Graduate students in Psychology (or other disciplines) can complete a minor in statistics through the Department of Mathematics. Check the graduate catalog for details or see these snippets. Dr. John P. Daughtry, the Director of Graduate Studies in our Department of Mathematics, has advised me that PSYC 6430 can count as the additional 3 hours of graduate statistics. That leaves 9 s.h. to be completed. Students who have taken a graduate course including analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis can see Dr. John P. Daughtry about the possibility of a substitution for Math 5031. Since PSYC 6431 includes these topics, as well as other topics in multivariate statistics, that substitution may well apply - just point Dr. Daughtry to the syllabus for the course at: PSYC 7431 Syllabus.

Dr. Daughtry has advised me that the main serious mathematical prerequisite is Calculus III (Calculus of Several Variables, MATH 2173 at ECU). That is essential for Math 5801, Probability. This might be a problem for the typical graduate student in Psychology.  The student must be comfortable computing double integrals (to calculate joint probabilities). The "matrix theory" prerequisite for Math 5031 (Applied Statistical Analysis) is not as strictly enforced. The student just needs to be sufficiently comfortable with matrices that a covariance matrix doesn't look strange, and he is not totally spooked if someone says "determinant of the matrix" - this should be no problem for those who have completed PSYC 6431, where we actually did multiple regression with matrix algebra (using PROC IML in SAS).

The Department of Mathematics also offers a Certificate in Statistics. The details are in the graduate catalog just below the section on the minor in statistics.

Of course, you can construct your own informal minor in statistics by completing various courses in statistics in Psychology, Mathematics, Biostatistics, and possibly other department. Consider including some of the courses offered in the Department of Biostatistics in the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Why obtain a minor in statistics? IMHO, the best reason is because you find the topic of great interest. There are, however, other reasons. A minor in statistics, formal or informal, should make you more attractive to research intensive doctoral programs and should make you a more attractive job candidate for many firms.

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This page most recently revised on 17. August 2007.