Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics is designed to strengthen data analysis and statistics skills while training on the latest industry-standard software programs. This online certificate program blends practical and theoretical data analysis and can give students the tools and knowledge needed to handle and analyze data for their organization.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline is December 1 to start January 12.
• The program consists of 12 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.

Applied Statistics Skills

• Apply common statistical techniques, such as regression and analysis, to real-world problems.
• Communicate data analysis results orally, in writing, and visually in the context of the problem to nonstatistical audiences.
• Use statistical software such as R programming, SAS, Python, and Minitab to conduct data analysis.
• Create appropriate graphs and tables to visualize data effectively and present business statistics.
• Make decisions that stand up to scrutiny from supervisors, clients, and customers.
• Support projects with proven methodology, a solid plan, and strong data-driven assessments.

Online Applied Statistics Certificate Courses

• The 12-credit online program can deepen knowledge of data science and statistical analysis and provide training on SAS and Minitab software packages.
• A blend of practical and theoretical data-analysis skills is offered.
• Knowledge to handle and interpret data using statistical tools is provided.

Required Courses

• STAT 500: Applied Statistics (3 credits)
  • Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one- and two-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, diagnostics.
  • Prerequisite: one undergraduate course in statistics.
• STAT 501: Regression Methods (3 credits)
  • Analysis of research data through simple and multiple regression and correlation; polynomial models; indicator variables; step-wise, piece-wise, and logistic regression.
  • Prerequisite: 6 credits of statistics or STAT 500; matrix algebra.

Elective Courses

• STAT 414: Introduction to Probability Theory (3 credits)
  • Probability spaces, discrete and continuous random variables, transformations, expectations, generating functions, conditional distributions, law of large numbers, central limit theorems.
  • Prerequisite: Statistics — STAT 500 and STAT 501 strongly recommended. Math — A standard three-course calculus sequence and knowledge of matrix algebra and linear algebra.
• STAT 415: Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (3 credits)
  • A theoretical treatment of statistical inference, including sufficiency, estimation, testing, regression, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 414.
• STAT 483: Statistical Analysis System Programming (3 credits)
  • Introduction, intermediate, and advanced topics in SAS.
  • Prerequisite: 3 credits in statistics.
• STAT 480: Introduction to SAS (1 credit)
  • Selection and evaluation of statistical computer packages.
  • Prerequisite: 3 credits in statistics.
• STAT 481: Intermediate SAS for Data Management (1 credit)
  • Intermediate SAS for data management.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 480.
• STAT 482: Advanced Statistical Procedures in SAS (1 credit)
  • This course covers advanced statistical procedures in SAS, including ANOVA, GIM, CORR, REG, MANOVA, FACTOR, DISCRIM, LOGISTIC, MIXED, GRAPH, EXPORT, and SQL.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 480 and STAT 481.
• STAT 484: The R Statistical Programming Language (1 credit)
  • Builds an understanding of the basic syntax and structure of the R language for statistical analysis and graphics.
• STAT 485: Intermediate R Statistical Programming Language (1 credit)
  • Builds an understanding of the basic syntax and structure of the R language for statistical analysis and graphics.
  • Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: STAT 484.
• STAT 487: Introduction to Statistical Analysis with Python (2 credits)
  • Due to the pervasiveness of Python as a statistical analysis tool, there is a demand for statisticians to learn Python to perform descriptive and inferential data analysis.
  • Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: STAT 300 or STAT 460 or STAT 461 or STAT 462 or STAT 500.
• STAT 502: Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments (3 credits)
  • Design principles; optimality; confounding in split-plot, repeated measures, fractional factorial, response surface, and balanced/partially balanced incomplete block designs.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 501.
• STAT 503: Design of Experiments (3 credits)
  • Design principles; optimality; confounding in split-plot, repeated measures, fractional factorial, response surface, and balanced/partially balanced incomplete block designs.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 462 or STAT 501; STAT 502.
• STAT 504: Analysis of Discrete Data (3 credits)
  • Models for frequency arrays; goodness-of-fit tests; two-, three-, and higher-way tables; latent and logistics models.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 500, STAT 501, and STAT 502; matrix algebra.
• STAT 505: Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
  • Analysis of multivariate data; T-squared tests; partial correlation; discrimination; MANOVA; cluster analysis; regression; growth curves; factor analysis; principal components; canonical correlations.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 501 and STAT 502; matrix algebra.
• STAT 506: Sampling Theory and Methods (3 credits)
  • Theory and application of sampling from finite populations.
  • Prerequisite: calculus, 3 credits in statistics (STAT 500 is recommended).
• STAT 507: Epidemiologic Research Methods (3 credits)
  • Develops research and quantitative methods related to the design and analysis of epidemiological (mostly observational) studies.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 500.
• STAT 508: Applied Data Mining and Statistical Learning (3 credits)
  • Data mining tools are exploring data with regression, PCA, discriminate analysis, cluster analysis, and classification and regression trees (CART).
  • Prerequisite: STAT 501 or a similar course that covers analysis of research data through simple and multiple regression and correlation; polynomial models; indicator variables; step-wise, piece-wise, and logistic regression.
• STAT 509: Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials (3 credits)
  • The objective of the course is to introduce students to the various design and statistical analysis issues in biomedical research.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 500.
• STAT 510: Applied Time Series Analysis (3 credits)
  • Identification of models for empirical data collected over time. Use of models in forecasting.
  • Prerequisite: STAT 462 or STAT 501 or STAT 511.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit the public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.

