MS Applied Statistics Option

Our MS Statistics, Applied Statistics Option will provide a unique and specialized educational opportunity for students to pair a solid foundation in Statistics with a domain field of their choosing to become a well trained statistical researcher who will work in a collaborative environment.

There are two application pathways that students fall into which are (1) Stand-alone students or (2) Joint, Double, or Dual degree students. Please scroll down to see which application path best fits your situation.

Any questions about our new MSAS program, can be directed to admissions@stat.wisc.edu.

Program Information

Please click here to view the MS-Applied Statistics Handbook 2024-25.

MSAS is a 30 credit program. For a full listing of the course requirements, curriculum, and policy information please check out the MSAS Graduate Guide here.

  • Demonstrates understanding of statistical theories, methodologies, and applications as tools in scientific inquiries.
  • Selects and utilizes the most appropriate statistical methodologies and practices.
  • Synthesizes information pertaining to questions in empirical studies.
  • Communicates data concepts and analysis results clearly.
  • Recognizes and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.

The application deadline is January 2 for a fall term start (no spring admissions).

The department strives to support students as teaching assistants. More funding information can be found at the Bursar’s Office website and the Graduate School website.

Admission Pathways into the MS Applied Statistics Program

There are two application paths into the MS Applied Statistics program which are stand-alone and joint, double, or dual degree students.

We identify stand-alone students as those who are pursuing only the M.S. Applied Statistics Option program at UW-Madison. Stand-alone students must submit the UW-Madison Graduate School Online Application at https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/.

We identify joint, double, or dual degree students as those who are pursuing an additional degree program on campus. They may apply either while they are applying to their domain program or once they are on campus. Joint, double, dual degree students should email their application materials to admissions@stat.wisc.edu and submit an Add Program/Plan/Named Option request here: https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/change-program/

Students can apply to start in either the fall or spring term. We do not admit summer term applications.

Stand-alone Students

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Program Expectations

Students will be expected to complete the MSAS program in two years. They will complete approximately 18 credits their first year with 12 credits in the second year for more time for the consulting experience and research/project.

How to apply to MSAS

Submit a Graduate School Online Application at https://apply.grad.wisc.edu and list MSAS as your intended program. Please note that there is an application fee. We recommend reading the Graduate School’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage at https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/ before applying.

We strongly advise including information regarding your specific domain area in the Statement of Purpose, ideas for collaboration within the domain field, and address why they are applying to the MS Statistics: Applied Statistics option versus the traditional MS Statistics: Statistics option.

Application Dates and Timeline

The application deadline is January 2 for a fall term start (no spring admissions).

Applications are reviewed after the deadline, we do not review applications on a rolling basis. All applications submitted by the above deadlines will receive priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Materials

The following application materials should be submitted via in the UW-Madison Graduate School Online Application.

  • UW-Madison Graduate School Online Application & Application Fee
  • Statement of Purpose – Please provide specific information about your domain area.
  • Transcripts – No official transcripts are required as part of the application. The Graduate School will send an instructional email request after the program has recommended admission.
  • Resume or CV
  • Supplemental ApplicationA table of previous coursework including our required prerequisite coursework (see the Required Prerequisite Coursework tab below).
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  • English Proficiency Scores (Grad School requirements page https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/)

We do not require GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores for our program.

Required Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants to the MS Statistics, Applied Statistics program should have completed the following courses equivalent to the UW-Madison courses listed below.

Undergraduate Calculus (completed all three courses listed below)

  • MATH 221: Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1
  • MATH 222: Calculus & Analytic Geometry 2
  • MATH 234: Calculus-Functions of Several Variables

Statistics (completed one of four options below)

  • Option 1: STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 571 and STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 572  Statistical Methods for Bioscience 1 & 2
  • Option 2: STAT 301/324/371  Introduction to Statistical Methods/Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers/Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences, STAT 303 R for Statistics 1, and STAT 333 Applied Regression Analysis
  • Option 3: POLI SCI 812 and POLI SCI 813  Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
    and Multivariable Statistical Inference for Political Research
  • Option 4: Another similar introductory statistics sequence

Joint, Double, or Dual degree Students

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Program Expectations

Students must work with their domain program and MSAS to identify a time-to-degree plan that best suits their individual needs. PhD students will need to identify a plan that allows them to maintain compliance with dissertator policies.

How to add MSAS

If you are already enrolled in a graduate program at UW-Madison and are interested in adding an MS Applied Statistics, please send the following materials to admissions@stat.wisc.edu

We will wish to see:

  • CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Chosen domain area and advisor with specifics
  • Supplemental Application – A table of previous coursework including prerequisite courses in math and chosen domain area (see the Required Prerequisite Coursework tab below).
  • 2-3 letters of recommendations including one from your current advisor (sent directly from the recommender)
  • Copies of transcripts –No official transcripts are required as part of the application. The Graduate School will send an instructional email request after the program has recommended admission.

Also, as part of the process please fill out an Add Program/Plan/Named Option request here: https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/change-program/

When all materials are received it will be submitted to the admissions committee for review.

Application Dates and Timeline

There are no deadline dates for adding the program, and the admissions committee decisions will be made usually within a month after receiving all required documents during the academic year.

Required Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants to the MS Statistics, Applied Statistics program should have completed the following courses equivalent to the UW-Madison courses listed below.

Undergraduate Calculus (completed all three courses listed below)

  • MATH 221: Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1
  • MATH 222: Calculus & Analytic Geometry 2
  • MATH 234: Calculus-Functions of Several Variables

Statistics (completed one of four options below)

  • Option 1: STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 571 and STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 572  Statistical Methods for Bioscience 1 & 2
  • Option 2: STAT 301/324/371  Introduction to Statistical Methods/Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers/Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences, STAT 303 R for Statistics 1, and STAT 333 Applied Regression Analysis
  • Option 3: POLI SCI 812 and POLI SCI 813  Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
    and Multivariable Statistical Inference for Political Research
  • Option 4: Another similar introductory statistics sequence