Applied Statistics and Data Science, MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Applied Statistics and Data Science

Are you curious about patterns in data and how to interpret the stories they tell? Learn to apply statistics and machine learning to solve problems in industry, science and technology to build a better world through data.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Applied Statistics and Data Science

Data science professionals and applied statisticians use sophisticated statistical, computational and mathematical tools to extract patterns from large, complex and often unordered datasets. In the Master of Science program in applied statistics and data science, students are prepared to conduct critical analysis in a variety of areas, such as industry, research and government.

With a statistical and data science core consisting of statistical inference and classification, data mining, machine learning and associated computer methods, the program gives students a strong background in data-related skills that are useful in understanding and solving practical issues.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (DAT 597)

Required Core (12 credit hours)
DAT 502 Machine Learning for Data Science (3)
DAT 531 Industry Tools for Data Science (3)
STP 530 Applied Regression Analysis (3)
STP 531 Applied Analysis of Variance (3)

Restricted Electives (9 credit hours)
APM 527 Deep Neural Networks (3)
DAT 528 Advanced Deep Learning (3)
DAT 535 Exploration and Analysis of Environmental Data (3)
STP 505 Bayesian Statistics (3)
STP 533 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)
STP 551 Time Series Analysis (3)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
DAT 597 Applied Statistics and Data Science Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For elective coursework, students complete six credit hours of additional statistics or data science courses, selected in consultation with the program advisor. These may be additional courses from the restricted electives list or other DAT or STP courses.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in applied mathematics, data science, mathematics, statistics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.

The single-spaced personal statement should be no more than two pages and should detail the applicant's background, reasons for wanting to do graduate work in applied statistics and data science, and their plans for the future.

Two academic letters of recommendation are required, and at least one letter should be written by a faculty member from an institution that the applicant has attended.

Applicants must demonstrate relevant coursework or experience in the following areas:

  • experience with MATLAB, Python, SQL, R or other relevant programming skills (indicated in the professional resume)
  • introductory undergraduate statistics (equivalent to STP 420 Introductory Applied Statistics)
  • probability and mathematical statistics (equivalent to STP 421 Probability and STP 427 Mathematical Statistics)
  • undergraduate upper-division linear algebra (equivalent to MAT 343 Applied Linear Algebra)

Students may be admitted into the program without completing a probability course or a mathematical statistics course, but are assigned additional course requirements that must be completed prior to starting the required core coursework, such as:

  • STP 421 Probability
  • STP 427 Mathematical Statistics


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
July 1st
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
November 1st
Final


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Career Opportunities

Statistics and data analysis have been identified as two of the most desirable skills in today's job market.

Graduates with a master's degree in applied statistics and data science can pursue a broad variety of careers in diverse fields such as business, finance, engineering, technology, education, marketing, government and other areas of the economy. These are just a few of the top career opportunities:

  • actuary
  • data scientist
  • financial analyst
  • industry data consultant or analyst
  • machine learning engineer
  • research scientist
  • software engineer
  • statistician

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-3951


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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