What is the MAS?
USC's Master of Applied Statistics degree is a distance program geared towards people who want to pursue a graduate degree in statistics, but can't attend a full-time degree program, such as those currently working in business, industry, government or education. The program is designed to give you a basic understanding of statistical inference and its application to your field of interest, whether it be business, industry, government or education. All courses are offered online.
What courses will I be taking?
Required courses are:
STAT 700 - Applied Statistics I
STAT 701 - Applied Statistic II
STAT 702 - Introduction to Statistical Theory I
STAT 703 - Introduction to Statistical Theory II
STAT 540 - Computing in Statistics (formerly STAT 517)
The remaining 5 courses are of your choosing. Up to 2 courses may be outside the STAT designator and/or transferred from another institution with the Graduate Director's approval. You may either take 5 electives and pass a comprehensive exam based on STAT 700-703 or you may substitute a project (STAT 798) for one of the electives and forego the comprehensive exam. The project will be under the supervision of a faculty member and will have an independent second reader. The most recent MAS Comprehensive Exam may be found at Topics and Format, Part I - Applied, Part II - Theory.
Some electives that may be chosen based on your area of interest are, but not limited to:
Industrial: STAT 506, STAT 706, STAT 525, STAT 761, STAT 750
Education: STAT 778, STAT 530, STAT 506, STAT 519
SAS Certification: STAT 540, STAT 541
Is it necessary to come to the Columbia Campus?
No. All courses may be viewed online (students in the Columbia area may sit in the studio with the instructor while the course is being taped). Assignments are submitted online. Proctored tests may be taken on the Columbia campus or at a distance site near you.
What mathematical skills are required?
The program emphasizes the statistical tools and consulting skills necessary for a successful statistical practitioner in the workplace. While some theory is introduced, the focus is on the application of statistics and how statistics can be used to improve the quality of an organization's processes. The successful applicant needs 2 semesters (through integration) of calculus.
Can I try a couple of courses before I apply to the MAS program?
Yes. Go to the Graduate School Page and apply for Non-Degree status. If later you enter the MAS program, we will be able to transfer up to 6 credit hours taken in non-degree status into your MAS program of study. Note, there is a 6-year limit on courses before they are out-of-date and can not be counted toward a program of study.
Students interested in SAS Certification may take this approach in order to complete STAT 540 and 541.
What is the application deadline?
You can apply at any time. Most students will start in a Fall semester with the basic 2-semester application courses (STAT 700 and STAT 701), which run Fall/Spring every year. Also offered every Fall is a basic statistical computing course (STAT 540) that is useful throughout the program.
How do I apply for the MAS program?
Go to the Graduate School Page under “Prospective Students” and then under “Apply Now” and follow directions to apply. You will be required to submit (1) all transcripts of previous college work, (2) GRE or GMAT scores, (3) 2 letters of recommendation (these may be from academic or business associates and will be solicited online or may be submitted separately), (4) a statement of purpose, and (5) a resume which may be uploaded into the application or submitted separately.
What are the minimum requirements for admittance?
Bachelor's Degree
2 semesters of calculus (through integration)
GPA of 3.0
GRE verbal of 440 and quantitative of 550
What will it cost?
Tuition is on a per credit hour basis. The current rates may be found in the Bursar's Fee Schedule. Students will have to meet the Bursar's Residency Requirements in order to receive the in-state tuition rate. Out-of-State students in the Southeast (Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia) may apply to The Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market in order to obtain the in-state tuition rate.
Have more questions?
Contact Georgie Baker at bakerg@stat.sc.edu or 803-576-5814.