Graduate Handbook for Statistics

University of New Mexico

2019–2020

Updated June 15, 2019

UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 2 of 22

Contents
1 Overview 3
1.1 General Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Statistics Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Program Goals 5
2.1 The Master Of Science (MS) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 The Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Entering the Program 6

3.1 Admission Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2.1 Required Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2.2 Graduate Student Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 Program Requirements 9
4.1 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.1 MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.2 PhD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Course Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.1 MS Required Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.2 MS Additional Coursework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.3 MS Plan Of Study: Courses And Sample Sequences . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2.4 PhD Required Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2.5 PhD Plan Of Study: Courses And Sample Sequences . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2.6 Course Offerings in Statistics and Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.3 Advancement To Candidacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.4 Examination Procedure: MS/PhD Qualifying Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.5 MS Thesis and PhD Dissertation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5.1 MS Thesis (Plan I) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5.2 PhD Dissertation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5 Leaving the Program 19

5.1 Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.1 Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.2 Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Time Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.3 Leave Of Absence And Readmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6 Student Financial Aid 21

6.1 Teaching Assistant Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2 Renewal of Teaching Assistantship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 3 of 22

1 Overview
This handbook describes the rules of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics gov-
erning graduate study and the awarding of degrees in Statistics. Students should consult
the University of New Mexico (UNM) Catalog, and Statistics faculty members about ques-
tions not covered in this handbook. The UNM Catalog is always the governing document
in case of any conflict between statements made in this Handbook and the UNM Catalog.
The relevant catalog pages for all graduate students in the Department of Mathematics and
Statistics are:
http://catalog.unm.edu/catalogs/2016-2017/graduate-program.html
http://catalog.unm.edu/catalogs/2016-2017/colleges/arts-sciences/math-stat/index.html
http://catalog.unm.edu/catalogs/2016-2017/colleges/arts-sciences/math-stat/graduate-
program.html
(For older or newer catalogs, change the years in the links in the obvious way.)
The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) defines deadlines and provides other important grad-
uation information:
http://grad.unm.edu/home/

1.1 General Remarks

The Department offers the degrees of Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) in Statistics. The departmental Graduate Committee and the Statistics Group Fac-
ulty supervise these degrees.
The University of New Mexico requirements for graduate study and advanced degrees are
included in the UNM Catalog. Students are strongly encouraged to read the webpages for
the Catalog mentioned above and become familiar with them. Please note that the UNM
Catalog states: “Ignorance of a rule will not be accepted as a basis for waiving
that rule”. Certain regulations, such as language requirements, credits, and examination
procedures may be altered, either within the Department or on a University-wide basis during
a student’s period of study. In that event a student making normal progress may proceed in
accordance with either the new regulations or may choose to remain under the regulations
in effect at the time of admission to the graduate program. In the case of a student who
has satisfactorily completed a required course before beginning graduate studies, a suitable
course may be substituted with appropriate approval.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 4 of 22

1.2 Statistics Faculty

Information on the Statistics Group Faculty including their areas of interest can be found
on the Department’s websites:
http://stat.unm.edu
http://stat.unm.edu/people/academic-personnel/tenure-stream
http://stat.unm.edu/research/statistics
Faculty websites1 are based on their emailname at:
http://stat.unm.edu/~emailname
Professor emailname Address
Fletcher Christensen ronald ronald@stat.unm.edu
Ronald Christensen fletcher fletcher@stat.unm.edu
James Degnan james james@stat.unm.edu
Erik Erhardt erike erike@stat.unm.edu
Gabriel Huerta ghuerta ghuerta@stat.unm.edu
Li Li lil lil@stat.unm.edu
Yan Lu luyan luyan@stat.unm.edu
Guoyi Zhang gzhang12 gzhang12@stat.unm.edu

1
Yes, Fletcher’s email is ronald and Ronald’s email is fletcher.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 5 of 22

2 Program Goals

2.1 The Master Of Science (MS) Program

The goal of the MS program is for the student to develop proficiency in statistics through
course work, participating in research seminars, attending colloquia, and possibly by writing
a thesis.

