Program Details | Applied Statistics + Data Science Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics + Data Science provides students with essential training in statistical methods and data science tools to address real-world challenges across diverse fields. Designed for accessibility and flexibility, the program is suitable for undergraduate students from math-intensive fields seeking advanced graduate-level training to enhance job readiness, as well as for graduate students from other less math-intensive disciplines looking to complement their expertise with data science and statistical skills. The program's curriculum enables students to build foundational statistical and data science competencies during the program, rather than requiring mastery beforehand, and fosters proficiency in specific fields of application through a wide array of electives. The program also serves as an effective stepping stone for students interested in the revised MS in Statistics + Data Science program.

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 23 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.

Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the certificate. These policies and procedures are in the Graduate School section of the PSU Bulletin. Several of the most frequently asked questions about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School website.

The program of study leading to a GCASDS requires the successful completion of a minimum of 23 graduate credit hours of coursework distributed as three components:

(i) Statistics and Data Science core sequence: The goal of this component is to introduce students to foundational concepts statistics, data science and their application to solve real world problems. This four-core-course module includes:

• Stat 531 Ethics and Practice of Data Science (3 credits) and
• Stat 551 Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists (3 credits) and
• Stat 564 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits) and 
• Stat 587 Data Science I (3 credits)

(ii) Area of Specialization: The objective of this component is to help the student either 1) develop proficiency in field of application, or 2) further strengthen their statistical and data science toolkit. A minimum of 8 additional hours chosen from the list of interdisciplinary courses below. Please note that 510/610 courses are not acceptable toward the certificate.

(iii) Consulting: To provide experience in dealing with real world data-driven problems Stat 570 Consulting Rotation (3 credits). Please note that this course is only offered during winter and spring terms.

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.

REQUIREMENTS (23 CREDITS)

The 23 credit requirements must include courses distributed as follows:

Statistics and Data Science Core (12 credits):

• Stat 551 Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
• Stat 564 Applied Regression Analysis
• Stat 531 Ethics and Practice of Data Science
• Stat 587 Data Science I

Consulting (3 credits):

• Stat 570 Consulting Rotation


Please contact the GCASDS program adviser during the term prior to the term of anticipated graduation to confirm that all program requirements have been completed