Career Opportunities

You can gain a skill set with this certificate that is useful in fields such as business, education, health, science, government, and technology. You can also acquire skills to apply immediately in your workplace, helping to make you a more valuable problem-solver for your organization.

Career Services

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

Costs and Financial Aid

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

• 11 or fewer credits: $1,037 per credit
• 12 or more credits: $12,448 per semester

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

• 11 or fewer credits: $1,048 per credit
• 12 or more credits: $12,572 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program. For courses where submitted work or examples involve Minitab or SAS software, students are strongly recommended to have access to a computer running a Windows operating system.

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Certificate Program Related to This Degree

The applied statistics master’s degree program is designed to help you develop your data-analytic skills and explore the core areas of applied statistics (DOE, ANOVA, Analysis of Discrete Data, MANOVA, and many more) — without delving too deeply into the foundations of mathematical statistics.

Who Should Apply?

This graduate certificate program is a good choice for you if you want to enrich your data analysis and analytical abilities and gain a greater knowledge of statistics.

Set Your Own Pace

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

How to Apply to Penn State

Apply by December 1 to start January 12.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements.
• Gather your required materials.
• Create a Penn State login account.
• Read the application instructions.
• Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.

Learn from the Best

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics is offered in partnership with the Penn State Eberly College of Science. You will learn from the same faculty who teach in residential programs at Penn State campuses, and they are experienced in teaching online.

Faculty

• Indrani Basak
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, University of Pittsburgh
  • Degree: M.S., Statistics, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta
  • Degree: M.A., Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh
  • Degree: B.S., Statistics, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta
• Priyangi Bulathsinhala
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Southern Methodist University
  • Degree: M.S., Statistics, University of Texas at El Paso
• Mosuk Chow
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Cornell University
  • Degree: M.S., Statistics, Cornell University
  • Degree: B.S., Mathematics, Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Allison Deal
  • Degree: M.S., Biostatistics, University of North Carolina
  • Degree: B.S., Electrical Engineering and Math, Penn State
• Prabhani Kuruppumullage Don
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Penn State
  • Degree: M.S., Statistics, Penn State
  • Degree: B.Sc., Statistics (First Class Honors), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Bruce Lord
  • Degree: Ph.D., Forest Resources, Penn State
  • Degree: M.S., Forest Resources and Operations Research, Penn State
  • Degree: B.S., Forest Science, Penn State
• Eric Nord
  • Degree: Ph.D., Ecology, Penn State
  • Degree: M.S., Ecology, Penn State
• Megan Romer
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Penn State
  • Degree: M.S., Statistics, Penn State
  • Degree: B.S., Mathematics and Applied Mathematical Economics, SUNY Oswego
• Scott Roths
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Penn State
  • Degree: B.S., Mathematics, Kansas State
• Matt Slifko
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, Virginia Tech
  • Degree: M.S., Applied Math, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  • Degree: B.S., Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
• Andrew Wiesner
  • Degree: Ph.D., Psychology in Education, University of Pittsburgh
  • Degree: M.A., Applied Statistics, University of Pittsburgh
• Lingzhou Xue
  • Degree: Ph.D., Statistics, University of Minnesota
  • Degree: B.S., Statistics, Peking University

News

Entrepreneur finds Penn State degree to be integral to her startup's future.

Testimonial

One benefit of the applied statistics program from Penn State is that the curriculum is composed of graduate-level applied statistics courses -- very practical for everyday use. — Kristy Foley, World Campus Student

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