Essential Information
At most colleges and universities, a master's degree program in statistics takes two years to complete and allows the student to define his or her career path as a statistician. Degree specializations include biostatistics, survey statistics, statistical genetics, and business decision science. Acceptance into a program typically requires a bachelor's degree in statistics or mathematics, or the completion of advanced mathematics, science, or engineering coursework.
Master of Science in Statistics
At most colleges and universities, a master's degree program in statistics takes two years to complete. During the program, students typically conduct research and gain first-hand experience through internships. The completion of a thesis is also required to graduate. Class lectures are also an important component and may include the following topics:
- Models and methods of statistics
- Qualitative data analysis
- Statistical consulting
- Mathematical probability
- Regression analysis
- Experimental design and linear models
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Graduates of master's degree programs in statistics meet the minimum educational requirement for many statistician positions in a variety of fields, including biological science, engineering, education, and psychology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for statisticians are expected to grow at a rate of 35% between 2019 and 2029. This rate is noted as being much faster than the average occupational growth rate. The mean annual salary for statisticians was $95,680 in May 2019, as reported by the BLS.
Continuing Education
Graduates are prepared for further education in statistics. Many universities offer doctoral degrees on the subject, such as the Ph.D. in Statistics, or the Ph.D. in Computational Sciences. Doctoral degree programs are designed for students pursuing academic or research positions in statistics.
A Master's of Science in Statistics hones students' researching abilities through coursework and internships. This education and experience allows graduates to pursue careers as statisticians in various fields.
