Advice on coursework before applying for a masters in Statistics
January 18, 2018 1:59 PM Subscribe
I have a non-traditional background, but want to apply to statistics programs soon. Would taking Complex Analysis be more beneficial than taking more computer science classes?
I got a B.A. in a social science a few years ago, but realized as I was completing my degree that I would've preferred a more quantitative field. I managed to fit in calculus I-III, linear algebra (which was heavily proof-based, covering most of Friedberg, Insel, and Spence), differential equations, group theory, and introductory probability & statistics, as well as a handful of CS classes. I got B's in some of the math classes, so I'm taking post-bac classes at the local state university to have a stronger application.
This quarter, I am enrolled in a mathematical statistics and a systems programming class, which is a prerequisite to taking further CS classes. However, I just found out there is a complex analysis course I could switch to if I dropped the programming, which runs at the same time.
It seems like a lot of masters programs value programming experience and I like the class I am taking a lot. From reading past threads, it also seems to me that complex analysis isn't directly relevant to the kind of math an MS program would cover. On the other hand, I wonder if complex analysis would be more valuable, as I don't have any higher level math classes on my transcript, and a good grade might display greater mathematical maturity. (There is also the fact that I can take real analysis in the fall, right before I apply, and maybe having this class will supersede having complex analysis.) With my background, is there a clear choice for one course over the other? Thanks in advance for any advice.
I got a B.A. in a social science a few years ago, but realized as I was completing my degree that I would've preferred a more quantitative field. I managed to fit in calculus I-III, linear algebra (which was heavily proof-based, covering most of Friedberg, Insel, and Spence), differential equations, group theory, and introductory probability & statistics, as well as a handful of CS classes. I got B's in some of the math classes, so I'm taking post-bac classes at the local state university to have a stronger application.
This quarter, I am enrolled in a mathematical statistics and a systems programming class, which is a prerequisite to taking further CS classes. However, I just found out there is a complex analysis course I could switch to if I dropped the programming, which runs at the same time.
It seems like a lot of masters programs value programming experience and I like the class I am taking a lot. From reading past threads, it also seems to me that complex analysis isn't directly relevant to the kind of math an MS program would cover. On the other hand, I wonder if complex analysis would be more valuable, as I don't have any higher level math classes on my transcript, and a good grade might display greater mathematical maturity. (There is also the fact that I can take real analysis in the fall, right before I apply, and maybe having this class will supersede having complex analysis.) With my background, is there a clear choice for one course over the other? Thanks in advance for any advice.
(A bit of explanation.) Real analysis and complex analysis are really very different beasts, and real analysis/measure theory is really the theoretical foundation for a lot of what you'll encounter in statistics. Complex analysis is very cool and occasionally mindbending -- but less relevant to a future statistician.
As for which helps you get into a grad program, I've got no insight.
posted by cgs06 at 3:23 PM on January 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
As for which helps you get into a grad program, I've got no insight.
posted by cgs06 at 3:23 PM on January 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
What do you want to do with stats? Are you thinking of going the data science route? If so, more CS might be useful.
posted by the_blizz at 3:47 PM on January 18, 2018
posted by the_blizz at 3:47 PM on January 18, 2018
Honestly, you should probably ask your math. stat. professor and/or TAs; they'll probably have a better idea of what would be best for you. As someone in an allied field, though, my gut reaction is that complex analysis (while a fascinating subject) doesn't have much bearing on statistics, while real analysis does. I'd stick with the CS class.
posted by Johnny Assay at 3:47 PM on January 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Johnny Assay at 3:47 PM on January 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far. I realize I should have phrased this differently. Since neither course is directly related to statistics itself, I'm wondering if it's more important to have a good grade in a higher-level math class to demonstrate proficiency with proofs and abstract math--especially if I apply to a department that leans more theoretical. If I take real analysis, I'd only have one quarter of a three-quarter sequence under my belt by the time I apply, and I feel my transcript would look a little bare math-wise. I single out complex analysis because it's the only other math course I can take before the fall. However, if any upper-level CS class is still going to reflect positively as additional "quantitative work", maybe it doesn't matter at all which choice I make.
posted by leach at 5:01 PM on January 18, 2018
posted by leach at 5:01 PM on January 18, 2018
Best answer: As someone who’s hired undergrads to participate in applied math/theoretical science research involving probability and statistics and using programming skills—
I’d value real analysis over complex analysis, for reasons similar to those described above. If you have good performance in a few CS classes and seem to know how to code fine, I’d value complex analysis over some additional CS course, if only because it shows you like/care about math more than the average CS or sociology student who’s looking to change gears a bit.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:54 PM on January 18, 2018
I’d value real analysis over complex analysis, for reasons similar to those described above. If you have good performance in a few CS classes and seem to know how to code fine, I’d value complex analysis over some additional CS course, if only because it shows you like/care about math more than the average CS or sociology student who’s looking to change gears a bit.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:54 PM on January 18, 2018
The place to ask the question is the department that you are applying to. If you have not already chosen a school for the MS, pick the most convenient option and ask them. Don't be bashful. Talking to prospective students is something professors do.
There are three different contexts in which to think about this: what will make it easiest to get admitted, what will help most with the course work, and what will help most in your further career. (The first two are highly correlated, but not necessarily the same).
There is probably a choice of concentrations in the MS program, two of which might be summarized as "theoretical" and "applied". I think complex analysis might be helpful in the first but less so in the second. Vice versa for the programming.
posted by SemiSalt at 7:17 AM on January 19, 2018
There are three different contexts in which to think about this: what will make it easiest to get admitted, what will help most with the course work, and what will help most in your further career. (The first two are highly correlated, but not necessarily the same).
There is probably a choice of concentrations in the MS program, two of which might be summarized as "theoretical" and "applied". I think complex analysis might be helpful in the first but less so in the second. Vice versa for the programming.
posted by SemiSalt at 7:17 AM on January 19, 2018
Best answer: I am the department chair of a department with masters programs in both mathematics and statistics. Our program requires prior to application to the stats MS: Calc I — III, linear algebra, and linear regression. The probability and mathematical statistics sequence is ideal, but not required. Extra math is gravy. Based on conversations with my statistician colleagues, I would vote for more CS vs complex analysis, but...
What I didn’t see you having listed is the regression/ANOVA class, or, really, much advanced undergraduate statistics coursework. That would be the first priority. (Although, we’d probably consider you for admission with the courses you’ve got, with a good cover letter.)
MeMail me if you want more information about our program...we’re still considering applications for Fall 18.
posted by leahwrenn at 9:14 AM on January 19, 2018
What I didn’t see you having listed is the regression/ANOVA class, or, really, much advanced undergraduate statistics coursework. That would be the first priority. (Although, we’d probably consider you for admission with the courses you’ve got, with a good cover letter.)
MeMail me if you want more information about our program...we’re still considering applications for Fall 18.
posted by leahwrenn at 9:14 AM on January 19, 2018
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posted by cgs06 at 3:17 PM on January 18, 2018