Online Courses | Statistics

Summer Quarter 2022

Master's degree students who are admitted for the 2022-2023 academic year (starting Autumn 2022) are invited to take their first Stanford classes online before arriving on campus.


If you have been admitted as a master’s degree student, we highly recommend taking classes during the summer before arriving at Stanford. This will give you a chance to complete required classes, and allow you to take more advanced graduate classes while on campus.


Statistics Core Classes


The following three classes, which will be taught this Summer, are part of the group of four Statistics core classes that fulfill requirements for the M.S. degree.

  • STATS116 Theory of Probability
  • STATS202 Data Mining and Analysis
  • STATS217 Introduction to Stochastic Processes I

Programming Requirements


CS106A and CS106B are two programming methodology classes recommended for students looking to brush up on programming; M.S. students are required to complete one programming methodology class. Both CS106A and CS106B will be offered this Summer. Those who choose to enroll in a CS course must enroll for the maximum number of units.

Online courses are offered through the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD). If you've already been admitted to our on-campus degree programs, enrollment as a student before arriving in person at Stanford is straightforward and easy: simply complete the form on this page, and SCPD will contact you to complete your enrollment. For questions regarding online programs, please contact SCPD Student and Client Services at [email protected].


Theory of Probability (STATS116)
This course covers probability spaces as models for phenomena with statistical regularity. Students who take this course should be able to use the framework of probability to quantify uncertainty and update beliefs given the right evidence. Students will also learn how to use a variety of strategies to calculate probabilities and expectations, both conditional and unconditional, as well as how to understand.


Data Mining and Analysis (STATS202)
Data mining is used to discover patterns and relationships in data. Emphasis is on large complex data sets such as those in very large databases or through web mining. Topics: decision trees, association rules, clustering, case based methods, and data visualization. Prereqs: Introductory courses in statistics or probability (e.g., Stats 60), linear algebra (e.g., Math 51), and computer programming (e.g., CS 105)


Introduction to Stochastic Processes I (STATS217)
Investigate discrete and continuous time Markov chains, poisson processes, random walks, branching processes, first passage times, recurrence and transience, and stationary distributions.


Programming Methodology (CS106A)
This introduction to the engineering of computer applications emphasizes modern software engineering principles with a focus on the first three of the four “D’s” of development: Design, Develop, Debug, and Deploy . Using these key topics, particular focus will be on good programming style and the built-in facilities of the Java language. Learn why programming requires a much higher level of artistry than simply the science of syntax. Students will be required to develop software applications, primarily using the Java programming language.


Programming Abstractions (CS106B)
Gain valuable exposure to advanced computer programming and abstraction techniques. Become knowledgeable about the many implementation methods used to build complicated, dynamic data structures. Harness powerful tools for understanding how the representation and efficiency of data can influence how effectively we store it.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is summer quarter?
Summer Quarter is eight weeks of instruction between June 20 and August 17, 2022 with final exams taking place on August 12-13, 2022. Students will need to create a mystanfordconnection account through the SCPD website and be sure to enroll prior to June 10, 2022.


How many units do I earn with each class offered?
Summer courses are 3-unit, 4-unit, or 5-unit courses. Please note that students taking courses before starting their master’s degree program at Stanford must take a minimum of 3 units (one class) during the summer quarter.


How much time should I expect to spend on each course?
Every unit of credit represents 1 hour of class time plus approximately 2 additional hours of work per week for the average student. A 3-unit course, for example, requires a minimum time commitment of 9 hours per week. This is a general guide and the actual time commitment may vary depending on the course and the individual student.


How will I take exams?
You will be required to nominate an exam monitor by the second week of the quarter. For more information on who can be an exam monitor and the process for nominating one, please see Stanford Center for Professional Development’s exam monitor information and exam FAQ's.


If I choose to take these courses, will these units be counted towards my MS degree?
Yes. All units you take online over the summer will be counted towards the 45 units required to complete an MS degree at Stanford.


What does the tuition cost?
Tuition is $1,352 per unit (or $4,056 per 3-unit course) plus a one-time $125 document fee.


Do I have to enroll in more than one class?
You are free to take just one, two, or three courses based on the time you are able to commit to your studies this summer.


If I have received a financial aid package for graduate studies, can I apply this aid towards tuition costs for summer online courses?
No. If you have been offered any financial aid from Stanford in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or other forms of aid, these funds cannot be applied toward tuition or other costs of enrollment until you arrive as a full-time student on campus.


If I find that my summer is too busy to take an online class, can I drop the class after enrolling?
Yes. The SCPD deadline to drop summer courses is 5 pm PST on Monday, July 1. Students dropping out of a class before this deadline will receive a full refund of tuition for the dropped class; a $100 drop fee will apply.
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