In light of the surge of artificial intelligence and the need for data-informed decision-making in rapidly evolving environments, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a forward-thinking Master of Arts in Statistics program. This program is designed to bridge the gap between the academic rigor and the dynamic demands of the modern world. By integrating a robust mathematical and statistical foundation, cutting-edge computation techniques and real-world applications, our curriculum ensures that graduates are not just adept at statistical theory but are also skilled in applying insights to solve contemporary challenges. Courses in the program feature real-world projects, where students engage directly in advanced data science practices, preparing them for the professional challenges of industry and beyond.
The program requires ten 4-credit courses in statistics and data science, and two 1-credit capstone seminars for a total of 42 credits, to be finished in two years. An exit exam or final thesis is not required. See the Curriculum page for a sample schedule and the course catalog.
The Department offers a 4+1 degree program for our own undergraduate students, combining a BA/BS degree in Mathematical Sciences and the MA in Statistics degree, to be completed in five years. See details here.
Professional Development
Our MA in Statistics program equips students with an extensive, practical knowledge base for statistics and data science, setting the stage for successful futures in both public and private sectors. The program places a strong emphasis on faculty guidance and support, ensuring that students benefit from an immersive learning environment. We offer an array of seminars across various domains, including statistics, data science, and applied machine learning, providing students with the opportunity to gain diverse perspectives and insights.
After You Graduate
Driven by the ever-greater reliance of businesses and governments on data, the demand for professionals with strong quantitative analytical skills is now higher than ever. According to the McKinsey Global Institute in 2018 the United States would need 140,000 to 190,000 additional professional statisticians. The United States Department of Labor also estimates the employment prospects in the field of statistics as growing much faster than average for all occupations. Their projection for the growth of mathematicians and statisticians is 33 percent from 2016-2026. Program graduates will be trained to pursue careers in a variety of fields that require data-crunching and quantitative analysis. Well-trained statisticians and data scientists are employed in the following roles in a wide spectrum of industries:
- statistical consultants
- data analysts
- data scientists
- applied/research scientists
- data engineers, machine learning engineers
- business intelligence analysts
- financial analysts, risk managers, insurance actuaries
- quants (traders), quantitative researchers
- marketing analytics managers
- economists and policy analysts
- government statisticians
- production/manufacturing quality control managers
- sports statisticians
- bioinformaticians
- public health analysts
- biostatisticians (in the pharmaceutical industry)
Why Binghamton's MA in Statistics Program?
- Binghamton University is rated one of the top 20 'Best Buy' and one of the premier public universities in the Northeast by Fiske Guide to Colleges, 2019.
- We have a rigorous two-year core curriculum. Courses are taught by tenured and tenure-track faculty. Students receive personalized attention and assistance.
- We focus on hands-on experience analyzing real-world data sets with state-of-the-art methods. Students are immersed with statistical computing, machine learning, software and practical training throughout the entire course of study. Through the capstone experience, students have the opportunity to sharpen their comprehension of the methods and techniques and improve their communication skills.
- Working with the faculty and department, make connections with local industry and government.
- Students receive an affordable education in one of the top public universities. The cost of attendance is highly competitive, even for out-of-state and international students (#6 as a best value among the nation's public colleges for out-of-state students and #18 overall - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 2017.)
- The beautiful upstate New York campus is welcoming and diversified. We attract outstanding students and faculty from all over the world who are partners in active discovery.
Who Should Apply?
Individuals wishing to improve their quantitative, data analytic and data mining skills in order to advance their careers are welcome to apply. Applicants should have a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) background or a background in a quantitative-oriented field such as finance, accounting, business or management. Learn more about program prerequisites and how to apply.
