Program Overview

The Master of Science (M.S) in applied statistics is a Professional Science Master's (PSM) program which will allow you to combine strong communication skills with an ability to interpret and present statistical findings. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and statistical applications, so you are ready to make an immediate impact on the applied statistics industry.

PSM degrees emphasize teamwork, problem-solving communication, scientific knowledge. technical skills and a required internship. For more PSM program information, visit gvsu.edu/psm/.

Why Study Applied Statistics at Grand Valley?

• The program offers a comprehensive curriculum in applied statistics at the graduate level, providing experience in a greater variety of applied statistical techniques.
• Statisticians are in high demand across a variety of industries: retail, manufacturing, health care, and academia.
• Internship provides valuable industry experience sought by many employers.
• Many of the courses are offered in the evening, allowing more flexibility in daily schedule.
• Valuable experience in the application of statistical software.

Location & Format

Graduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

• Face To Face

Coursework

Requirements for the degree are 36 credit hours, comprised of the following components:

• Twenty-two credit hours in applied statistics courses
  
• Elective credit hours
  
• Professional science courses
  
• Internship experience

Career Options

Data-driven decision making is occurring in a diverse array of fields, and individuals with these applied statistical skills are in high demand. Forbes now lists a Masters in Statistics as the second-ranked most desirable masters degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of statisticians has been projected to grow 34 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than most occupations. The professional components of a Professional Science Masters program (including an internship experience) will result in additional practical experience and stronger job prospects for graduates.

Skills Employers Want

The M.S. in Applied Statistics at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in the statistics field.

• Statistics
• SAS (Software)
• Statistical Methods
• Biostatistics
• Data Management
• R (Programming Language)
• Stata
• Algorithms
• Data Quality

Source: EMSI, 2020

Application Deadline

Student applications from a variety of quantitative majors will be considered. Good performance in undergraduate statistics courses is needed as preparation but one does not to be an undergraduate statistics major to apply. See website gvsu.edu/stat for more details.

The application deadline for fall semester is June 1; winter deadline is November 1. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PSM in Applied Statistics will be based on a set of application materials. An undergraduate major or minor is not required but strong performance in several undergraduate courses will strengthen the possibility of a successful application. Prerequisite material may be suggested prior to program acceptance. Relevant work experience is also considered in the evaluation of an application. In conjunction with satisfying general graduate GVSU admission policies, the following requirements must be satisfied or included as part of the application: 

• Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE. 
• Resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments. 
• Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives. 
• Letters of recommendations from at least two individuals who are in positions to attest to the applicant’s successful completion of the program.

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Statistics Programs
• Biostatistics Programs

For More Information

Dr. Robert Downer, downerr@gvsu.edu
gvsu.edu/stat
A-1-178 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-3355

gvsu.edu/gradapply