in person

Statistics & Machine Learning

MS in Statistics & Machine Learning

In an increasingly data-driven world, the MS in Statistics & Machine Learning prepares you for a range of career possibilities in statistics and machine learning and helps you stand out in the marketplace.

The need for professionals trained in the mathematical techniques of machine learning is greater than ever. In this program, you’ll work closely with faculty who have extensive backgrounds in applied mathematics, data science/analytics, computational science, statistics, industrial modeling, and much more. In lieu of one formal course, students may conduct a semester’s worth of independent study with a research advisor that leads to publication of a quality technical report in an area of statistical/data sciences.

Admission to the program requires a BA/BS in math or statistics; if you have an undergraduate degree in a different discipline, you may be admitted if you have adequate undergraduate training in mathematics (multivariate calculus, linear algebra), computing (including familiarity with one or more programming languages, e.g., R, MATLAB, Python), and probability/statistics.

This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.

Program At-a-glance

  • 32 units

    required units

  • MS in Statistics & Machine Learning

    degree awarded

  • In Person

    modality

  • Spring, Summer, Fall

    program start

  • 2 years | full time*

    estimated completion time

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Faculty

  • Portrait of John Angus

    John Angus

    Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Probability, Statistics, Computing, Algorithms, Navigation, Systems Engineering, Mathematical Finance

  • Portrait of Marina Chugunova

    Marina Chugunova

    Ellis Cumberbatch Professor of Mathematics
    Program Director, PhD in Engineering & Computational Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Surfactant-driven thin film flows in biomedical applications; Nonlinear parabolic equations; Stability problems in fluid dynamics; Scientific computations; Applied operator theory; Sturm-Liouville problems

  • Portrait of Hrushikesh Mhsakar

    Hrushikesh Mhaskar

    Distinguished Research Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Approximation theory, Computational harmonic analysis, Machine learning, Signal processing

  • Portrait of Ali Nadim

    Ali Nadim

    Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Computing

  • Portrait of Andrew Nguyen

    Andrew Nguyen

    Adjunct Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Stochastic processes, Statistics, Risk management, Financial derivatives, Actuarial sciences, Statistical software

  • Portrait of Qidi Peng

    Qidi Peng

    Research Associate Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Statistical inferences, Stochastic differential equations, Stochastic modeling, Simulation, Machine learning, Approximation theory, Graph theory

  • Portrait of Allon Percus

    Allon Percus

    Joseph H. Pengilly Professor of Mathematics
    Director, Institute of Mathematical Sciences

    Research Interests

    Discrete optimization; Network models; Statistical physics; Random combinatorial structures

  • Portrait of Claudia Rangel

    Claudia Rangel-Escareño

    Adjunct Professor of Mathematics

    Research Interests

    Probabilistic methods in computational biology, Statistical inference of genetic networks, Bioinformatics

  • Portrait of Henry Schellhorn

    Henry Schellhorn

    Professor of Mathematics
    Academic Director, Financial Engineering Program

    Research Interests

    Financial engineering, Credit risk, Stochastic analysis, Traffic models

Extended Faculty

  • Bahar Acu

    Pitzer College

    Research Interests

    Geometric topology, differential geometry

  • Konrad Aguilar

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Noncommutative/quantum metric geometry, functional analysis, operator algebras

  • Asuman G. Aksoy

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Analysis

  • David Bachman

    Pitzer College

    Research Interests

    Low-dimensional topology

  • Arthur Benjamin

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Combinatorics, game theory, operations research

  • Andrew Bernoff

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Applied dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, self-similarity and scaling

  • Sarah Cannon

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Randomized algorithms, Markov chains, stochastic processes, discrete geometry, statistical physics

  • Alfonso Castro

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Partial differential equations, variational methods, inverse-function theorems, water waves (solitons)

  • Anie Chaderjian

    Scripps College

    Research Interests

    Combinatorics

  • Gabriel Chandler

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Statistics

  • Lisette G. de Pillis

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Computational fluid dynamics, numerical linear algebra, mathematical biology

  • Vin de Silva

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Computational topology, manifold learning

  • Christina Edholm

    Scripps College

    Research Interests

    Mathematical biology, epidemiological modeling

  • Lenny Fukshansky

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Number theory, discrete geometry

  • Stephan Garcia

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Complex symmetric operators, operator theory, complex function theory

  • Edray Goins

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Algebraic geometry, number theory, representation theory

  • Weiqing Gu

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Differential geometry, Grassman manifolds

  • Jamie Haddock

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Mathematical data science, optimization, applied convex geometry