2.2 The Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) Program

The goal of the PhD program is for the student to write a dissertation that makes a contri-
bution to statistics research. To do this, the student must become familiar with the breadth
of current research topics. This is done by taking advanced courses, participating in re-
search seminars, attending colloquia, and talking to the faculty. Students should investigate
the faculty’s research interests and ask faculty members for reading material on topics of
interest.
The PhD program in statistics is quite flexible. The degree can vary from one that builds
the skills necessary to modify existing methodologies and develop new methods for applied
problems, to one that builds a deep knowledge of the mathematics behind current research
in statistics. The background and courses necessary for each student’s program will vary.
As early as possible, and no later than the second year of PhD studies, the student, with
consent of the Graduate Committee, must select an advisor and a Committee on Studies
to ensure that the student has adequate preparation for conducting dissertation research in
her/his area of choice. All students are required to have a firm grasp of the mathematical
properties of existing statistical procedures. This is achieved through taking a sequence of
core courses. The Committee on Studies will require additional work in statistics and may
require supporting work in mathematics or an area of application. This work is tailored to
the nature of the dissertation and will focus the student toward an area such as Bayesian
analysis, biological applications, correlated data modeling, time series, spatial statistics,
survey sampling, linear models, nonparametric statistics, or other choices. (A major change
in the intended dissertation area may involve a major change in the requirements imposed
by the Committee on Studies.)
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 6 of 22

3 Entering the Program

3.1 Admission Requirements

MS

The primary requirement for admission is a bachelor’s (BS or BA) degree in statistics,
mathematics, engineering, or any field with a strong quantitative component. In particular,
a calculus sequence (Math 162 and 163) that includes the calculus of several variables (Math
264) and courses in statistics (STAT 345) and linear algebra (Math 314 or 321) are required.
On occasion, students are admitted with deficiencies in their backgrounds. Deficiencies must
be reviewed with the faculty advisor and corrected as soon as possible. These deficiencies
do not override the Department or University Policies on time to degree or
financial support (see UNM Catalog for details:
http://grad.unm.edu/current-students/documents/masters-handbook.pdf).

PhD

The prerequisite for entrance into the PhD program is knowledge of linear algebra and
advanced calculus. Formal admittance to the program is achieved by passing the PhD qual-
ifying examination, which is described in the Master’s program Examination Requirements.
Students who transfer to UNM with a Master’s degree from another institution are required
to take the PhD qualifying examination as soon as practical, and in no case later than
one year after admission. If such a student has passed a qualifying exam in Statistics
at another institution, the student may petition the Graduate Committee for an exemption
from the qualifying exam requirement. The Committee will review the petition and decide
if the exemption is granted or not.

3.2 Advising

Each student in the Department is required to report to the Department Coordinator in

Program Advisement who will assign a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor must approve
the student’s program of studies each semester. Any student who fails to obtain the faculty
advisor’s approval of their program each semester may be subject to dismissal from the
program. Advisors may be changed by contacting the Department Coordinator in Program
Advisement (Academic Advisor).
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 7 of 22

3.2.1 Required Forms

Over the course of your academic career, a variety of forms need to be submitted. All of
these forms should be submitted to the Dept. Academic Advisor who will copy the
form for the student academic file and submit the original to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Bypassing regular channels could result in confusion and the probability that your degree
will not be granted in a timely manner.

Form Submission Date

Program of Studies For MS Semester prior to graduation
Announcement of Examination (MS Plan 2 Weeks prior to Exam
I, II, or PhD Qualifying)
Announcement/Report of Examination After passing exam on Sep 15th or Feb
(MS Plan I, II, or PhD Qualifying) 15th
Notify Department to submit your Intent As early as possible in the semester before
to Graduate (MS) you plan to graduate
Change of Degree Status (from MS to Prior to MS Graduation
PhD)
Announcement of Examination Form 2 Weeks prior to PhD Comprehensive
Exam
Language or Research Skill Requirement Upon completion of skill (for Dept.
Record/Academic File)
Application For Candidacy For Doctoral Upon completion of Skills & PhD Comps
Degree
Dissertation Committee Form As soon as committee is formed
Announcement of Final Examination For 2 Weeks prior to Dissertation Defense
PhD
Notify Department to submit your Intent As early as possible in the semester before
to Graduate (PhD) you plan to graduate
Report on Dissertation, Check with OGS For Dissertation Committee at Defense,
for Manuscript Forms/Fees Nov. 15 (Fall), April 15 (Spring), July 15
(Summer)

