Applying to graduate school without Real Analysis

[mighywi]

Before applying to graduate school, if you have had advanced courses like Probability Theory, Theory of Sampling, Multivariate Analysis, Linear Models, Linear Algebra. Would admissions committee still insist on having a course in Real Analysis? 

 

I am of the view that these courses will make up for the mathematical rigor required to handle graduate school. Would like to know what you people think about it.

[6tZSoKE3FTnq]

I was unable to take real analysis as an undergrad and I still got into a lot of really good masters programs for biostats with some of the advanced math courses you mentioned. If you decide to go onto a PhD you can always take analysis over the summer or while in grad school. That's my plan if down the road I want to take advanced theory courses. 

[dkumathie]

I took Real Analysis in my undergrad in a Canadian university. I guess it helped a lot since I got accepted to a Masters in Stats program. 

 

Based from my personal experience, Real Analysis (and maybe Measure Theory) helps with Stochastic Calculus and Advanced Probability courses. 

[mighywi]

Thanks everyone. i got the point being driven home here.

[biostat_prof]

If you can take real analysis, you should; I'll put it that way. You may not need it if you are applying to MS programs, but it will definitely help. And if you are giving any thought to applying to a PhD program, it's pretty much mandatory. I only know of one case where my department admitted a student without taking real analysis in recent years, and this student had basically a 4.0 with glowing recommendations and had taken a number of other advanced math courses, some of which required proofs. In general it's pretty tough to be admitted without real analysis.