Applied Statistics

Applied statisticians possess the skills to design large studies, work with data using statistical software, analyze complicated data sets, and effectively communicate statistical concepts to scientists in other disciplines. Applied statisticians work across many industries including biology, economics, engineering, medicine, public health, psychology, marketing, and education to bring data to decision making, including: 

• Designing experiments to gain federal approval of a newly manufactured drug
• Using software such as SAS, R, and Python to mine data for solutions to complex questions
• Utilizing data visualization tools to display data clearly and effectively
• Survey design and implementation
• Public policy and social program analysis
• Laboratory-based research in natural sciences
• Decision-making in business
• Quality control in industry
• Jobs for statisticians are forecasted to grow 11% through 2033, much faster than average job growth, and with a median income of nearly $105,000 each year (2023).

For more information about what statisticians do, salary expectations, and job growth through 2033, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We designed our curriculum to be accessible to a wide variety of undergraduate majors and interests. If you do not have any background in mathematics, you can still enroll in the Certificate Program. If you wish to enroll in the M.S. program, you can meet the prerequisite requirements with two classes in Calculus, regardless of your undergraduate major. 

Prerequisite knowledge for the MS program will be a course in Multivariate Calculus. If you’ve taken Calculus I or equivalent, WCU offers MAT 243 to fulfill all requirements. The course is available fully online over the summer and covers all Calculus prerequisite topics, as well as an introduction to the topics needed from Linear Algebra. It will also be expected that a student will have completed an introduction to Statistics at the undergraduate level. 

The M.S. in Applied Statistics program is available for FALL start only and a complete application file is as easy as 1, 2, 3:  

1. Completed online graduate application.
2. One official transcript from every college and university attended (except West Chester University) sent directly from the Registrar's Office to the West Chester University Graduate School.
3. Two letters of recommendation

The GRE and GMAT are not required for admission but may be requested by the program director for borderline candidates. 

You should be familiar with derivatives, partial derivatives, integrals, multiple integrals, log and exponential functions, limits and series. Most of these topics are covered in Calculus I and II. However, partial differentiation and multiple integration are usually covered in Calculus III. Our experience has been that most students who complete Calculus I and Calculus II can pick up the Calculus III topics on their own without the need to take the entire Calculus III class. In addition, a very basic knowledge of matrix operations is suggested, but not required. 

Please see the review questions .

The Certificate program is 19 credits and offers a broader overview and introduction to application of statistical concepts to various research settings. The program emphasizes hands-on course work, rather than the mathematical/statistical background required for independent research and will provide you with: 

• The ability to use powerful statistical software to conduct statistical analyses.
• Knowledge to apply statistical procedures to diverse projects and problems.
• Background in particular subject area of concentration.
• Training to plan and conduct statistical analysis of research studies.
• Training to work at a job where statistical skills will be required. 

The M.S. program is 33-24 credits, depending on your chosen concentration, and provides strong training in statistical analysis, statistical programming, and design of scientific studies, emphasizing hands-on work with data and communication of statistical concepts. You’ll gain a much deeper understanding of statistical theory and applications as well as:

• The ability to pursue a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or other research-related disciplines.
• Training for work as a full-time statistician or data scientist.
• The ability to use powerful statistical software to conduct statistical analyses.
• Knowledge to apply statistical procedures to diverse projects and problems.
• Background in particular subject area of concentration. 

The required courses for the Certificate Program are a complete subset of those required for the M.S., so if you start the certificate program and decide to go for the master’s degree, you will receive credit for all completed certificate courses. 

Due to course scheduling, the M.S. in Applied Statistics is available for FALL start only. If you need to complete MAT 243 to satisfy any prerequisite, it is available 100% online in the summer.

Our certificate program is 19 credits (6 courses) and can be completed in 4 semesters through part-time study. 

Our master’s degree program is 33-34 credits (11-12 courses), depending on your concentration, and can be completed in four semesters through full-time study. Part-time study options are also available.

Please review graduate tuition information here:

Graduate Tuition

WCU offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to Applied Statistics students who have strong academic records and experience and skill in teaching/tutoring students. Also many Applied Statistics students are successful in finding graduate assistantships offered in other departments such as Institutional Research and Business.  These opportunities can be found on the WCU Handshake app. Students will receive access the Handshake after submitting their initial deposit. Additional financial assistance may be available through FAFSA, scholarships, or even employer reimbursement. Check out our graduate financial aid guide , or read more on our graduate school financial support page.