Master's in Statistics: Become a Specially Trained Professional
Today's data-driven economy demands concrete answers to business challenges. From calculating product defects and improving manufacturing quality to determining the best ways to reach consumers, statisticians are integral to the success of any organization.
If you're interested in extracting meaningful insights from data, then West Chester University has the perfect master's degree program for you! Our Master of Science in Applied Statistics will help you sharpen your analytical skills and develop a broad array of tools to clearly communicate recommendations. You'll learn how to formulate conclusions from raw data and translate the information into actionable plans.
WCU's robust interdisciplinary program brings together statistics, computer science, scientific research, and communication skills using the latest technologies. WCU has been preparing students to secure—and excel in—statistics roles nationwide for more than 20 years.
WCU's M.S. in Applied Statistics is offered in-person, online, and in hybrid formats.
Tracks in the Applied Statistics Master's Program
General Applied Statistics
Our general track is a versatile degree applicable to any industry. By developing your skills for collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data, this track helps you build your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Data Science
Data science combines multiple fields including scientific methods and artificial intelligence. You'll learn to prepare data for analysis by cleaning, aggregating, and manipulating it to uncover patterns and draw insights.
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
This track is focused on careers in medical research, pharmaceutical statistics, and bioinformatics. It provides you with the tools to answer critical research questions in medicine, biology, and public health. The biostatistics focus is complementary to WCU's Master's in Public Health.
Business and Marketing Analytics
If you are considering a statistics-related career in business, banking, risk management, or marketing analytics, this is the track for you. You'll learn to use statistics to measure the success of marketing campaigns, predict consumer behavior, and determine what factors are crucial to profitability.
Benefits of Earning your M.S. in Applied Statistics at West Chester University
Flexible Curriculum
As a working professional, you already juggle work and family obligations—how could you possibly add graduate school on top of that?
At WCU, we understand those responsibilities. That's why our in-person courses meet in the evenings and why we offer both online and hybrid course options. Choose the format that works best for you and get ready to see how statistics can be used across industries including biology, computer science, psychology, health sciences, business, and pharmaceutical product development.
Faculty Experts
Our faculty members are Ph.D.-level statisticians with a wide variety of research and publication interests. They will work closely with you to select the right courses to meet your personal and professional goals. They cultivate relationships with business, industry, and academic leaders through the University's Statistics Institute (WCSI) providing our students opportunities for networking and growth.
Paid Internships & West Chester Statistics Institute
WCU offers paid internship opportunities for all applied statistics students beginning in the second year of study. Thanks to our outstanding reputation, several of our business partners reserve internships specifically for WCU students. Most of these placements lead to full-time job offers.
WCU also operates the Statistics Institute which provides statistical support, analysis, and education on a short- or long-term basis on specific projects for regional business, industry, and academic institutions. WCSI provides hands-on, supervised educational opportunities for our graduate students.
Financial Accessibility
WCU's tuition is significantly lower than all our competitors and has been frozen for the last four years. You'll receive an exceptional graduate-level education at an outstanding value. Additionally, there are several applied statistics scholarships available to you after your first year of study as well as graduate assistantships.
Optimal Location
The Philadelphia region is home to more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies, multiple health systems, and 100 colleges and universities, all institutions where a M.S. in Applied Statistics is highly valued.
What Can You Do with a Master's in Statistics?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for statisticians will grow 33%through 2030, which is a rate much faster than average. The BLS also reports $96,280 as the median salary for statistics-related roles.
Since every industry relies on data in some form, your master's in applied statistics will open the door to well-paid jobs such as:
- Statistician: Work in fields ranging from computer science to politics, using analytical and mathematical processes to understand and solve problems.
- Financial analyst: Develop and use market knowledge to develop strategies to improve financial outcomes.
- Marketing research analyst: Analyze existing and potential markets for introducing products, projecting sales, and measuring the impact of marketing campaigns.
- Business intelligence analyst: Use applied statistics to clarify current market conditions, calculate the impact of new competitors, or evaluate customers' response to a particular product.
- Data engineer: Build and maintain data infrastructure that meets current requirements and anticipates future need.
- Sports analyst: Review large data sets to gain insight about upcoming games, improve player performance, or anticipate opponents' plans.
- Data scientist: Focus on resolving complex issues involving structured and unstructured data sets through modeling and analysis.
What Will You Study as a Master's in Applied Statistics Student?
At WCU, we take a holistic approach to our applied statistics master's program, bringing together statistics, computer science, and scientific research. You'll develop statistical methodology and communication skills and train with the latest software.
Class projects in the M.S. program mirror real-life situations and challenges. You'll participate in every aspect of problem solving including data collection, meeting with clients, deciding on the best analysis methods, creating graphics, and writing and delivering professional reports.
M.S. in Applied Statistics
To track their individual degree progress, students are advised to access their Degree Progress Report (DPR) via my WCU and consult their Graduate Coordinator. For more information, visit www.wcupa.edu/DegreeProgressReport.
The following is a sample suggested course sequence for this program; course offerings and availability are not guaranteed. Students should consult their academic advisor with any questions.
Non-Thesis Option
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Semester One | Credits | |
STA 503 | Introduction to R | 1 |
STA 505 or STA 504 |
Mathematical Statistics I or Mathematical Statistics I with Calculus Review |
3-4 |
STA 511 | Intro Stat Computing & Data Management | 3 |
Credits | 7-8 | |
Semester Two | ||
STA 506 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
STA 512 | Principles of Experimental Analysis | 4 |
Credits | 7 | |
Summer | ||
STA 601 | Internship In Applied Statistics (Optional) | 3 |
Elective (Optional) 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Year Two | ||
Semester Three | ||
STA 507 | Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
STA 513 | Intermediate Linear Models | 4 |
Credits | 7 | |
Semester Four | ||
STA 514 | Modern Experimental Design | 3 |
Elective (Optional) | 3 | |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 33-34 |
- 1
Can take more than one elective (any STA course numbered STA 531 or above) each summer.
Thesis Option
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Semester One | Credits | |
STA 503 | Introduction to R | 1 |
STA 505 or STA 504 |
Mathematical Statistics I or Mathematical Statistics I with Calculus Review |
3-4 |
STA 511 | Intro Stat Computing & Data Management | 3 |
Credits | 7-8 | |
Semester Two | ||
STA 506 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
STA 512 | Principles of Experimental Analysis | 4 |
Credits | 7 | |
Summer | ||
STA 601 | Internship In Applied Statistics (Optional) | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Year Two | ||
Semester Three | ||
STA 507 | Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
STA 513 | Intermediate Linear Models | 4 |
STA 609 | Thesis I | 3 |
Credits | 10 | |
Semester Four | ||
STA 514 | Modern Experimental Design | 3 |
STA 610 | Thesis II | 3 |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 33-34 |
Get Started on YourMaster's in Statistics
If you're interested in solving problems on a global scale, the M.S. in Applied Statistics can help! Take the first step by reaching out today.
Apply NowPrograms Related to WCU's M.S. in Applied Statistics
West Chester University offers several other graduate programs related to our master's in applied statistics, including:
- Master of Arts in Mathematics
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Accounting to Master of Science in Applied Statistics, which is specifically designed to prepare you to sit for the CPA exam.
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
- Post-Master's Certificate of Advanced Study in Applied Statistics, which will hone your skills further and enhance your marketability.
- Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics