Program Overview

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Overview of the Online Master’s in Applied Statistics

The online Master of Science in Applied Statistics from OU Online equips students with a powerful foundation in statistical theory and hands-on data analysis across a wide range of industries.

Program Details

Time to Complete

• 21+ Months

Credit Hours

• 30

Time Commitment

• 10 to 20 Hours Weekly

Start Dates

• Fall, Spring, Summer

Cost

• The total cost of the program is $25,350, with tuition set at $845 per credit hour. Costs for books and additional materials are not included.

About the Online Master’s in Applied Statistics

The online master’s degree in applied statistics is a fully online, 30-credit program that can be completed in as few as 21 months. Taught by expert faculty from the OU Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, the program helps students strengthen their data management and analytics skills to make confident, data-informed decisions.

Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes core competencies in data management and analytics, with foundational courses in:

• Scientific computing
• Classical and Bayesian statistical methods
• Data management and analytics
• Ethical considerations in data application
• A project-based capstone focused on consulting and communication
• Essential tools such as R, SAS, SQL, Linux Bash Shell, Stan, and JAGS

Career Opportunities

Earning an online applied statistics master’s from the University of Oklahoma positions you for career growth in a wide range of industries where data drives innovation, strategy, and results. This degree prepares you to lead data-informed decision-making and deliver impactful solutions across sectors. Accelerate your career in roles such as:

• Data Scientist
• Financial Analyst
• Machine Learning Researcher
• Marketing Analyst
• Statistical Programmer
• Statistician
• Risk Analyst
• Biostatistician
• Business Analyst
• Data Architect

Industry Insights

Professionals with an MS in Applied Statistics are in high demand across industries that rely on data to drive strategy and innovation. The field offers strong earning potential and long-term career stability.

• Median Pay: $104,350
• Job Outlook: Employment for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 11 percent by 2033
• Job Openings: An estimated 2,500 job openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade

Program Outcomes

OU’s online MS in Applied Statistics meets the growing demand for professionals who can turn complex data into actionable insights. This program equips you with the advanced skills and real-world experience needed to solve today’s most pressing challenges across industries.

• Apply advanced statistical methods to research, development, and data-driven decision-making
• Gain confidence using essential tools such as R, SAS, SQL, Linux, Bash Shell, Stan, and JAGS
• Build hands-on experience through a project-based capstone focused on consulting and communication
• Develop practical, cross-disciplinary expertise in applying statistical techniques to real-world problems

Course Details

You will earn 30 credit hours across 10 courses, taking two 16-week courses in Spring and Fall and two courses in Summer. Each course includes a required live lecture from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every other week. Expect a weekly time commitment of 10 to 20 hours for two courses.

Ethics in Statistical Practice

• Credit Hours: 3
• The course will teach students how to ethically conduct statistical analysis in a world where data collection and privacy concerns are becoming ubiquitous.

Applied Statistical Methods

• Credit Hours: 3
• Estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression and correlation, goodness-of-fit, and other topics as time permits. Emphasis on applications of statistical methods.

Applied Regression Analysis

• Credit Hours: 3
• The general regression problem of fitting an equation involving a single dependent variable and several independent variables, estimation and tests of regression parameters, residual analysis, and selecting the "best" regression equation.

Bayesian Statistics

• Credit Hours: 3
• Course topics are models, probability, Bayes' Rule and R; inference to a binomial probability; and the generalized linear model.

Advanced Data Analytics

• Credit Hours: 3
• Application of data analytic theories and models to solve real world problems using various unsupervised and supervised models.

Statistical Consulting and Communication

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course will provide a culminating practical experience for master's students in the online Applied Statistics program.

Introduction to Mathematical Statistics

• Credit Hours: 3
• Mathematical development of basic concepts in statistics: estimation, hypothesis testing, sampling from normal and other populations; regression, goodness of fit.

Advanced Applied Statistics

• Credit Hours: 3
• Survey of advanced applied statistical methods other than applied regression, including exploratory data analysis, analysis of multivariate data, and introduction to non-parametric methods.

Introduction to Scientific Computing

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course will introduce students to fundamental computational tools used in statistics.

Database Design for Information Organizations

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course has two major components: (1) conceptual foundations of database design and theory and (2) practical applications of design and theory to real-world database designs.

Why Choose OU Online for a Master’s Degree in Applied Statistics

OU Online offers high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, online format from a top-tier public institution.

Faculty Expertise

The MS in Applied Statistics is powered by world-class faculty from the University of Oklahoma and seasoned professors of practice who bring real-world experience into the virtual classroom.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of statistics and data analytics professionals to accelerate your career.

Flexible Format

The Applied Statistics master’s degree is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed for working professionals around the world.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for applied statistics.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Applied Statistics degree is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.

• Students pay $845 per credit hour, totaling $25,350 for the program. Costs for books and additional materials are not included.
• Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost.

Application Process

To apply to the online Master of Science in Applied Statistics program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university—or the international equivalent—with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

• Complete the online application and submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
• A written personal statement addressing your career goals, relevant experience, and background in math and statistics.
• A professional resume.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within two weeks of receiving a completed application. Applying early is encouraged to ensure full consideration and allow time for financial aid and enrollment planning.