How To Select A Master's in Statistics Program

Hi, I'm looking to secure a master's in statistics via distance education. I believe I've found every possible program in America, of which there are six. I've left out more specialized programs like "industrial statistics."

The Schools

Iowa State
Colorado State
Texas A & M
Penn State
Rochester Institute of Technology
Stanford

Cost

I made up a spreadsheet, and the costs are per semester, given 8 credits a semester, for nonresidents. The cost may not reflect what you see elsewhere, because it incorporates the non-credit fees as well:

Iowa State: $4,000
Colorado State: $4,950
Texas A & M: $5,375
Penn State: $5,800
RIT: $7,700
Stanford: $10,480

I've eliminated RIT from my candidates, as it is 45 credits and is much more expensive for the same thing. Stanford might be worth the name, but it looks like their program requires on campus attendance.

That leaves Iowa, Colorado, Texas A & M, and Colorado. There's still some variation in price, but I'm willing to pick a school besides Iowa if there's a compelling reason.

Credits

# of Credits Required:
Iowa: 34, MSc, exam and creative contribution
Colorado: 34, MS, choice of thesis, project or exam
Texas: 36, MS, non-thesis
Penn State: 30, Master of Applied Statistics

The Program

I'm looking for a program that offers effective instruction, and a good chance of getting high grades. Where do I find out how these programs compare, on those attributes? What else should I be looking for when choosing a program?

If you have any advice on which program to choose, or on how to choose a program, please share. Aside from the price, I don't see anything that distinguishes one school from another.

There's a good chance I'll apply to B&M MBA schools in a few years, if that matters. I live in Southern California, so I'm not sure any of the schools have a strong network out here, though Penn and Texas are the strongest in that regard. I have a good job now, but I thought working for the oil industry would be interesting, and I've heard Texas has very strong connections there. But my main criteria are still effective instruction and good grades.

I also found this relevant thread.

 

You really shouldn't discount Stanford too quickly. A statistics degree from Stanford (at least a PhD) can be VERY VERY VERY lucrative, as the article below illustrates. :biggrin:

Joan R. Ginther who won lottery 4 times is a Stanford University statistics PhD | Mail Online

 

I haven't looked to closely at the Master's programs in Statistics, as they will likely have changed by the time I finish my Bachelor's. But I do recall that the Texas A&M program requires an internship. This involves consulting with graduate students and faculty in other departments, to provide statistical support for their research projects. For DL students, this is done via telephone and email.

I'm not sure which, if any, of the other programs offer this. I think it's a tremendous opportunity, though.

mcjon77, that link is pretty interesting. Most statisticians know better than to play the lottery. (And if they do play, they pick the numbers "1 2 3 4 5 6" because those have the same chance of coming up as any others!)

 

GB, Thanks. I've emailed the stats department head at my alma mater, and asked him if he could recommend anyone to talk to.

I'm a little worried that I'd have to wait a whole year to start some of these programs. With Penn State, I think I could safely start in the Spring, which might not be true for the others. It seems like their online program is the most developed.

 

Sorry to be so slow to approve your post. I missed it somehow. Info: http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

 

I'm going to give the edge to TAMU (is the price difference statistically significant?) because they have the better women's soccer team (can you believe that CSU doesn't even have a women's soccer team?):crazy:

 

In my experience, and knowing many people with degrees from prestigous universities, networking based on ones school is not an important part of landing a great job. Rather it is based on how well you can perform your job, and if you do an excellant job, your reputation will spread amongst your peers (I can only talk about the aerospace and defense industry).

However networking through professional societies has certainly helped me obtain jobs and consulting contracts.

 

Distance Stats MS

Hi DismalScientist. I'm in a similar boat to you. Coincidentally, I live in Southern California as well, and I'm looking for a distance stats MS program. I heard recently that Colorado State is no longer taking new applicants for the MS program and instead are only taking new applicants for the Masters in Applied Stats. I was planning on doing the MS program so I'm kind of distraught about it since I just literally found out yesterday. Iowa State seems to be the only other school out there that offers a full MS program. I'm starting to gather more information about that program. The last year or so I have been taking prerequisites recommended by the advisors from CSU that have to be completed before enrolling in Stats 520 from CSU.

In any case, I'm wondering if you had made any progress in your decision. I think we could possibly be good resources for each other, so feel free to send me a direct message. I'm always looking to learn from others and share my experience with others as well. One of the toughest things about doing a distance program is collaborating with others. Good luck to you!