  • Johanna Hardin

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Model-based clustering, outlier detection, robust clustering, analysis of microarray data

  • Mark Huber

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Computational probability

  • Mike Izbicki

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Machine learning, high-dimensional probability, computational geometry

  • Jon Jacobsen

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations, fluid dynamics

  • Chiu-Yen Kao

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Numerical analysis and scientific computing

  • Gizem Karaali

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Lie & Hopf algebras, quantum groups, Poisson-Lie structures, combinatorial representation theory

  • Dagan Karp

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Algebraic geometry

  • Ran Libeskind-Hadas

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Computational biology, cophylogenetics, design and analysis of algorithms

  • Haydee Lindo

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Commutative algebra, homological algebra, representation theory

  • Jemma Lorenat

    Pitzer College

    Research Interests

    History of mathematics, geometry

  • Susan Martonosi

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Operations research, applied probability, aviation security

  • John Milton

    Joint Science

    Research Interests

    Computational neuroscience

  • Sam Nelson

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Algebraic topology, knot theory

  • Mohamed Omar

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Combinatorial optimization, graph theory, algebraic geometry

  • Mike O’Neill

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Complex analysis and harmonic analysis

  • Michael Orrison

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Harmonic analysis on finite groups, algebraic voting theory

  • Winston Ou

    Scripps College

    Research Interests

    Harmonic analysis

  • Jeho Park

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    High-performance computing, data science

  • Ami Radunskaya

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Dynamical Systems, stochastic processes, applications of dynamical systems to instrument modeling, sound generation, and interactive composition

  • Animesh Ray

    Keck Graduate Institute

    Research Interests

    Genomics, computational and systems biology

  • Adolfo Rumbos

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Nonlinear analysis, differential equations

  • Ghassan Sarkis

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Number theory and commutative algebra, p-adic formal group

  • Shahriar Shahriari

    Pomona College

    Research Interests

    Combinatorics, representation theory of finite groups

  • James Sterling

    Keck Graduate Institute

    Research Interests

    Bioengineering, microfluidics

  • Francis Su

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Geometric and topological combinatorics, game theory, mathematical economics

  • Chris Towse

    Scripps College

    Research Interests

    Arithmetic geometry, algebraic number theory, combinatorics

  • Talithia Williams

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Spatial-temporal modeling of rainfall data

  • Helen Wong

    Claremont McKenna College

    Research Interests

    Low-dimensional topology, applications to molecular biology, data analysis, and quantum computation

  • Darryl Yong

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Mathematics education, applied mathematics, perturbation theory, partial differential equations

  • Heather Zinn Brooks

    Harvey Mudd College

    Research Interests

    Applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, complex systems, nonlinear dynamics, network theory, social systems, mathematical biology

Curriculum

View All Mathematics Courses

Degree Requirements
A minimum of eight courses (32 units) of graduate math coursework is required, including four core courses (16 units) and two restricted electives (8 units). Students who lack the prerequisite undergraduate coursework may be asked to complete more than 32 units. At least 20 units of coursework must be gamma courses (300-level and above). A grade of B- or above must be earned in gamma courses.

Students in the master’s program in mathematics, computational and applied mathematics, and statistical sciences may convert one 200-level (beta) course to gamma credit. At the discretion of the IMS Director, in consultation with the student’s academic advisor, more than one conversion may be approved in exceptional cases.

Core Courses: 4 courses (16 units)
At least one core course must be selected from each category.

Statistics

  • Math 352 Nonparametric and Computational Statistics
  • Math 353 Asymptotic Methods in Statistics with Applications
  • Math 355 Linear Statistical Models

Machine Learning

  • Math 454 Statistical Learning
  • Math 462 Mathematics of Machine Learning
  • Math 364 Machine Learning for Asset Pricing

Applied Statistics

  • Math 359 Computational Statistics
  • Math 466 Advanced Big Data Analysis
  • Math 452 Large-scale Inference
  • Math 366 Data Mining

Restricted Electives: 2 electives (8 units)
Two restricted electives can be chosen from either the list of core courses, or the following list (not all these courses are offered every year)

  • Math 251 Probability (prerequisite for Math 252)
  • Math 252 Statistical Theory (prerequisite for all 300+ level statistics courses)
  • Math 256 Stochastic Processes
  • Math 293-393 Mathematics Clinic
  • Math 306 Optimization
  • Math 351 Time Series Data Analysis
  • Math 365 Statistical Methods in Molecular Biology
  • Math 389 Advanced Topics in Mathematics (if appropriate, with advisor’s approval)

Unrestricted Electives: 2 electives (8 units)

  • Any CGU Math course
  • CGH 301 Biostatistics
  • Any relevant course from other programs (see below)

Independent Study
In lieu of one formal course, students may take Math 398 Independent Study with a research advisor leading to a publication quality technical report in an area of statistical/data sciences.

