The Master of Applied Statistics Data Science Specialization emphasizes practical methods in statistics and data science, focusing on applications and computational aspects, rather than theory. Students will receive a strong background in statistical and business computing while completing at least 30 credits for this degree. The degree can be complete full-time in one year or part-time in two to four years. Students who succeed in the field of data science typically have strong quantitative skills, analytical minds, and like to help other people solve problems. The goal of this degree is to enable students to start working as data scientists in business, industry, or government immediately after graduation.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- A four-year bachelor’s from a regionally accredited university
- Calculus up to and including multivariable calculus
- A course in linear algebra
- At least one undergraduate-level statistics course
- 3.0 GPA minimum
Program Highlights
- Full-time students can complete the program in one year
- Students earn up to 30 credits
- Courses are taught by experienced CSU statistics professors
- Available online through CSU Online
Required Courses (27 credits)
This program begins with required math and computing skills courses. These courses are known as MSSA/GSLL 3095 and CSSA/GSLL 3096 and run during the 12-week summer session. Each course is five weeks long.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 605* | Business Visual Application Development | 3 |
| CIS 655* | Business Database Systems | 3 |
| STAA 551 | Regression Models and Applications | 2 |
| STAA 552 | Generalized Regression Models | 2 |
| STAA 553 | Experimental Design | 2 |
| STAA 555 | Statistical Consulting Skills (Full Semester) | 1 |
| STAA 556 | Statistical Consulting | 2 |
| STAA 561 | Probability with Applications | 2 |
| STAA 562 | Mathematical Statistics with Applications | 2 |
| STAA 565 | Quantitative Reasoning | 1 |
| STAA 577 | Statistical Learning and Data Mining | 2 |
| STAA 578 | Applications of Machine Learning | 2 |
| Select three credits from the following: | ||
| STAA 566 | Data Visualization Methods | 1 |
| STAA 567 | Computational and Simulation Methods | 1 |
| STAA 572 | Nonparametric Methods | 2 |
| STAA 573 | Analysis of Time Series | 2 |
* Note: All CIS courses are taken online, regardless of whether a student is completing the program online or on-campus. Additional fees may apply for online CIS courses.
Electives (Choose one CIS course or two STAA courses for 3-4 credits)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 570* | Business Intelligence | 3 |
| CIS 575* | Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business | 3 |
| STAA 554 | Mixed Models | 2 |
| STAA 574 | Methods in Multivariate Analysis | 2 |
| STAA 575 | Applied Bayesian Statistics | 2 |
* Note: All CIS courses are taken online, regardless of whether a student is completing the program online or on-campus. Additional fees may apply for online CIS courses.
On-Campus Program Costs
- Application processing fee is $60 ($70 for international students).
- On-campus tuition rates can be found here. Tuition rates are different for residents and non-residents of Colorado. Use the tuition calculator for an approximate tuition rate per semester. Students completing the program in 1 year will take 14 credits in the fall, 15 credits in the spring and 2 credits in the summer.
- Differential tuition charged at $110 per credit.
- All CIS courses must be taken online.
- Textbook costs will vary.
- Computing programs are available on campus for free use.
- This is not a traditional graduate program and therefore, the department is unable to offer funding or assistantships to MAS students. You can explore funding options with Financial Aid and scholarship opportunities with the College of Natural Sciences.
Online Program Costs
- Application processing fee is $60 ($70 for international students).
- Tuition is $835 per credit for all STAA courses and $811 each for MSSA and CSSA. Current tuition information can be found here.
- Additional differential tuition is charged for CIS courses.
- A $32 technology fee per semester applies to all students taking credit courses.
- Textbook costs will vary.
- Computing programs:
- R – available by free download
- SAS
- available through RamTech at a student discount (approximately $65)
- online version also available to students free of charge
- Note: SAS is not supported for Mac computers. Additional information is given here.
- Other computing programs may be required. Cost will vary.
Application Deadline: April 15
- Our program admits only during the fall semester. However, all students will begin online in the summer session prior to the fall semester of admission with math and computing skills courses.
- For international applicants and those needing a visa, we recommend applying by October. These applications will be reviewed mid-October.
- A complete application must include a resume or CV, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- The Math Entrance Exam is recommended for those who have not taken the required prerequisites within the past 5 years. There is no fee for this exam; however, the exam must be taken at an approved university testing center, which may charge a testing fee. To request preparation materials for the exam, please contact Alex Peitsmeyer at alex.peitsmeyer@colostate.edu.
