2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Statistics

Pennsylvania State University (PSU) is a public institution featuring an online Master of Applied Statistics requiring 30 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is two to five years for full- and part-time students, respectively.

At PSU, students use Canvas as their learning management system, delivering courses completely online and asynchronously using a cohort model. The core curriculum focuses on applied rather than mathematical statistics, leading to the study of data mining, statistical consulting, predictive analytics, and biostatistics techniques. Examples of required courses include Regression Methods, Introduction to Probability Theory, and Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments. Students must also complete a statistical consulting practicum. Career opportunities include data, statistical, and statistical reporting analysts.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private university that offers an online Master of Public Health - Biostatistics & Epidemiology. This online graduate degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. A fast-track option is available for students who wish to take summer classes and graduate in one year.

Blackboard is the learning platform USC students use for their coursework, which they can complete 100% online with frequent live sessions with faculty and classmates. This core curriculum emphasizes data analytics with additional coursework for disease prevention and biomedical research. The concentration features required classes such as Data Analysis, Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, and Chronic Disease Epidemiology. A practicum is also required, which students can pursue locally. Jobs for graduates may be available as clinical data science researchers, research analysts, and entry-level epidemiologists.

The University of Florida (UF) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Biostatistics requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. There are two concentrations: (1) biostatistical methods and practice as well as (2) health data science. This degree is designed to be completed in two years. Full-time students must be enrolled in at least three credits during the Fall and Spring semesters.

All online courses at UF are delivered through the Canvas learning management system, allowing students to study 100% online and on a flexible schedule. The interdisciplinary core coursework explores statistical and research methodologies in the public health sector and professional communication, organization, and management training. The classes called Biostatistical Methods, Biostatistical Consulting, and Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health are among the core requirements. A capstone project, where students critique statistical literature, is also required. Career opportunities may include data analysts, biostatisticians, and data scientists.

Colorado State University - Fort Collins (CSU) is a public university offering an online Master of Applied Statistics requiring 30 credit hours. Specializations are available in data science and statistical science. This online master's degree includes summer coursework allowing full-time students to graduate in one year.

Students at CSU use the Canvas learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. The core curriculum teaches students how to design statistical studies, draw conclusions from raw data, and present relevant findings. Students also learn how to communicate through data and graphic visualization practices. There are required courses, such as Business Visual Application Development, Experimental Design, Statistical Consulting Skills, and a six-week capstone consulting course. Graduates may seek career opportunities such as statisticians, data scientists, and mathematicians.

The University of Denver (UD) is a private university offering an online Master of Arts in Research Methods and Statistics that requires 45 quarter credit hours. Students complete similar master's programs in approximately two years while studying full time.

At UD, students use Canvas for their online asynchronous coursework. This self-paced program explores mixed-methods research, including statistical analysis, qualitative protocols, and quantitative measures. Students will engage in research projects alongside faculty and university partners and communicate their findings in writing. Required classes include Analysis of Variance, Quantitative Research Design, and Psychometric Theory. A capstone project and a practicum or final exam are also required. Graduates may explore roles as research analysts, statistical consultants, and modeling analysts.

North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public institution with an online Master of Statistics requiring 30 credit hours. Full-time students take three courses per semester, making them likely to graduate in one to two years.

NC State uses Moodle to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees entirely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum develops students' working knowledge of statistical programming, data analysis, and statistical theory, with required classes in Fundamentals of Statistical Inference, Fundamentals of Linear Models, and Applied Statistical Methods. Elective courses cover several applied data analysis, biostatistics, statistical computing, and data science skills. The final lesson is a capstone in statistical practice. Careers may be available at government agencies, universities, financial institutions, and healthcare companies.

Florida State University (FSU) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Measurement and Statistics. This degree requires 30 credit hours, which full-time students complete in two years by following the curriculum as structured.

FSU students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they study 100% online, with most coursework completed asynchronously. This degree is designed for educational research professionals and provides an advanced understanding of the collection, analysis, and interpretation of education statistics. Required classes include Descriptive/Inferential Statistics Applications, General Linear Models Applications, and Measurement Theory. Before graduation, students must complete a colloquium and a comprehensive exam. Career opportunities for university professors, psychometricians, and education statistics specialists may be available.

