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Graduate Program

Master of Applied Statistics (M.A.S.)

A professional degree focusing on developing data analysis skills in all of the core areas of applied statistics. This program is application-based and does not offer a substantial research component. An M.A.S. degree emphasizing statistics applications could lead to a career in government or industry.
 

Overview

The M.A.S. program provides graduates with broad knowledge in a wide range of statistical application areas. These highly sought-after skills in statistics are currently in demand in government agencies, consulting firms, and industry.

The Master of Applied Statistics is intended for quantitatively oriented students with bachelors' degrees in agricultural, biological, business, computer, engineering, mathematical, physical or social sciences, or a related field. This program is also suitable for professionals who handle data in their current positions, and who are mostly interested in the practical side of statistics.

This program is offered both as an on-campus program at the University Park campus as well as an online program delivered through World Campus.
 

M.A.S. Student Handbook

This student handbook is the source for requirements, policies, and resources relevant to students working toward the MAS degree at The Pennsylvania State University.

Download Handbook
 

What are the Requirements?

A minimum of 30 credits and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are required for graduation. Of the 30 credits, 24 must be courses from the Statistics department and 21 must be at the 500 level.

There are five required core courses (number of credits is in parentheses) [prerequisites are in brackets]:

  • STAT 414. Introduction to Probability Theory (3). [Multidimensional calculus]
  • STAT 415. Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (3). [STAT 414]
  • STAT 501. Regression Methods (3).
    [6 credits of Statistics or STAT 500 plus matrix algebra]
  • STAT 502. Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments (3). [STAT 501]
  • STAT 580 (2) and STAT 581 (1). Statistical Consulting  Practicum sequence*. [STAT 502; STAT 503 or STAT 504 or STAT 506]

*Note. The sequence of STAT 580 (2) and STAT 581 (1) should be taken in the last two semesters of enrollment. The sequence is offered either as a Fall-Spring sequence or as a Spring-Summer sequence. For all MAS students, the Stat 581 course will have a comprehensive written project report required as part of the course, which serves as the culminating experience.

 

Elective courses

To complete the remaining credit requirements, a candidate can select 9-15 credits from the following elective courses (number of credits in parentheses) [prerequisites in brackets]:

  • STAT 464. Applied Nonparametric Statistics (3).
  • STAT 480, STAT 481, STAT 482. Topics in SAS programming (1).
  • STAT 484, STAT 485. Topics in R programming (1).
  • STAT 500. Applied Statistics (3).
  • STAT 503. Design of Experiments (3).
  • STAT 504. Analysis of Discrete Data (3).
  • STAT 505. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3).
  • STAT 506. Sampling Theory and Methods (3).
  • STAT 507. Epidemiology Research Methods (3).
  • STAT 508 / STAT 557. Data Mining (3).
  • STAT 509. Clinical Trials (3).
  • STAT 510. Applied Time Series Analysis (3).

In addition to the above degree requirements, all transfer students and concurrent degree students within Penn State are required to take at least 12 of the 30 credits after admission into the MAS program.

 

How do I Apply?

On-campus program at the University Park campus

Apply through the Penn State Graduate school at: http://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/

Please Note: Choose Applied Statistics as the major and UP as the campus.

The program at University Park can be completed in four semesters. That may be a Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring sequence or a Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer sequence, depending on the needs of the student.

Online program through Penn State's World Campus

Apply through the Penn State Graduate school at: http://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/

Please Note: Choose Applied Statistics as the major and WD as the campus.

For information on the Statistics Graduate Program admission requirements, application deadlines, and the Penn State Graduate school requirements and application please view: Apply to the Statistics Graduate Program

Please Note: The Statistics Department does not provide financial aid to M.A.S. students.

 

Financial Support

The Statistics Department does not provide financial support to students in the M.A.S. program. Students may look into Federal Student Aid or other sources of support. View the Graduate School's Graduate Funding FAQs for more information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before contacting, make sure to review our FAQ Section.
 

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