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What
is Applied Statistics? What kind of work does an applied statistician
do?
Applied statisticians apply their knowledge
of statistical methods to a variety of subject areas, such as biology,
economics, engineering, medicine, public health, psychology, marketing,
and education. Many applications cannot occur without use of statistical
techniques. Here are a few examples:
•
Designing experiments to gain federal approval of a newly manufactured
drug.
• Survey design and implementation.
• Public policy and social program analysis.
• Laboratory-based research in natural sciences.
• Decision-making and quality control in business and industry.
Applied statisticians possess the skills to design large studies, work with data using statistical software, analyze complicated data sets, and effectively communicate statistical concepts to scientists in other disciplines.
Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Website for additional information on the types of work that statisticians do.
What
are the job prospects for applied statisticians?
Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Website to see information on current and future job prospects for statisticians.
Why
you should consider studying Applied Statistics at West Chester University?
West Chester University is located in the
midst of many of the world's leading pharmaceutical, industrial, and financial
companies. You will be trained in our Program to have the skills necessary
for employment at these companies. In fact, pharmaceutical companies in
the immediate vicinity of West Chester University alone employ over 40,000
workers.
Advantages of the Program in Applied Statistics
at WCU:
• Small class sizes
• Certificate or Master of Science options
• Convenient location. West Chester University is located 40 minutes
south west from downtown Philadelphia and 20 minutes north of Wilmington,
Delaware.
• Reasonable tuition fees
• Convenient classes. Our Program is designed to be accessible to
part-time and full-time students, with evening classes offered every semester. Almost all of our courses meet one evening per week, starting at 5:45 PM.
• Qualified instructors. All of our professors teaching in our graduate
courses are full time tenured or tenure-track faculty, possessing doctoral degrees in statistics or biostatistics. They have experience
in many areas of applied statistics research, including consulting in
medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, government organizations, and
many branches of academia. They have also published theoretical statistical
research papers in preeminent journals.
• Financial assistantships. Assistantships are available for full
time and part-time students. Please contact the Program Director to discuss availability.
• Flexible elective offerings allow you to pursue varied topics of
special interest.
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• State-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including two Statistics Laboratories.
• Safe campus
• Job prospects after graduation
• Opportunity for internship experience
• Relevant classes on current topics of particular interest.
• Our program enables you to prepare for a PhD.
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics or Statistics to apply?
No, we have designed our curriculum to be accessible to a wide variety of undergraduate majors and interests. If you do not have any background in mathematics, you can still enroll in the Certificate Program. If you wish to enroll in the MS program, you can meet the prerequisite requirements with two classes in Calculus, regardless of your undergraduate major.
Are
GREs required for Admission?
GREs are not required. However, borderline
candidates for admission or candidates with degrees from foreign institutions
may be required to present GRE scores at the discretion of the Program
Director.
What
are the prerequisites for admission into the MS Program?
In addition to meeting the basic admission requirements of the University,
applicants should have knowledge of calculus, i.e., a foundation in differentiation
and integration, including multivariate techniques. Deficiencies, as determined by the Program Director, may
be removed by successfully completing appropriate course(s) or independently
learning materials required for some courses.
What
skills will I learn in the Masters program?
The MS program will provide you with:
•
A deep understanding of the mathematical theory behind statistical procedures.
• The ability to pursue a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology,
or other research-related disciplines.
• Training for work as a full-time statistician.
• The ability to use powerful statistical software to conduct statistical
analyses.
• Knowledge to apply statistical procedures to diverse projects and
problems.
• Background in particular subject area of concentration.
What
skills will I learn in the Certificate Program?
•
The ability to use powerful statistical software to conduct statistical
analyses.
• Knowledge to apply statistical procedures to diverse projects and
problems.
• Background in particular subject area of concentration.
• Training to plan and conduct statistical analysis of research studies.
• Training to work at a job where statistical skills will be required.
Which Program is right for me: the Masters or the Certificate?
The Certificate Program requires only 19
credit hours. The Certificate Program offers a broader overview and introduction
to application of statistical concepts to various research settings. This
program emphasizes hands-on course work, rather than the mathematical/statistical
background required for independent research.
On the other hand, the extra hours of coursework required for the Masters
Program will provide a deeper understanding of statistical theory
and applications. This will open many more doors as you start a career
in statistics. It will also prepare you to pursue further graduate study
in a doctoral program.
Whichever Program you select, remember that the required courses for the
Certificate Program are a complete subset of those required for the MS.
Therefore, if you start in the Certificate Program and later decide to
try for a Masters degree, you will get credit for all courses that you
have taken for the Certificate Program.
Can
I work full-time while pursuing my degree in Applied Statistics?
Yes, our program is designed to be accessible
to part-time and full-time students, with evening classes offered every
semester.
What
courses must I complete (and how many credits) to fulfill the requirements
for the thesis and non-thesis option of the MS degree or to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate?
Non-thesis option:
One course in each:
STA 505 (3) Mathematical Statistics I
STA 506 (3) Mathematical Statistics II
STA 507 (3) Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis
STA 511 (3) Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management
STA 512 (4) Principles of Experimental Analysis
STA 513 (4) Intermediate Linear Models
STA 514 (3) Modern Experimental Design
STA 531 (3) Advanced Topics in Applied Statistics
STA 601 (3-6) Internship in Applied Statistics
Two 3-credit electives from STA531-STA534
or
One 3-credit elective from STA531-STA534 and
STA601: Internship in Applied Statistics.
Thesis
option:
One course in each:
STA 505 (3) Mathematical Statistics I
STA 506 (3) Mathematical Statistics II
STA 507 (3) Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis
STA 511 (3) Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management
STA 512 (4) Principles of Experimental Analysis
STA 513 (4) Intermediate Linear Models
STA 514 (3) Modern Experimental Design
STA 609 (3-6) Thesis I
STA 610 (3-6) Thesis II
One 3-credit elective from STA531 to STA534.
or
STA601: Internship in Applied Statistics.
Certificate
option:
One course in each:
STA 507 (3) Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis
STA 511 (3) Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management
STA 512 (4) Principles of Experimental Analysis
STA 514 (3) Modern Experimental Design
Can
I switch from the Certificate to MS Program ?
Yes, if at some point you decide to switch programs, it is possible to
do so.
How do I contact the Graduate office?
Go to the graduate office web page: http://www.wcupa.edu/_ADMISSIONS/SCH_DGR/ or contact gradstudy@wcupa.edu.
Can I take
graduate courses without formally applying to the program?
Yes. You may take up to 6 graduate credits (2 courses) without enrolling
in the program. If you then decide to enroll in the program you can count
these classes towards graduation.
Can
I transfer in any graduate credits from another institution?
Yes. You may transfer in up to 6 graduate credits, which will count toward
your Masters degree at West Chester University.
Who
do I contact if I have other questions?
For questions regarding
the Applied Statistics program specifically contact the Program Director. For general admission questions contact the Graduate
Office.
How do I apply to the program?
You may apply online at https://www.applyweb.com/apply/wcgrad/menu.html . In addition to completing the online application, you must provide two letters of recommendation and transcripts from all previous academic institutions.