3.2.2 Graduate Student Timeline

UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 8 of 22

When MS PhD
Begin Year 1 Begin MS Core Stat
End Year 1 File Program of Studies, Choose ei-
ther Plan I or II
Begin Year 2 Select thesis committee, Intent to
graduate due the semester, Begin
thesis hours if Plan I
End Year 2 Announce exam for thesis defense Quals or MS Thesis Defense
or quals two weeks prior to defense,
Complete manuscript and Exams or
defend thesis, Manuscripts due to
OGS by posted deadlines, Gradua-
tion each May in Dept

PhD
Begin Year 3 Select Committee on Studies (may become the Diss committee)
PhD courses 18 hours
End Year 3 Do Comprehensive Exam, Select Dissertation Comm, Certification of Lan-
guage
Fill out form for Advancement to Candidacy
Begin Year 4 Notify Intent to Graduate semester before grad, Submit form for non-
UNM committee member approval
Dissertation Hours STAT 699
End Year 5 Finish Dissertation, Apply for jobs, Get ready for real life, Manuscripts
due to OGS by posted deadlines, Graduation each May in Dept
Announce 2 weeks prior to defense
Note: Schedule is intended for full-time students, more time may be expected for part-time
students.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 9 of 22

4 Program Requirements
It is essential that you become familiar with this information and are aware of your re-
sponsibilities as a graduate student. Please keep referring back to these dates and forms
as they are critical to successful completion of your Graduate programs. As you read this,
consider adding important dates to your personal calendar with advanced reminders of dead-
lines.

4.1 General Requirements

The MS degree is awarded in two plans as described below. Plan I is the thesis option;
Plan II is the non-thesis option. While a student may choose a minor field of study in
consultation with an advisor, there is no formal minor requirement for the MS degree in
Statistics. Additionally, there is no requirement for a foreign language.

4.1.1 MS

MS Plan I (Thesis)

Candidates complete their graduate work by fulfilling course work requirements defending
the thesis and submitting an approved thesis to the Department and OGS. Admittance
to this plan requires the student finding a willing thesis advisor who is acceptable to the
Statistics faculty.
1. A minimum of 26 hours of course work at the 400 or 500 level in Statistics and related
fields. At least 18 of these hours must be within the Department, and of these at least
12 hours must be at the 500 level.
2. The Department will accept up to 12 hours of non-degree credit, but the remaining
course requirements must be completed after admission to the graduate program.
3. A maximum of six (6) hours in problems or individual study courses.
4. Not more than six (6) hours of thesis credit.
5. The MS Examination will be a defense of the thesis.
6. The student is responsible for finding a person willing to act as thesis advisor who is
acceptable to the Statistics faculty.

MS Plan II (Non-Thesis)

Candidates complete their graduation work by fulfilling course work requirements and suc-
cessfully passing the written Master’s examination. (This is the plan that most students
should follow.)
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 10 of 22

1. A minimum of 32 hours of course work at the 400 or 500 level in Statistics and related
fields. At least 24 of these hours must be within the Department, and of these at least
12 hours must be at the 500 level.
2. The Department will accept up to 12 hours of non-degree credit, but the remaining
course requirements must be completed after admission to the graduate program.
3. A maximum of 12 hours in problems or individual study courses.
4. Satisfactory performance on the MS Examination. Please see Section 4.4 for details.

4.1.2 PhD

Candidates complete their graduate work by fulfilling course work requirements, success-
fully passing the qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and submitting an approved
dissertation and report of dissertation defense to the Department and OGS.
The first phase of the doctoral program requires a minimum of 18 semester hours of work
in Statistics beyond the Master’s degree. Not more than 6 of these hours may be taken in
reading or special topics courses. When these requirements are satisfied, the student takes
the comprehensive examination, and upon passing the comprehensive examination advances
to candidacy. After advancing to candidacy, the student is required to complete at least 18
hours of dissertation coursework.

4.2 Course Requirements

The MS Required Courses are required of all students. Unless otherwise noted, all courses
are three credit hours.

