be responsible for the majority of the final product. that is produced in the final submission.
It is also important to note that graduate level statistics does not require a lot of prerequisites when it comes to being able to take it. Anyone with a basic degree in Mathematics is usually able to get through their requirements. While there are a few math courses that are required to get into graduate programs in this field, most people who are already in their field will be able to continue to learn and apply what they have learned from their previous courses and get through the Graduate level curriculum with flying colors.
It is also possible to take graduate level courses online. In fact, most of the time, an online program can give a student a more hands-on experience by allowing them to take the coursework at the comfort of their own home.
It should be noted that although the graduate level is not nearly as important when it comes to becoming an expert statistician as the undergraduate level, there is still a need for someone with the graduate degree to be knowledgeable and capable of performing the jobs that are required of a statistician. This is why it is strongly advised that a Graduate Student not get caught up in the hype surrounding the Master’s level when deciding which graduate degree to pursue.