Wright State statistics graduate Whit Alley '15 scores a job with Nielsen Ratings after answering question from interviewers that tripped up other candidates.
Master of Science in Applied Statistics
On this page:
- Why Choose Applied Statistics?
- Careers
- Real-World Experience
- Success Stories
- Academics and Curriculum
- Admission
- Graduate Assistantships
Why Choose Applied Statistics?
The Master of Science degree program in applied statistics is designed to prepare you for employment as a professional statistician in business, government, or industry, or to prepare you for doctoral studies in statistics or biostatistics. The program familiarizes you with the statistical techniques used for the practical analysis of data. A core of required courses provides a thorough grounding in the theory and methodology needed for the design of experiments, and, the collection and subsequent analysis of data. Elective courses lend flexibility to the program and introduce you to advanced topics in statistical theory and techniques. A track in biostatistics is also available in this program if you are preparing for employment in biomedical or pharmaceutical areas or a Ph.D. in biostatistics.
The applied statistics degree requires 30 semester credits of coursework. The prior mathematical training needed for entrance into the program has been kept to a minimum to accommodate you if you have earned an undergraduate major in fields such as biology, business, or one of the social sciences. The department makes provision for part-time degree candidates by offering all required courses in the late afternoon or evening.
Advisor
Weizhen Wang, Ph.D.
141 Mathematical and Microbiological Sciences Building
937-775-2141
weizhen.wang@wright.edu
Careers
Don’t limit yourself to one career field! Wright State University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in mathematics and statistics will help you acquire the tools that will provide almost limitless employment options when you graduate.
Our mathematics and statistics graduates learn how to conduct research, solve problems, develop systems—skills that translate well into any career, including medicine and law. Your skills in quantitative analysis of complex problems and interpretation of data will open many doors.
Wright State graduates are already working in actuarial science, teaching, mathematical economics, statistics, finance, health science, mathematical modeling, computer simulation, research and systems analysis. Others have been accepted to graduate and professional schools. And the Dayton area includes plenty of businesses looking to hire Wright State graduates, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, Ball Aerospace, Infoscitex, Canary Consulting, Applied Optimization, Nationwide Insurance, and more.
Learn more about mathematics and statistics career paths and employers.
Real-World Experience
Hands-on experience is part of developing the analytical and quantitative skills you came to college to acquire. Our many business partners in the Dayton area mean you have access to top experts and facilities where you can apply your knowledge to real-world problems—and perhaps find your future career—during internships, co-ops, job shadowing, research, and other learning experiences.
Success Stories
Academics and Curriculum
View Master of Science in Applied Statistics program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission to the program are set in part by The Graduate School and in part by the statistics program faculty. Graduate School admission criteria are described in detail in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual, but the key points are summarized here.
The applied statistics degree is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, statistics or a variety of other fields. Applicants should have completed a calculus sequence that includes multivariable calculus and a course in linear or matrix algebra. Some experience in computer programming and enough background in probability and statistics to begin basic graduate courses in statistics is also required. The later normally means one or two prior courses in probability and statistics, depending on content and level.
To be admitted as a regular student, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 2.7 (based on 4.0) overall GPA or with at least a 2.5 overall GPA with a 3.0 or better on the last 60 semester hours. To be admitted to the M.S. in applied statistics program, it is not necessary to have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics, but applicants do need to have previous work in four crucial areas:
- Calculus: Applicants must have completed a calculus sequence that includes multivariable calculus. Generally this requirement is met by taking a three-semester "engineering" or "math major" sequence in calculus (equivalent to MTH 2300, 2310, and 2320 at Wright State).
- Matrix or linear algebra: This requirement may be satisfied with a single course at any one of several levels (MTH 2530 or 2550 at Wright State).
- Computer programming: Many students satisfy this requirement with course work (a course or two in scientific programming languages), but it is also possible to substitute substantial computer experience in a job setting for formal courses.
- Probability and statistics: Statistics courses of many different types are acceptable as long as applicants have had some exposure to both descriptive statistics and statistical inference. Typical course sequences at Wright State that would suffice are STT 2640, or preferably, STT 3600.
Applicants with insufficient preparation may be admitted on the condition that they complete certain prerequisite work to be specified by the department at the time of admission.
Applicants may be admitted on conditional status if they do not meet all of the requirements above. Generally, conditional status will be granted if the applicant's undergraduate GPA was below the cutoffs listed above, but not too far below (see the Graduate Policies and Procedures Manual for exact rules) or if the applicant needs to complete courses in one of the four critical areas listed above prior to taking graduate courses. Students on conditional status must complete the conditions of their admission and maintain a 3.0 GPA during their first 9 hours of work in the program in order for the conditional status to be removed. Students who do not meet these criteria can sometimes still be admitted by petition.
International Students: Please visit the University Center for International Education website for application instructions and requirements for international students.
Note: The M.S. course requirements and comprehensive exam are scheduled to allow students who begin in a fall semester to finish the program in two years by taking two courses per academic semester or in four years by taking one course per academic semester. The schedule is not optimally designed for students who enter in the middle of a year. Students who wish to enter the program are strongly encouraged to plan starting at the beginning of fall semester.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through The Graduate School. Please identify the concentration of your interest by name and number on the "Application for Admission to a Graduate Status":
- Master of Science in Applied Statistics – 453
Graduate Assistantships
All applicants to the M.S. in applied statistics program are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship. For information on deadlines and how to apply, see the Graduate Teaching Assistantships page.