4.2.1 MS Required Courses

Required courses and suggested schedule:

1. STAT 540 Regression Analysis
2. STAT 545 ANOVA and Experimental Design
3. STAT 561 Probability and its Applications
4. STAT 553 Statistical Inference

4.2.2 MS Additional Coursework

Students must take a minimum of 14 elective credit hours for Plan I, or 20 elective credit
hours for Plan II, subject to the approval of the advisor.
Comments:
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 11 of 22

1. Master’s students planning to pursue a PhD degree should elect plan II and are encour-
aged to include MATH 510 (Real Analysis) and STAT 546 (Linear Models) in their
program.
2. With the consent of the graduate committee, STAT 579 and 649 can be repeated for
credit.
3. Students are encouraged to seek quantitative courses from other departments to include
in their programs. Students are required to have the approval of their faculty advisor
before such classes can be included in the degree program.
4. Students interested in Biostatistics are encouraged to include STAT 574, 576, and 577
in their program.
5. Students interested in industrial applications are encouraged to include STAT 570, 572,
and 581 in their program.

4.2.3 MS Plan Of Study: Courses And Sample Sequences

Sample Sequence for Terminal MS Plan I

Fall 1st year Spring 1st year Fall 2nd year Spring 2nd year
STAT 561 STAT 553 STAT 577 Elective
STAT 540 STAT 545 Elective Thesis Hours
STAT Elective Elective Thesis Hours

Sample Sequence for Terminal MS Plan II

Qualifying exam attempts should follow immediately after completing required courses.

Fall 1st year Spring 1st year Fall 2nd year Spring 2nd year
STAT 561 STAT 553 STAT 577 Elective
STAT 540 STAT 545 Elective Elective
STAT Elective Elective Elective
. . . Qual Exam (. . . Qual Exam)

4.2.4 PhD Required Courses

The two sequences STAT 546, 547 and STAT 556, 557 are offered in alternate years. PhD
students are required to take whichever sequence is offered immediately after they complete
STAT 545 and STAT 553. Furthermore, STAT 577 is now required of all students.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 12 of 22

4.2.5 PhD Plan Of Study: Courses And Sample Sequences

The sample sequence for PhD below are for students starting from either a BS or MS, with
students with an MS starting at Fall 2nd year. Note that MATH 510 should be taken prior
to (preferred) or in conjunction with (discouraged) STAT 556.
Fall 1st year Spring 1st year Fall 2nd year Spring 2nd year
STAT 561 STAT 553 STAT 546 STAT 547
STAT 540 STAT 545 STAT 590 STAT 577
MATH 510 Elective Elective Elective

Fall 3rd year Spring 3rd year Fall 4th year Spring 4th year
STAT 556 STAT 557 Dissertation Hours Dissertation Hours
Elective Elective
Elective Elective

4.2.6 Course Offerings in Statistics and Mathematics

STAT 345 Elements of Probability and Mathematical Statistics

STAT 427/527 Advanced Data Analysis I (does not count toward graduate degree in
the Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
STAT 428/528 Advanced Data Analysis II
STAT 434/534 Contingency Tables and Dependence Structures
STAT 440/540 Applied Regression Analysis
STAT 445/545 Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design
STAT 453/553 Statistical Inference
STAT 461/561 Probability
STAT 470/570 Industrial Statistics
STAT 472/572 Sampling Theory and Practice
STAT 474/574 Biostatistical Methods: Survival Analysis and Logistic Regression
STAT 476/576 Multivariate Analysis
STAT 477/577 Introduction of Bayesian Modeling
STAT 479 Topics in Statistics
STAT 481/581 Introduction to Time Series Analysis
STAT 495 Individual Study
STAT 520 Topics in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences
STAT 546 Theory of Linear Models
STAT 547 Multivariate Analysis and Advanced Linear Models
STAT 556 Advanced Statistical Inference I
STAT 557 Advanced Statistical Inference II
STAT 565 Stochastic Processes with Applications
STAT 569 Selected Topics in Probability Theory
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 13 of 22

STAT 579 Selected Topics in Statistics: Instructor selected topics of current interest in
Statistics
STAT 586 Nonparametric Curve Estimation and Image Reconstruction
STAT 590 Statistical Computing
STAT 595 Problems
STAT 599 Masters Thesis
STAT 605 Graduate Colloquium
STAT 649 Seminar in Probability and Statistics
STAT 650 Reading and research
STAT 699 Dissertation

