Master of Science in Applied Statistics (M.S.)

 

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.

Where are our graduates?

 

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.