Applied statistics master’s degrees
Broadly speaking, a master’s in applied statistics is designed to provide you with hands-on, practical experience in statistical methods — methods you can apply to solving real-world problems. Examples include sabermetrics, election forecasting, and more.
In contrast to programs that focus on pure theory, this degree may help you with a career in big data in the public or private sector. To that end, educational programs may supplement statistical knowledge with courses in interdisciplinary data science, research, and other essential business skills.
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Science in Applied Data Science
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
Complete in as few as 18 months
Credits
34
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Two letter of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts
Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX
Master of Science in Data Science
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
Complete in as few as 20 months
Credits
33.5
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- One letter of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts
University of California, Berkeley
Master of Information and Data Science
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
27
Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE not required
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC
Master of Applied Data Science
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 16 months
Credits
30
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC
Master of Applied Data Science
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 16 months
Credits
30
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé
Courses
Applied statistics degrees are a mix of foundational theory and elective topics. In addition to exploring problems of statistical design, analysis, and control, you’ll often be required to complete a practicum or capstone project. Degrees usually take about two years to complete.
Typical courses may include:
- Mathematical statistics
- Statistical methods
- Advanced SAS programming
- Data mining
- Predictive analytics
- Biostatistics
- Applied data analysis
Admission requirements vary from school to school. Although a degree in statistics or mathematics is not always required, candidates will likely be expected to have some combination of a relevant bachelor’s degree, knowledge of computer programming, and coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, and statistics.
Statistics visualization examples
1. Global Corruption Barometer (Developer: Transparency International)
2. History of the FIFA World Cup (Developer: Jacopo Ferretti)
3. The Odds of Dying (Developers: James Fransham, Lloyd Parker, Robert Jones, and Phil Kenny)
Master's in applied statistics programs
Browse the listings below for universities in our directory offering applied statistics programs. Please visit each school’s site for the most up-to-date admissions requirements and program details.
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Information last updated: August 2024