MATH 463/512 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

MATH 464/514 Applied Matrix Theory
MATH 472/572 Fourier Analysis and Wavelets
MATH 504 Intro. Numerical Analysis: Numerical Linear Algebra
MATH 505 Intro. Numerical Analysis: Approx. and Diff. Eqns.
MATH 510 Introduction to Analysis I
MATH 511 Introduction to Analysis II
MATH 563 Measure Theory (The basis for probability theory)
MATH 581 Functional Analysis I (Related to nonparametric regression)

Statistics courses in other departments

Note that other departments teach their own versions of Statistics courses. While such
courses will not necessarily count for credit within our program, some exceptions may be
made on an individual basis either by the Graduate Committee or by the student’s academic
advisor. The courses below represent classes that the statistics faculty have made decisions
about in the past.
PH 539 Public Health Biostatistical Methods II Credit for either STAT 428/528
(Advanced Data Analysis II) or PH 539 (Public Health Biostatistical Methods II) will
count toward the STAT MS degree, but not both, with credit for PH 539 only counting
with prior approval by the student’s academic advisor.
BIOM 505, Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences BIOM 505 will count as an elec-
tive toward the STAT MS degree. Aside: BIOM 505 for the STAT BS degree will count
as an upper division elective or elective any level, but not as a Stat 400+ elective.

4.3 Advancement To Candidacy

MS
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 14 of 22

After 15-18 hours of resident graduate credit, students should secure a form for Program of
Studies from the Department Academic Advisor. In consultation with the student’s faculty
advisor and the Academic Advisor, the candidate lists completed and projected course work
and elects either Plan I (thesis) or Plan II (non-thesis). The application is then returned
to the Academic Advisor for signatures by the faculty advisor and by the Chair of the
Graduate Committee before being sent to OGS for the approval by the Dean of Graduate
Studies. Anyone electing Plan I must have previously reached an agreement with a faculty
member to direct their MS thesis.

PhD

After 18-21 hours of doctoral course work, students should secure a form for Application for
Candidacy from the Department Academic Advisor. At this time, the student also formally
declares a Committee on Studies. In consultation with his/her committee chair on studies,
the candidate lists completed and projected course work. The application must be returned
to the Academic Advisor signed by the entire Committee on Studies and be signed by the
Department Chair before being forwarded to OGS for approval.
A student is admitted to formal candidacy for the PhD upon passing the PhD Comprehensive
Examination. This examination consists of a written exam covering core material in Ad-
vanced Inference I (STAT 556), Advanced Inference II (STAT 557) and Linear Model Theory
(STAT 546) and Multivariate Analysis and Advanced Linear Modeling (STAT 547).

4.4 Examination Procedure: MS/PhD Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination is common for both MS (Plan II) and PhD degrees, with a higher
standard of performance required to pass at the PhD level. The examinations are given each
August, just before the fall semester begins, and again in January, before the start of the
spring semester. A student planning to take the examination must inform the Department
Academic Advisor and the Graduate Committee before the examination according to the
guidelines and deadlines set by the Graduate Committee and/or the Academic Advisor.
The exam consists of two parts, an in-class portion and a take-home portion.
The in-class exam is on Probability and Statistical Inference, which is material covered in
STAT 561 and STAT 553. The take-home exam typically requires, but is not limited to, the
analysis of one or more sets of data. This portion is based on STAT 540 and STAT 545.
Students entering our program with a Bachelor’s degree would normally take the MS exam
after the first year of study. Copies of many previous examinations are available to students
on the web at
http://math.unm.edu/graduate/past-qualifying-exams-statistics.
In the initial attempt at the examination, students must take both portions of the exam.
If only one portion is taken (for example, the in-class portion but not the take-home), the
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 15 of 22

attempt is considered a Fail. If the initial attempt at the examination is failed, it can
be repeated once within one academic year. For graduate teaching or research assistants,
the examination should be repeated within one semester. For a repeated exam, it is
at the discretion of the Statistics group and Graduate Committee whether the student is
required to re-take both portions. A written report on the outcome of the examination (or
re-examination) signed by the Graduate Committee Chair, will be given to the student and
a copy will be placed in the student’s file held at the Department.
Once the student has passed both portions of the exam at the Master’s level or higher, the
student must file the Announcement/Report of Examination form found under the heading
Examination/Grades at http://grad.unm.edu/resources/gs-forms/index.html. If the
exams are completed in August, the form should announce the date as as September 15. If
the exams are completed in January, the form should announce the date as February 15.
If either of these dates falls on a weekend, the form should announce the examination date
as the prior Friday. When listing the committee on this form, students will list the current
members of the Graduate Committee.
Applications for the Program of Studies for the Master’s Degree must be filed with the
Dean of Graduate Studies during the semester before the student plans to take the Master’s
Examination (see UNM Catalog for details:
http://grad.unm.edu/resources/gs-forms/pos-masters.html).

