Graduate Program
Overview
The primary mission of the MS degree program in Mathematics and Statistics is to prepare students for professional careers in disciplines which make use of the mathematical and statistical sciences. The curriculum is intended for individuals who have strong backgrounds, but not necessarily baccalaureate degrees, in mathematics. It is the only such program in the greater DC area, and it culminates in an MS degree in Mathematics and Statistics. The program derives its philosophy from government and industry organizations in the DC area and has placed graduates into government agencies, defense and financial firms and nonprofits. There is a steady demand for highly trained professionals in data analytics, and our students have proved to be exceptionally competitive in the job market. A thriving internship program in mathematical and statistical consulting helps to train and place students and graduates into exciting jobs and satisfying careers.
The degree requires 10 graduate courses and is built around a core of four applied mathematics and statistics courses consisting of probability, applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and numerical mathematics. The curriculum is filled out with math/stat electives, and every student is also expected to take a non-math/stat elective as well. Math/Stat electives include computational science (Matlab, SAS, R), regression analysis, stochastic processes, partial differential equations, financial mathematics, data mining, Bayesian statistics and survey sampling. Some examples of non-math/stat electives are Biostatistics, Computer Science, econometrics, public policy surveys and computational neuroscience. From this rich and diverse curriculum our students emerge with key practical skills in areas of national priority. In addition to the career-enabling aspects of the degree, our students also develop a love and appreciation for the beauty and excitement of the math/stat world.
The program is open to both full time and part time students, the latter of whom are typically working professionals in the DC area who may take advantage of our evening classes to obtain relevant and up-to-date training. Around 30-40% of students in the program are working professionals. These valuable colleagues add diversity and seasoning to the student body, as well as valuable contacts to the DC area workforce. The program actively facilitates robust networking within the program for all students and faculty.
Full time students can expect to complete the program in three semesters plus one summer. Part time students may take as many courses per semester, within reason, as their work and personal obligations permit. There are successful alumni who have finished in two years as part timers, and others who have elected to take 10 semesters to complete the 10 courses. Flexible graduate school rules allow this wide choice of options.
The program enrolled its first class in the fall semester of 2006 and has grown to a stable and continuing size of about 80 students. Each fall semester we enroll roughly 30 new students, and there is an admission window for spring semesters as well, with an average of about 5-7 new students.
Alumni testimonials:
“My experience with the Georgetown math program helped me land an internship with the Bureau of Economic Analysis. I worked as a research assistant while I finished my last year, and was hired full-time after I was graduated. Employers want people who have the mathematical skills that I learned at Georgetown. Four of my fellow students at Georgetown are also my colleagues at BEA.” – Parker Sheppard, MS, 2010, Georgetown University, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The decision to enroll in the math/stat graduate program at Georgetown was one that has helped me reach my career goals ever since. The graduate program provided me with not only a great education with engaging professors, but also business contacts that helped significantly during my job search. As a student, I never felt a lack of support in achieving the goals I was striving to reach. I hope to maintain the relationships I have formed with my professors and fellow students for many years to come." – Erin Fahle, MS 2009, Georgetown University, Schafer Corporation, TMD.
“The GU graduate program in Math and Statistics definitely exceeded my expectations. I knew it wouldn’t be easy working fulltime and attending evening classes but my professors were so passionate about the subject matter; their enthusiastic ability to thoroughly and effectively cover every topic allowed me to efficiently manage my time. Our professors genuinely wanted us to fully understand the material. The graduate Math and Stat program was also tailored well to applied and industrial aspects which has already become invaluable to me on multiple projects at work. My coworkers and superiors have been more than pleased with my performance since graduation.” – Jason Borthen, MS Georgetown Universty 2010, Alion Science and Technology.
Some organizations where alumni have been employed: Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Federal Aviation Administration, Mitre Corporation, SAIC, Booz-Allen-Hamilton, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, Accenture Corp, US General Accounting Office, Anser Corp, SRA Inc, Northrup-Grumman, CSSI Inc, Schaefer Corp, KPMG, State Department, Watson-Wyatt, US Military, IMF, NASA, civilian defense and security organizations, Advisory Board Company, Ernst-Young, FBI, CIA, actuarial companies, private financial and investment firms, independent consulting firms, PhD programs, Georgetown Medical School.
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