Master of Applied Statistics Program

The Master of Applied Statistics (MAS) program, both in residence at the Penn State University Park Campus and online through the Penn State World Campus, is a professional degree designed to provide training in statistics focused on developing data analysis skills, and exploration of all core areas of applied statistics, without going deeply into the mathematical statistics foundations.  It aims to provide its graduates with broad knowledge in a wide range of statistical application areas with employable, highly sought after skills in Statistics demanded by government agencies, consulting firms and industries. Support for the development of this program has been provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

What background is needed for this program?

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. See Admissions for information about application.

Career opportunities

In this new information age, the need for individuals to acquire and use the sophisticated tools and knowledge to handle and analyze data is ever increasing. Statistical analysis is also an indispensable component of many industries.  A diverse range of government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms and financial companies provides ample employment opportunities for MAS-level statisticians.

Graduation requirements

For the M.A.S. degree, 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.  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. See courses and sample programs for the list of coursework and sample programs.

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

Note that the Statistics Department does not provide financial aid to MAS students.

Contact information

For more information about the Master of Applied Statistics Program, contact us.