4.5 MS Thesis and PhD Dissertation

4.5.1 MS Thesis (Plan I)

Thesis Committee

Only those who select the Thesis option (Plan I) for the MA are required to form a Committee
on Studies.
The student must find a faculty Advisor who is willing to serve as chair of the Thesis
Committee. The student needs to obtain the consent of two other faculty members to serve
as members of the thesis committee.
At this time, OGS has no forms for constituting a thesis committee, but the Department
Academic Advisor should be notified in writing.

Thesis Credit Hours

Students opting for the MS with thesis must complete a minimum of six (6) hours of Thesis
(599) credit. While working on the thesis, students must continue to register for a minimum
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 16 of 22

of one hour of 599 each Fall and Spring semester until the thesis is approved by the Dean
of OGS. Thesis candidates must be enrolled the semester in which they complete degree
requirements, including summer sessions. Enrollment in 599 thesis must be continuous and
should not begin until student is working on the thesis.

4.5.2 PhD Dissertation

Committee on Studies

Each doctoral student is required to have a Committee on Studies, see Section 4.3. The
committee should be chosen as discussed in Section 4.5.2. For more details, see
http://grad.unm.edu/resources/gs-forms/committee-service.html
Upon passing the PhD qualifying exam, each student must arrange for a Committee on
Studies to be appointed. The chairperson of the Committee on Studies serves as the student’s
academic advisor. The responsibilities and functions of the Committee on Studies are fully
discussed in the UNM Catalog. Specifically, the Committee:
1. Defines the areas in which the student must show competency.
2. Recommends transfer of credit, where appropriate.
3. Certifies the residence requirements.
4. Certifies the computing language requirement.
5. Participates in the administration of the comprehensive exams and dissertation defense.
6. The membership of the Committee on Studies usually serves as the core of the disser-
tation examination committee.

Dissertation Committee

After successfully passing the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination, Doctoral students for-
mally constitute a Dissertation Committee. This committee typically contains members of
the Committee on Studies, but need not have all its members. Students initiate the forma-
tion of their committee by soliciting a faculty member to serve as director of the dissertation
and chair of the committee. The student and director/chair then agree upon the remainder
of the committee and complete an “Appointment of Dissertation Committee” form. This
form requires the signature of the candidate, the Committee Chair, the Department Chair,
and the Dean of OGS.
Dissertation committees must include at least four members approved for graduate instruc-
tion by the Dean of Graduate Studies. At least two members must be tenured or tenure-track
faculty in the Statistics Group. A third member must be tenured or tenure-track faculty
outside the UNM Department of Mathematics and Statistics. This member may be from
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 17 of 22

UNM or another accredited institution. Additional members must be approved experts in

Statistics or the area of dissertation application.
The chair and/or members of the PhD Committee on Studies may be changed, however,
the student needs the consent of faculty being added to the committee and must notify
both former and new members of the Committee and the Department Academic Advisor
of the changes. Changing the chair will most often require a change in the dissertation
topic. Changes of regular members of the committee should be made in consultation with
the committee chair.

Dissertation Credit Hours

The program for the doctorate includes a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation (699) credit.
While working on the dissertation, students must continue to register for at least one hour
of 699 each Fall and Spring semester until the dissertation is approved by the Dean of
OGS. Doctoral candidates must be enrolled the semester in which they complete degree
requirements, including summer sessions. Enrollment in 699 dissertation hours may not
begin prior to the semester in which Comprehensive Exams are passed.

Dissertation Progress

All matters related to the completion of requirements for the PhD will be dealt with by
the dissertation committee. The chair of the dissertation committee, together with other
members, will be responsible for directing and advising the dissertation research, oversee-
ing the writing, evaluating and approving the completed dissertation, and conducting the
defense.

