A Master of Science in Applied Statistics is an excellent degree choice for those interested in working with data science research, testing, and business applications. This is the field to enter for those seeking a career in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Big Data mining.
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Students of applied statistics learn how to use mathematical statistics modeling and use statistical tools for data analysis.
An M.S. in Applied Statistics usually requires 33 to 36 semester credits (44 quarter credits) of graduate work that can be completed in three or four semesters. A student can earn this degree within one calendar year by studying full-time and taking courses in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Part-time students, who earn this degree while working, can take three years to complete the required courses at most universities.
This degree puts a person on the career track to work as a statistician or computer data analyst. U.S. News & World Report says that statisticians are in very high demand and rank this career as the #1 best business job. This is one of the most versatile and best degrees to get for a successful business career because statistical analysis is used by businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental agencies.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these positions paid a median annual salary in 2019 of $92,030 ($44.25 per hour). The BLS predicts that demand for statisticians will grow up to 33% by 2026 creating an additional 12,400 new jobs in this field.
Here are some examples of the exciting positions available for those who earn this degree:
- Data Scientist: A professional data scientist analyses performance models and creates predictive algorithms to model human behavior in consumer brand marketing, media, and social issues.
- Industrial Statistician: These analysts study market dynamics and create forecasts for companies to use for product development and innovations.
- Sports Analytical Director: Professional sports are data-driven. Teams that want to win need the best players and those are picked in draft rounds where data analytics and predictive models are widely used to value the players for multi-million-dollar contract offers.
- Biostatistician: These data analysts study biology and the human impacts for pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials and work on pandemic response efforts.
- Environmental Statistical Analyst: These data scientists work on mitigating the risks of climate change and other environmental disasters.
The extraordinary value of getting this degree comes from the fact that these statistical analytical techniques apply across all industry sectors virtually guaranteeing exciting work by specialists who are interested in a particular area of work.
The Best Masters in Applied Statistics Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State | Tempe, Arizona |
| 2 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia |
| 3 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, Kentucky |
| 4 | Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, California |
| 5 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, Colorado |
We took a look at the best programs to earn a Masters in Applied Statistics and ranked them according to the total tuition cost and the recognition of the schools as they rank in comparison with other universities and colleges offering this degree.
Arizona State
Arizona State offers an online Master of Science in Business Analytics and a Master of Science in Statistics. These programs have two tracks. One is for full-time students and the second track is for professionals who work while studying for this degree. This training prepares students to work with the data mining of Big Data, manage data analytics, and business-intelligence operations. For this program, there is an option to complete a thesis, a final project, or take a final exam to graduate. Students normally complete this program in two years.
School Overview
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University offers an M.S. in Applied Statistics and Analytics (MSAS). Students learn statistical computing by working with statistical programs and then apply these skills to an actual project using data from where they work or for a project done with a faculty member. Students learn how to write clear, concise reports and make presentations of the analysis to describe insights gleaned from the data.
School Overview
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky offers an online program to earn a Master of Applied Statistics degree. The core curriculum focuses on statistical techniques, data visualization, and computing for quantitative analytics. This degree leads to work as a data analyst, statistical programmer, or data management specialist.
School Overview
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University, located in southern California near Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, offers a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Analytics Careers. This school has accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC). Students study statistical methods and analytical theory combined with learning practical applications for using these methods.
School Overview
Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a Master in Applied Statistics program both online and in-person. Pre-covid, lectures were recorded live so online students could attend live or watch at a later time. Students choose a specialization in either data science or statistical science. Graduates find an excellent career path in academia, government, businesses, and industry as statisticians.
School Overview
Penn State
Penn State offers an online program to earn a Master of Applied Statistics. The classes cover biostatistics techniques, data mining, predictive analytics, and statistical advising. Students have an option to prepare for the SAS Base Programming Certification Exam. A student may choose to apply for a PStat® accreditation that is granted by the American Statistical Association. This makes a graduate who passes the test an Accredited Professional Statistician™.
School Overview
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers an Applied Analytics, M.S. designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in data science and analytics.
School Overview
Loyola
Loyola in Chicago offers an MS in Applied Statistics that is a strong choice for recent graduates who wish to pursue a career in data science and predictive modeling. It is also a good program for working professionals who want to advance their careers. A student can specialize in biostatistics and environmental statistics.
School Overview
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh offers a Masters in Applied Statistics. This program has a thesis and a non-thesis option. This program provides training in applied statistic analysis based on the theory of statistics. A student must also specialize in an approved area in addiction to statistics such as biostatistics, biology, business, bioinformatics, computer science, education, numerical analysis, economics, sociology, psychology, and mathematical finance.
School Overview
Texas A & M
Texas A & M offers a Master of Science in Statistics. This program engages the student in the study of statistical theory and analytic methodologies by working on a project with real-world applications. Full-time students complete the program in two years. Part-time students have up to seven years to complete the program.
School Overview
University of Delaware
University of Delaware offers a Master of Science in Applied Statistics that can be taken online. Students learn the skills and statistical methods to work as a data analyst or statistician in many fields such as agriculture, banking, biotech, defense, government, health care, pharmaceuticals, and insurance. This is also a superb program for those who wish to continue studying to earn a Ph.D.
School Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Applied Statistics. Students can attend classes on campus or take classes online. This program focuses on data mining, experimental designs, applications in healthcare, and statistical analysis in industrial settings. Full-time students complete this program in two years.
School Overview
UCLA
UCLA offers a Master of Applied Statistics (M.A.S.) degree. This is a new program that started in 2016. This program is designed for completion by part-time students who take courses in the evenings while they are employed. If a student takes two courses each quarter during fall, winter, and spring and then one course in summer, it is possible to finish this program in 18 months. Part-time students take two years to complete the program.
Students become proficient in the methods and applications used in industry in the field of data science and for quantitative analytics. This program requires a degree candidate to complete a thesis project by working with an industry partner, under the supervision of a faculty member, to solve a real-world problem.
School Overview
University of Michigan
University of Michigan offers a Masters in Applied Statistics. Students learn statistical analysis and probability theory. Most students take two years (four semesters) to complete the program. Full-time students can complete an accelerated program in three semesters. Part-time students can take longer; however, no courses are offered in the evening.
School Overview
University of California, Berkeley
The UC Berkeley School of Information offers a Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS). This online program can be completed in 20 months. Full-time students can complete an accelerated program in one year (three semesters). Part-time students can take courses at a slower pace while working and have 32 months to complete the program.
Students learn about analytics such as linear regression models, machine learning at scale, and causal inference.
School Overview
If you need help with your decision about which program to select, feel free to contact us to get personal assistance with any questions you may have about any programs that we reviewed.
Our Ranking Methodology
We compared hybrid, in-person, and online programs to find the schools that have the best value for the tuition costs under $50,000. The best value for the top “brand name” schools is either UCLA or the University of Michigan.
Corrections and Additions
If you notice any mistakes in our data please let us know. If a school is not on our list and you feel we should review it, please send us an email about the school so that we can review it.
