Program Details | Applied Statistics Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Statistics (GCAS) is primarily designed to provide a companion credential for students in other graduate programs (including Mathematics) who have demonstrated expertise in methods and techniques for the quantitative analysis and modeling of data. Graduate programs that share a common interest in the application of statistical methods to the analysis of data and the solutions of problems include: Psychology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Economics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering and Technology Management, Environmental Sciences and Resources, Mechanical Engineering, Political Sciences, Sociology, Urban Studies, Systems Science. However, the GCAS program equally serves those who want to pursue just the graduate certificate.

Students develop both a depth of understanding of methods and a breadth of application across disciplines. It is expected that a student who earns this certificate would be capable of performing sophisticated statistical analysis and modeling for problems within his or her particular discipline. They would also be expected to be able to access and understand consultation with professional statisticians and provide consultation in the application of statistical methods for research purposes and in the solution of practical problems. The goal of the GCAS program is a coordinated plan for which students will be assured of exposure to statistical techniques needed in most applications.

Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at the beginning of their program and consult with them regularly throughout their program. Please contact the GCAS program adviser during the term prior to the term of anticipated graduation to confirm that all program requirements have been completed.

Core Requirements

This Graduate Certificate credential may be completed with a minimum of 24 credit hours of statistical graduate coursework with no comprehensive exam, while the MS in Statistics requires more extensive coursework and examinations.

Graduate certificate students must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on all courses applied to the program of study, as well as a minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate-level courses taken at PSU.  Although grades of C+, C, and C- are below the graduate standard, they may be counted as credit toward a graduate certificate with the specific written approval of the program.

The program of study leading to a GCAS requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours of coursework distributed as three components:

Applied statistics core sequence: The goal of this sequence is to introduce students to fundamentals of applied statistics. The three-term core course sequence: 

• Stat 564 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits) and 
• Stat 565, 566 Experimental Design: Theory and Methods I, II 

Additional applied statistics courses: The objective is developing a breadth of knowledge in the application of statistical methods within the discipline and in related areas. A minimum of 12 additional hours chosen from the list of interdisciplinary courses below. Please note that 510/610 courses and Stat 551, Stat 552 are not acceptable toward the certificate.

Statistical consulting: To provide experience in dealing with real statistical problems Stat 570 Statistical Consulting (3 credits). Please note that this course is only offered during spring term.

All courses applied to the certificate program must have a B- or better grade. To continue in the program, students are required to maintain regular graduate student status, requiring a cumulative 3.00 GPA for all coursework and a term GPA of at least 2.67.