M.S. in Applied Statistics

Why do you come to Syracuse University for this degree?

Since our program includes professors from computer and information science, education, engineering, management, mathematics, psychology, and the social sciences, among others, the program is interdisciplinary in nature and it is distinguished from other graduate programs in statistics by its emphasis on applications. By learning a variety of statistical software and through proper training in statistical consulting, our graduates will be able to analyze real-world data correctly and efficiently.

Where are the career opportunities?

Applied statisticians are highly sought in diverse fields like government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms and financial companies. Two recent articles revealed the fact that applied statisticians are in great demand:

• April 8, 2010 Wall Street Journal: New Hiring Formula Values Math Pros: Region's Employers Seek Statistical Experts Over Computer-Science Generalists
• August 5, 2009 New York Times: For Today’s Graduate, Just One Word: Statistics.

Vast career opportunities can be found at:

• Sloan Career Cornerstone Center: Career planning resources in statistics
• American Statistical Association: Career in Statistics

Who will you become after?

Upon completion of program, students will be able to:

• Implement trending statistical methods to solve problems;
• Analyze large data set using various statistical packages;
• Participate and work in problem-solving teams;
• Present results verbally and in writing.

What background is needed for the program?

The program is intended for quantitatively oriented students with bachelors' degrees in agriculture, biological sciences, business and management, computer science, engineering, mathematics, 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. All applicants are expected to have a basic foundation in statistical training that includes one course in introductory statistics, one course in regression analysis, and four courses in applications areas. Graduate Record Examination scores, or their equivalent, and performance in a student’s undergraduate degree program will be carefully evaluated.