Texas A&M University - College Station (TAMU) is a public university that hosts an online Master of Science in Statistical Data Science. Graduation requirements state that students must complete 36 non-thesis credit hours, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. However, the average student finished this program in three to four years on a part-time schedule.

Online students at TAMU use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and asynchronously. The curriculum teaches students foundational courses in statistical programming, math statistics, and advanced statistical techniques. Additional emphasis courses include Biostatistics, Applied Analytics and Data Science, and Applied Statistics. Students can complete their degrees with a project and take additional electives. Graduates may find employment as data scientists, analysts, and modelers.

The University of Kentucky (UK) is a public institution featuring an online Master of Applied Statistics that requires 30 credit hours. The typical completion time for master's degrees is approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

At UK, students use Canvas as their learning management system, where courses are delivered entirely online. Classes are primarily asynchronous, with opportunities for students to engage in live sessions with instructors. Students use statistical techniques and methodologies during this program to make conclusions from big data. They also utilize computing platforms and design experiments. Some examples of required courses include Computational Theory and Data Visualization, Regression Modeling, and Foundations of Probability and Inference. Career opportunities for alumni may include statisticians, actuaries, and market research analysts.

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics requiring the completion of 33 credits. Typically, students graduate in two to three years while studying full time.

All online courses at UND are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system, allowing students to study entirely online through asynchronous formats. Students learn to apply statistical theories, research using statistical software, and create visualizations to communicate their findings. Statistical Graphics, Design of Experiments, and Linear Statistical Models are among the core requirements. The core curriculum ends with independent study. Students may be hired as actuaries, business analysts, and statisticians.

The University of South Carolina - Columbia (USC) is a public university offering an online Master of Applied Statistics, which requires 30 credit hours. The USC site does not specify the program's estimated length, but students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in around two years.

Students at USC use the Blackboard learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. This program highlights the theories, methods, and practices of statistics in various industries, both private and public. Students explore how to use statistics to improve organizations and processes. The core curriculum features required courses, such as Applied Statistics, Statistical Theory, and Computing in Statistics. The applied statistics degree culminates in a two-part comprehensive exam. Graduates may have career opportunities as marketing analysts, business analysts, and statistical consultants.

The University of Kansas (KU) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics & Analytics. Students are likely to completeis this 30-credit, 100% online program in two years if they can maintain a full-time course load.

At KU, students use the Canvas software, with coursework containing synchronous discussions and asynchronous video content. The core curriculum explores soft skills in ethics and leadership alongside predictive and statistical analysis training. There are required classes in Linear Regression, Categorical Data Analysis, and Multivariate Statistics. Students must also choose four emphasis courses in statistics, analytics, and data science. Graduates may explore data science and statistics roles in government, education, healthcare, and finance.

The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) public university offers an online Master of Science in Mathematics - Statistics. Students can choose from a thesis, non-thesis, or research track, each requiring 36 credits. Typically, master's degrees are completed in two years on a full-time schedule.

Students at UTRGV use the Blackboard learning management system to access their entirely online courses, offered both synchronously and asynchronously. The curriculum highlights mathematical concepts, analysis, technological tools, and communication methods. There are required courses such as Statistical Methods, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Statistical Computing. Non-thesis students finish the program with additional electives, a comprehensive exam, or a master's project. Graduates may earn career opportunities as biostatisticians, clinical data managers, and business intelligence analysts.

California State University - Fullerton (CSUF) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Statistics requiring the completion of 30 credit hours. Full-time students following the course map will graduate in two years.

All online courses at CSUF are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Classes are broadcast in synchronous video sessions. This degree focuses on data science and quantitative analysis and includes core classes such as Statistical Learning, Generalized Linear Models, and Multivariate Statistics. Additionally, students must complete special topic courses that the statistics graduate committee must approve. Students may be hired as statisticians or analysts by pharmaceutical companies, security agencies, and insurance carriers, among other industries.

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus (OSU) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics. This degree requires 32 credit hours. Students generally complete the program online in two years while studying at a full-time pace.

