You must have a math background that includes one semester of linear algebra and college calculus through multivariable integration (typically three semesters). At least one undergraduate-level statistics course is also required. If you have any questions about your math or statistics background, you should contact Kirsten Eilertson at kirsten.eilertson@colostate.edu.

Yes. The diploma online students receive is no different than the one issued to resident instruction students. M.A.S. courses will be offered “live,” which means online students will take each class alongside the resident instruction students. Online students will view the same lectures, complete the same assignments and take the same exams as the resident instruction students. Online students are also able to communicate directly with the on-campus students through our learning platform. Exams are proctored and given in the same manner for both groups of students. For example, exams that are closed book for resident instruction students are also closed book for online students. Since online students take the same courses and complete the same degree requirements, there is no distinction between online or distance degree on the diploma.

Applicants should have taken three semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra and one semester of undergraduate statistics. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.

Online tuition costs can be found here.

On-campus tuition costs are different for residents and non-residents of Colorado. View the graduate tuition rates here. An additional differential tuition is charged to on-campus students, which is charged at $110 per credit. Use the tuition calculator for an approximate tuition rate per semester. Students completing the program in 1 year will take 15 credits in the fall, 14 credits in the spring and 2 credits in the summer.

All CIS courses are taken online, regardless if a student is pursuing the program online or on-campus. Additional differential tuition is charged for CIS courses within the Data Science specialization.

A complete application includes a statement of purpose, three letters of reference and official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. You can apply here.

For questions about your application, please contact Alex Peitsmeyer at alex.peitsmeyer@colostate.edu. She can help guide you through the application process. Once all documents are on file, your application is reviewed by the Graduate Screening Committee and processed based on their recommendation.

Our MAS program is designed for a summer start for online students, with our two non-credit skills courses, MSSA and CSSA. The skills courses are offered online during the 12-week summer session for resident and online students. For this reason, we require students to submit applications for Fall admission by April 15. Applications will be considered for Spring admissions on a limited basis for students who have completed some of the MAS coursework.

Yes, students with pending applications may register for classes prior to admission, with departmental permission. Upon admission to the MAS degree program, retroactive credit towards the degree will be given for successful completion (a grade of B or better) of such courses. However, you must complete at least 21 credits toward the MAS through CSU after being formally admitted to the graduate program.

Our M.A.S. program requires 30 credits. Since you must complete at least 21 credits through CSU after being formally admitted to the graduate program, you may complete as many as 9 credits prior to admission. Note, however, that grades for courses completed prior to admission are not included in your cumulative CSU GPA.

Additionally, courses taken toward the Graduate Certificate in Theory and Applications of Regression Models prior to admission to the M.A.S. program do not count toward the indicated 21 credits after admission.

The M.A.S. program begins with required math and computing skills courses. These courses are known as MSSA/GSLL 3095 and CSSA/GSLL 3096 for all incoming students and run during the 12-week summer session.

Please contact Alex Peitsmeyer at alex.peitsmeyer@colostate.edu for 1-4 year course plans for either specialization.

Graduates of the M.A.S. program have gone on to secure positions such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Statistical Analyst and Statistician. The companies and federal agencies that have hired M.A.S. graduates include Facebook, NORC (National Opinion Research Center), Kaiser Permanente, Western Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield, USDA, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Intel Corp, Medimmune, Uber, Wiland, Ipsos, Hello-Bike, Charles Schwab, BioFire Diagnostics, Kaufman Hall/Peak Software, Seattle Genetics, British Petroleum, Gallo Wineries, Jackson Lewis P.C. and many more.

A typical salary range for our graduates is $75,000 – $85,000, though some graduates with prior work experience will earn more.