Subject to approval by their academic advisor, students working outside campus on mathematical/statistical projects may also use this professional experience as the basis of a Math 398 Independent Study. At most 2 units per semester can be acquired in this practical type of independent study.

Additional course option
Subject to approval by their academic advisors, students may choose as unrestricted electives one or two graduate courses from within other departments at CGU or at KGI in which statistics and/or machine learning are extensively applied. The fields may include Economics, Finance, Community and Global Health, Information Science and Technology, Evaluation, Education, Psychology, etc.

Accelerated Degree Option

Undergraduate students at the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer) can obtain a graduate degree on an accelerated track through the Claremont Graduate Scholars Program, working toward the master’s requirements simultaneously with the completion of an undergraduate degree. Up to 16 units of transferable credit can be earned upon admission to one of our master’s degree programs. Students are eligible for a minimum fellowship award of $6,500 per semester at CGU, based on 12 units of enrollment. Apply Here

Recent alumni of the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer) can obtain a graduate degree on an accelerated track through the Claremont Graduate Scholars Program. For alumni who have graduated within the past five years, up to 12 units of transferable credit can be earned upon admission to one of our master’s degree programs. See program-specific details for restrictions on applicable coursework. Students are eligible for a minimum fellowship award of $6,500 per semester at CGU, based on 12 units of enrollment. Apply Here

Application Guidelines

University Requirements
Application Fee

$80 (fee is non-refundable)

Official Transcripts

Undergraduate/graduate

Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.

Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.

International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.

English Proficiency Exam

Required (international applicants only)

A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is the sole official language of instruction, e.g., Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales (see the CGU Bulletin for a complete list of accepted countries).
  • Applicants who hold an undergraduate or advanced degree, or will have earned such a degree prior to enrolling at CGU, from an institution in the US or in countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (see above).
  • Applicants who have successfully completed an academic English pre-master’s or intensive graduate bridge program from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the last two years, with submitted evidence of successful completion, and subject to curriculum approval.
  • CGU allows for an English proficiency waiver if the applicant has received, or will receive prior to enrollment at CGU, an undergraduate or advanced degree from an institution where English is one of the primary languages of instruction for the majority of courses in the student’s program. To receive the waiver, documentation must be provided by the applicant to show that English is the language of instruction at their university/college.

CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053.

International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.

Resume

Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.

Program Requirements
Statement of Purpose

Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals.

Letter of Recommendation

2 letters required

When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references.

You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation.

Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu.

Download the Recommendation Form

Standardized Test Scores

GRE recommended

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional but recommended.

CGU’s school code:
ETS (GRE and TOEFL) 4053

Key Dates & Deadlines

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.

Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024
Classes begin – January 21, 2025

Fall 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025
Classes begin – August 25, 2025

Apply Now

Cost & Aid

Tuition and Fees

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
Program 32 units
Tuition per unit* $2,020

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.

 

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
$245 Student Fee
$150 Technology Fee
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester
**Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change.

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.

Review General Costs

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Resources

Engineering & Computational Mathematics Clinic
CGU’s internationally recognized Engineering & Computational Mathematics Clinic offers first-hand experience solving significant mathematical problems for industry and government clients.

Recent projects include:

  • Optimizing Transmission of Renewable Energy–Southern California Edison
  • Hardware-Software Codesign–Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Data Cohort Analysis–Fair Isaac
  • Optimizing Smart Power Grids–Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Credit Risk in a Network Economy–Fitch Rating
  • Isogeometric Analysis–Boeing
  • Gate to Base Capacitance Modeling for Nanoscale MOSFETs–USC Information Sciences Institute
  • Practical Semi-Analytic Model for the Substrate Current of Short Channel MOSFETs with LDDs–USC Information Sciences Institute

Learn More

Claremont Center for the Mathematical Sciences
Through the Claremont Center for the Mathematical Sciences (CCMS), you’ll have access to one of the largest mathematical science communities in California, as well as to workshops, conferences, and seminars, including:

  • Southern California Analysis Seminar
  • Math-in-Industry Workshop
  • Michael E. Moody Lecture Series
  • History and Philosophy of Mathematics Seminar
  • Claremont Mathematics Weekend
  • CCMS Software Lab
  • and more

Learn More

Apply now

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