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West Chester University's Master of Science Degree and Certificate in Applied Statistics1 bring together statistics, computer science, scientific research, and communication skills using the latest state-of-the-art technologies. They prepare students for immediate employment in a variety of high-paying industry positions, as well as doctoral study in applied statistics or a related field.
Applied statisticians are in high demand in the current high-technology economy. Our program emphasizes a flexible curriculum that allows a wide variety of concentrations of application, including biology, mathematics, computer science, psychology, health sciences, business, pharmaceutical product development, and other self-designed multi-disciplinary concentrations. The Program also offers paid internship opportunities and flexible class offerings allowing for both full-time and part-time students. In 2021, we conducted an extensive survey of our alumni, the results of which can be viewed here .
Starting in the Fall of 2021, students now have the option to take classes online in addition to the traditional in-person format. Students may also choose to complete a concentration in:
- Data Science
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
- Business and Marketing Analytics
Please click here for a detailed overview of the Applied Statistics Program. A video reviewing this presentation can be seen here.
We encourage students from diverse academic backgrounds to consider our program. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, various undergraduate majors and interests are eligible for admissions. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Dr. Randall Rieger by e-mail at rrieger@wcupa.edu or by phone at 610-436-2440. If you have any questions regarding admissions or financial aid, please contact the The Graduate School. Furthermore, if you have any questions regarding the classes required for the program, please visit our Curriculum page.
Program Updates
WCU Applied Statistics students can now earn SAS Programming, Advanced Programming, and Biostatistics/Bioinformatics Academic Specialization Badges through a Tier 3 partnership with SAS Global Academic Institute. Please read our Press Release for more details and for information about how to earn these Badges.
Course enrollment is currently open for the 2023 Spring semester. To view the available courses for the upcoming Spring semester, please visit the curriculum page.
A new online course that fulfills the Calculus and Linear Algebra prerequisites in one class is also being offered. Click here for more details.
POST MASTER'S PROGRAM
The Department of Applied Statistics also offers a post Master's program !
Hours and Events
Fall 2023 Graduate Assistant Office Hours
Location: UNA (25 University Avenue) Room 124
Days and Times:
- Mondays 1:00 - 5:45 PM
- Tuesdays 2:45 - 8:45 PM
- Wednesdays 2:45 - 5:45 PM
- Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 PM
For more information regarding In-Person/Remote availability and Zoom Links for the Graduate Office Hours, please click here .
Events:
The Department will be holding a 20th Anniversary Celebration on April 14, 2023 ! Click here to view an updated version of the event's Program and Speaker List .
Visit the Applied Statistics Events page to find out more about upcoming department events and orientation resources for new Applied Statistics students.
Featured Alumni
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Nelson Afanador, MS, PhD
Nelson Lee Afanador is a proud graduate of West Chester University’s Masters in Applied Statistics program (2009). His decision to pursue a Master of Science degree in applied statistics began while he was working as a Project Scientist in Merck’s Laboratory Technical Support group (LTS). While in the LTS he had the opportunity to collaborate with statisticians in Merck’s Center for Mathematical Sciences (CMS) and the rest, as they say, is history. Read more in our Alumni Newsletter .
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Dina Appleby, Biostatistician/Data Manager
The Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness at the University of Pennsylvania
At West Chester, you really learn very practical skills. The program is a great blend of the practical with the theoretical — you really study the mathematics that lie beneath the data. But you always sensed the faculty were cognizant of the practicality of what you were studying: the applied statistics. And that kind of experiential learning meant you acquired a much deeper understanding and were much better prepared after graduation. Read more in our program brochure
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Amos Odeleye, Senior Corporate Statistical Analyst
Department of Medical Economics and Informatics (at a National Health Care Company) — and — Assistant Professor of Statistics School of Management Studies, Eastern University
When I was investigating graduate school opportunities, I met face to face with professors at a number of schools. What I got at West Chester, what I heard from Dr. Rieger (Professor of Statistics and Program Director), was different from other institutions. It was clear to me that the faculty here were much more personally involved. There was a real connection between students and professors. Read more in our program brochure
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Tamarah Smith, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Cabrini College
The faculty are so wonderfully supportive, and they’re so good at what they do. They put the program in such fantastic structure; you realize as you move through the program ‘wow, they really knew what they were doing!’ You’re initially so eager to learn, so anxious to really dive in, but they’re laying groundwork and telling you to be patient. And then, sure enough, all the pieces fall into place. Read more in our program brochure