Questions on Minnesota, Department of Statistics

[chrishacker]

Today I received an unofficial notification of Minnesota, Department of Statistics that I have been admitted in their MS programs. I have a undergraduate degree of economics, and now I am considering transforming to Stats/ Applied maths (I apply to both Econ and STATs) So, is there anyone who knows well about the program? Especially, I want to continue my studying in a PhD program (though I haven't decided on the discipline), will the MA serve this purpose well?

 

My main concern: I know that their reputations are good ( I've viewed the US news rankings), but it is the only top-school in this area, so I wonder whether they will be isolated from other scholars since not everyone want to visit such a cold place...And it might be inconvenient to go to other schools for a seminar or a course or so.

[sharpe]

As someone that also has an Economics background that applied to the MA program at MN, I can tell you that I was more than comfortable with the department. I also did my undergraduate degree at Minnesota and spent time in the Statistics, Computer Science and Economics areas.

 

Since I live here, I've also had the luxury to take a graduate level course in their program to get a feel for what it's like.

 

I understand your geographical concern, in that the closest major university is UW - Madison, is 4 hours away, but that's the Midwest for you! You also have Chicago at about 6.5 hours away. In both those cases you can also find cheap airfare and make it a 40 minute flight if you are so inclined to visit either school.

[cyberwulf]

In these days of air travel, virtually no major research university is 'isolated', particularly not one which is in a big city like Minneapolis. Climate doesn't deter academic collaboration; sure, conferences are typically held in more temperate locations during the winter months, but if an esteemed researcher at, say, Wisconsin invites you to deliver a seminar in January (or, conversely, someone at Texas-Austin invites you in mid-July), nobody is going to refuse because of the weather.

[chrishacker]

As someone that also has an Economics background that applied to the MA program at MN, I can tell you that I was more than comfortable with the department. I also did my undergraduate degree at Minnesota and spent time in the Statistics, Computer Science and Economics areas.

 

Since I live here, I've also had the luxury to take a graduate level course in their program to get a feel for what it's like.

 

I understand your geographical concern, in that the closest major university is UW - Madison, is 4 hours away, but that's the Midwest for you! You also have Chicago at about 6.5 hours away. In both those cases you can also find cheap airfare and make it a 40 minute flight if you are so inclined to visit either school.

Glad to hear something from a current student. I am a foreigner, and, hum, I look up the US maps. Things seems to be better than what I used to think since nearby are Illinois, Wisconcin and Iowa. A number of good universities in these places. I am still waiting to get formal notification, though. Thanks!

[chrishacker]

In these days of air travel, virtually no major research university is 'isolated', particularly not one which is in a big city like Minneapolis. Climate doesn't deter academic collaboration; sure, conferences are typically held in more temperate locations during the winter months, but if an esteemed researcher at, say, Wisconsin invites you to deliver a seminar in January (or, conversely, someone at Texas-Austin invites you in mid-July), nobody is going to refuse because of the weather.

Good point. Thanks for your ideas.

[sharpe]

Glad to hear something from a current student. I am a foreigner, and, hum, I look up the US maps. Things seems to be better than what I used to think since nearby are Illinois, Wisconcin and Iowa. A number of good universities in these places. I am still waiting to get formal notification, though. Thanks!

 

If you need any University of Minnesota or Minneapolis specific information, just let me know, I'm happy to share.

[cathy92]

I also got the notification about the admission to the master program of Statistics in University of Minnesota. And I am not sure about the possibility for MS students to be transfered as the PhD candidates in Minnesota. Could I go on to the doctoral study in Minnesota after 2 years' study in master program of statistics?

[chengmasta]

Hi sharpe, since you have generously offered to share info, was wondering how many minnesota stat masters graduates go on to their PhD program? Is their curriculum mostly applied/geraed towards industry or is there flexibility to do more theoretical/PhD track work? Thanks!