Dissertation Final Defense And Submission

Upon completion of the dissertation and at least 18 hours of dissertation course work, a final
examination (i.e., defense of the dissertation) is the final formal step before the awarding of
the PhD. The defense usually occurs in the context of a department colloquium talk. The
defense is a final oral presentation covering the dissertation and its relationship to Statistics.
Three weeks prior to the defense, students should inform the Department Academic Advisor
of their intention to defend, the scheduled date and time, and the committee composition.
As with the comprehensive exams, OGS must receive the “Announcement of Dissertation
Defense” form listing the exam committee members and signed by the Department Chair
at least two weeks prior to the exam. No defense can be held without properly filing this
form.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 18 of 22

Candidates should also note that the UNM Catalog/Graduate Program directs that a com-
plete copy of the dissertation must be submitted to each member of the committee at least
two weeks before the final defense.
The Final Defense is public and open to all who wish to attend. Announcements must be
sent at least one week in advance via e-mail to the Department mailing lists.
Please refer to the UNM Graduate Studies website for further information:
http://grad.unm.edu/resources/gs-forms/announcement-examination.html.

Dissertation Submission

In order to graduate in a given semester, the student and department must provide OGS,
by November 15, April 15, or July 15, with the following:
1. Report of the results of the final oral defense
2. Two copies of the dissertation “in perfect form”
3. “Report on Dissertation” from each Committee Member
4. “Survey of Earned Doctorates”
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 19 of 22

5 Leaving the Program

5.1 Graduation

5.1.1 Deadlines

Notification of the Intent to Graduate for both MS and PhD students is due to the Coordi-
nator of Program Advisement at least 30 days before the end of the term in the Summer for
Fall graduation, 30 days before the end of the Fall semester for Spring Graduation, and 30
days before the end of Spring semester for Summer graduation.
Report of Exam for Thesis or Dissertation must be signed and submitted to OGS by Novem-
ber 15 for Fall, April 15 for Spring, and July 15 for Summer in order to complete graduation
requirements. We recommending submitting this form at least a week before the dead-
line.
Please refer to the UNM OGS website for further information:
http://grad.unm.edu/degree-completion/deadline.html.

5.1.2 Ceremony

Degrees are awarded three times a year (end of Spring, Fall, and Summer). Convocation is
in December and May. The annual departmental ceremony takes places in May.

5.2 Time Limits

MS

Currently, OGS dictates that all work toward a Master’s degree must be completed within a
seven (7) year period beginning from the first graduate course taken in an approved program,
including any transfer credit from another institution. For example, if a student’s first course
used to transfer credit from another institution was taken 2 years before entering UNM, then
the student has 5 more years to complete the program, rather than when that transfer credit
was accepted at UNM.

PhD

A doctoral candidate has five years for completion of all degree requirements from the date
s/he passes the comprehensives. This time limit includes the oral defense and submission of
final dissertation copies to OGS.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 20 of 22

A student may request an extension of this time limit only in writing. The request must
be supported by the student’s department and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Extensions are not automatic; students must demonstrate progress toward completion of
degree requirements.

5.3 Leave Of Absence And Readmission

Should a leave become necessary, students must contact their faculty advisor before beginning
the leave of absence from course work. Students must then notify the Department Academic
Advisor in writing about the timing and intended length of the leave. Dissertation or Thesis
students planning a leave of absence must petition the Office of Graduate Studies, or they
will be responsible for paying tuition costs for the semesters not in attendance. These are
only granted for catastrophic circumstances and for a total of one year.
A student who is admitted and completes at least one semester of graduate studies in the De-
partment is allowed three subsequent semesters, including summer, without taking classes.
An absence of more than three semesters, including summer sessions, will result in a stu-
dent being automatically dropped from the program. In this case, the application form for
readmission must be filed with the Department at least six (6) weeks prior to the beginning
of the semester in which the student will be returning.
Students should keep in mind that absences from graduate study are included in the MS
and PhD time limits. Once enrollment for 599 (Thesis) or 699 (Dissertation) has begun,
continuous enrollment must be observed (see “Master’s Thesis/Thesis Credit Hours” or
“Doctoral Dissertation/Dissertation Credit Hours” above).
For cases where continuous enrollment is not maintained and a leave of absence is not
requested to the Department, the rules of the UNM catalog will be applied.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 21 of 22

