This program is not accepting applications at this time.
USC's Master of Applied Statistics degree is a distance program geared towards individuals who want to pursue a graduate degree in statistics but can't attend a full-time degree program, such as those currently working in business, industry, government or education. The program is designed to give you a basic understanding of statistical inference and the skills to apply it to your field of interest, whether it be business, industry, government or education. The program is completely available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can view all the required courses on the academic bulletin.
No. All classes may be viewed online while the Columbia class meets, asking questions by phone or live texting, or viewed later within 24 hours. Classes may be viewed as many times as desired with pause, fast-forward, and rewind capabilities. Students in the Columbia area may attend the live class in the studio. Assignments are submitted online. Exams (if time-limited) may be taken with an approved proctor near your location, usually without charge.
The program emphasizes the statistical tools and consulting skills necessary for a successful statistical practitioner in the workplace. While some theory is introduced, the focus is on the application of statistics and how statistics can be used to improve the quality of an organization's processes. The successful applicant needs 2 semesters (through integration) of engineering-style calculus with grades of B or better. Do not ask to have this requirement waived; you will not be successful in STAT 702-703 without this background, nor will you pass the comprehensive exam over STAT 702-703.
Yes. Go to the Graduate School page and apply for Non-Degree (ND) status, which requires only a transcript with a baccalaureate degree posted. If you later enter the MAS program, you will be able to transfer up to 6 credit hours of approved coursework taken in non-degree status into your MAS program of study. Note: there is a 6-year limit on courses before they are out-of-date and can not be counted toward a program of study without recertification.
Students interested in SAS Certification may take the ND approach in order to complete STAT 540 and 541, which prepare you to take the certification exams offered by the SAS Institute.
If you are already in a graduate program at USC and seek concurrent enrollment with the MAS program, go to the Graduate School Page under “Prospective Students”, then choose "Apply and Update Application/Admission" on left side of page. Finally, choose "Request for Concurrent Enrollment in Second Program" and follow instructions. Your transcripts, letters of recommendation and test scores will already be on file with the Graduate School. Both programs must approve your concurrent enrollment.
If you are not currently in a graduate program at USC, go to the Graduate School Page and start a new online application. You will be asked to submit (eventually) all previous undergraduate transcripts, statement of purpose and CV / resume, two letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores. Also, TFL scores for students who do not already have a degree from a U.S. institution.
You can apply at any time. Most students will start in a Fall semester with the basic 2-semester application courses (STAT 700 and STAT 701), which run Fall/Spring every year. Also offered every Fall is the basic statistical computing course (STAT 540) that is useful throughout the program. It is best to have your application materials submitted at least 6 weeks before classes begin. We can tentatively admit you based on unofficial test scores and/or transcripts as long as the official ones arrive within 6 weeks after the semester begins.
- Bachelor's Degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
- 2 semesters of engineering-style calculus (through integration) with grades of B or better
- GRE total (V+Q) 300.
Tuition is on a per credit hour basis; most courses are three credit hours. The current rate is about $500 per credit hour for SC residents, as shown on the Bursar's Fee Schedule. Out-of-State students in Arkansas, Georgia, or Kentucky may apply to The Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market in order to obtain a tuition credit which will bring tuition down to the in-state tuition rate. Others pay the current out-of-state tuition, which is currently about $1100 per credit hour.
Finding a Job
- Read the AmStat article [pdf] on placement
- Make sure you're on our MAS email listserv
- Check professional websites, like American Statistical Association and Stats Jobs, for job postings