Graduate Program
Overview
The Masters program in mathematics and statistics at Georgetown University combines applied mathematics and statistics into a degree track that focuses on practical and professional applications. 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 the mathematical sciences, and our students have proved to be exceptionally competitive in the job market. A thriving internship program 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, 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, a for-credit consulting clinic and survey sampling. Some examples of non-math/stat electives are 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 are taking advantage of our evening classes to obtain relevant and up-to-date training. Around 20-30% of students in the program are working professionals. These valuable colleagues add diversity and seasoning to the student body, as well as prized 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 over 60 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.
Some organizations where alumni are 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, LECG Corp, 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.
