威斯康星拉克罗斯大学

The Master of Science in Applied Statistics Program provides a deeper and broader incorporation of statistics than the undergraduate program, emphasizing its multidisciplinary nature. For example, coursework in the UW-La Crosse program includes data mining and other application-oriented courses. The Applied Statistics Graduate Program involves research experience that allows students to work first hand with regional business partners or other programs on campus. The program aims to foster “life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and discovery” and to “prepare students to take their place in a constantly changing world community” in concordance with the UW-La Crosse Mission.

Career opportunities and opportunities for promotion in the field of statistics are greater for those with advanced degrees. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development lists a master’s degree as the typical education level for entry as a statistician. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a national 34% growth for the occupation of statistician from 2014-2024, which is much faster than the average growth for most occupations. Growth is expected to result from more widespread use of statistical analysis to make informed business, healthcare, and policy decisions. Demand for statisticians is also expected to increase in the pharmaceutical industry, as an aging U.S. population will encourage companies to develop new treatments and medical technologies.

Therefore, the objectives of the program are to prepare students for employment as an applied statistician in government, industrial, commercial or private sectors, or entrance into a doctoral program in statistics, biostatistics, environmental statistics, or other programs that make heavy use of statistics.

The M.S. in Applied Statistics Program curriculum is comprised of 36 credits. Students entering the M.S. in Applied Statistics Program must have a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited institution and must have taken at least three semesters of calculus and at least one semester of probability/statistics.