Canvas is the primary learning platform OSU students use for their coursework, allowing them to complete classes 100% online and on a flexible schedule. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications of statistical methods with additional analytics and data analysis coverage, designed to prepare students to advance in the workforce. There are required classes such as Experimental Data Analysis, Mathematical Statistics, and Programming. Additional credits are required for the capstone. Jobs for graduates may be available as research analysts, business analysts, and statistical consultants.

Marshall University (MU) is a public institution featuring an online Master of Arts in Mathematics - Statistics that requires 36 credit hours. The typical completion time for this online degree program is two years on a full-time schedule.

At MU, students use Blackboard Collaborate as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online through synchronous live sessions. The curriculum is designed for students with theoretical and applied statistics backgrounds. Coursework varies based on whether students choose to finish the program with a thesis or an oral exam. Core classes include Experimental Design, Advanced Mathematical Statistics, and Regression Analysis, regardless of the final track. Career opportunities include data scientists, statistics professors, and actuary scientists.

The University of Idaho (UI) is a public university that hosts an online Master of Science in Statistical Science. Graduation requirements state that students must complete 30 credit hours, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

Online students at UI use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students study statistical theories, from probability theory to statistical inference, methodologies, analysis techniques, software, and ethical problem solving. Required courses include Experimental Design, Multivariate Analysis, and Computer Intensive Statistics. Students must also choose between a thesis, practicum, or consulting option. Graduates may find employment as clinical research coordinators, financial analysts, and statisticians.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Biostatistics. This degree requires 36 credit hours, which full-time students can potentially complete in approximately two years.

Students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they complete courses 100% online. The University of Nebraska System, of which UNMC is a part, delivers most of its online courses asynchronously. The curriculum explores statistical applications in life sciences alongside foundations in theory, computing, data analysis, and clinical trial design. Required classes include Biostatistics Theory, Survival Data Analysis, and Biostatistical Computing. Students choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. Graduates typically gain employment as biostatisticians in research or academic capacities.

The University of Louisville (UL) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Biostatistics requiring 33 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. School advisors will work with students who wish to learn part time.

UL uses Blackboard to deliver its online coursework. The core curriculum explores statistical analysis methodologies in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and healthcare. Students engage in required coursework, such as Biostatistical Methods, Probability, and Clinical Trials: Planning and Design. Students must also take a foundational credit in public health and may choose from additional electives in data mining, information sciences, and multivariate statistics. Graduates often work at insurance companies, medical research facilities, and pharmaceutical corporations.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics. This degree requires 30 credit hours, with concentrations in Clinical Trials, Data Mining/Machine Learning, Industrial Statistics, and Informatics. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. Part-time schedules are also available.

At RIT, students use myCourses to study entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. The core curriculum develops skills in data mining, programming, experimental design, and modeling techniques. Students learn to manage and evaluate big data and apply their findings to make organizations more effective. There are three required courses during the first year: Foundations of Statistics, Applied Linear Models - Regression, and Applied Linear Models - ANOVA. A capstone or thesis is also required. Graduates may explore roles as senior business intelligence analysts, advanced quality engineers, and market research analysts.

The University of Delaware (UD) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics that requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years.

Students at UD use the Canvas learning management system. Courses are 100% online and asynchronous, using online discussion boards, exams, and assignments. Beyond the foundations in probability and mathematical statistics, students engage in experiment design, regression applications, multivariate methodologies, and data analysis. There are required courses, such as Regression Analysis, Applied Multivariate Methods, and Design and Analysis of Experiments. Graduates may earn career opportunities as statistical analysts, data scientists, and statisticians.

Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Applied Statistics requiring the completion of 30 credit hours through an accelerated format of seven-week courses. Students graduate from similar master's programs in approximately two years while studying full time.

All courses at MTU are delivered 100% online and asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. This degree explores statistical science and data analysis through four main areas: statistical methods, programming and technology, problem solving, and communication and leadership. Students may earn a graduate certificate during the program. The core classes feature Statistical Methods, Predictive Modeling, and Computational Statistics. Students may be hired as business intelligence analysts, market research managers, and data scientists.