6 Student Financial Aid

The Department awards a number of Teaching Assistantships and a limited number of Re-
search Assistantships each year. Most teaching assistantships are awarded during the Spring
semester to applicants beginning their duties in the Fall. Individuals seeking a teaching assis-
tantship are strongly encouraged to apply early. The Office of Graduate Studies administers
Teaching and Research Assistantships. For more information see the Financial Assistance
section in the current UNM Catalog.
The Graduate Committee is responsible for awarding teaching assistantships and also for
determining which graduate students should be retained as teaching assistants. The follow-
ing criteria are used in evaluating applicants for teaching assistants. An applicant should
have:
1. An undergraduate major in mathematics or statistics or a closely related area of sci-
entific study.
2. A high grade point average in undergraduate courses; particular attention will be given
to mathematics and statistics courses.
3. Strong letters of recommendation.
4. A strong potential for academic achievement at the graduate level.
5. A strong potential for teaching beginning courses in mathematics and statistics.
6. A desire to participate in and contribute to a culturally diverse academic environment
Teaching assistants (TAs) must be physically present in the department at least one week
before the beginning of the semester for training, orientation, and assignment of courses.
Failure to do so may result in the loss of a teaching assistantship award. All TA’s are expected
to remain physically present in the Department until the last day of their contract, usually
the last Friday of the semester and should be available through electronic contact at least a
month after their contract ends. In addition, the TAs must be familiar with the document
“Guidelines for Teaching Assistants and Part Time Instructors” provided by the department
and with the information provided during the department in-service sessions.

6.1 Teaching Assistant Duties

Teaching Assistantship appointments are made with the expectation that the Teaching As-
sistant will be a successful and responsible teacher. In particular, it is important that the
Teaching Assistant (TA) understands the following points:
1. Usually the TA is expected to teach one section of a lower division course. The TA also
needs to be available at least 3 hrs/week for office hours. The TA assignment may also
include the grading of homework and exams. TAs working in recitation for a faculty
may be required to attend some of the faculty’s lectures.
2. First time TAs are required to take the Teaching Assistant course offered by the De-
partment of Mathematics and Statistics.
UNM Graduate Handbook for Statistics, 2017–2018 Page 22 of 22

3. The department expects their TAs to be fluent in spoken English. This is particularly
important since a high score in the TOEFL test does not guarantee the necessary
degree of fluency to teach a class. In particular, the TA should be easily understood
by the class and must also be able to understand questions frequently expressed in
colloquial English. International students are expected to take the accent reduction
evaluation and classes if needed. These classes and scholarships are offered through the
Office of Graduate Studies. In addition, the English Department also offers English
as a Second Language (ESL) Writing courses through special sections of English 100,
English 101, and English 102. Placement for these ESL classes requires a one-hour
diagnostic placement essay that can be arranged with the Freshman English Staff
Assistant in Humanities Building 213. The ESL sections have restricted access. Failure
to use the many avenues available for improvement of spoken English may result in
termination of one’s Teaching Assistantship if the problem of classroom comprehension
continues.
4. The Department will support TAs pursuing a Master’s degree for a maximum of 6
semesters and for those pursuing a PhD for a maximum of 10 semesters. The graduate
committee takes these semesters of support under consideration from time to time
and these limits are subject to change according to the consensus of the committee.
One of the criteria on the time limits is the suitable progress of the graduate students
and whether or not these limits are conducive or detrimental to timely completion of
graduate degrees.

6.2 Renewal of Teaching Assistantship

It is important for a TA to realize that the renewal of a teaching assistant contract is not
automatic. The three main criteria for renewing a teaching assistantship in the Department
of Mathematics and Statistics are:
1. Steady progress toward an advanced degree in Mathematics or Statistics. Teaching
assistants are expected to register for at least nine (9) credit hours each semester.
These must be in classes directly related to the academic degree.
2. High quality teaching performance and the fulfillment of associated responsibilities.
3. MS or PhD qualifying exams should be passed after no more than four (4) semesters
of support as a TA. This time period may be extended with Graduate Committee
approval; however, these exams must be passed after a maximum six (6) semesters. If
a TA fails any part of the Master’s/PhD qualifying exam, the failed part(s) should be
retaken and passed the next semester.
The Department has a limited number of Research Assistantships.
In addition, the University of New Mexico has a variety of financial support programs and
fellowships, several of them for underrepresented groups. Information on additional sources
of financial support is available from the Financial Aid Office or the OGS.