Applied Statistics Graduate Program

Established in 2003, the Master of Science in Applied Statistics program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is an academic degree program which trains students to draw valid inferences from data. Using conceptual foundations and statistical software packages (SAS, R, and Python), graduates are expected to analyze real world data appropriately and communicate their findings effectively. The tools you learn here will open the door for careers in data science and analytics, or prepare you for a Ph.D.

Typically, the requirements can be satisfied in about 4 semesters. As one of the largest statistics programs at masters granting institutions in the United States, we are building a nationwide network of alumni in industry and academia.

Ready to join our program? Check out How to Apply.

Prospective Student FAQ

The following are questions that are frequently asked by prospective students interested in the Applied Statistics graduate program at CSULB.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Please contact the graduate advisor!

For Fall admission, you must submit your application via Cal State Apply by June 1 (or April 1 for international students).

For Spring admission, you must submit your application via Cal State Apply by November 1 (or October 1 for international students).

In addition to the Cal State Apply application, please email the prerequisite worksheet (found on How to Apply) to the Applied Statistics Graduate Advisor.

The prerequisites for the program are as follows:

  1. A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA. If your bachelors is still in progress, a minimum 2.7 GPA is required.
  2. A grade of "B" or better in MATH 247 (Linear Algebra), MATH 380 (upper division Probability), and STAT 381 (upper division Mathematical Statistics) or their equivalents. Each of these classes must be Calculus based. Please see the "Prerequisite Worksheet" (found on How to Apply), which will be part of your application.

If you have not quite met either requirement, please contact the Applied Statistics graduate advisor to develop a strategy to overcome your deficiencies and get on track for admission. Many students satisfy the class prerequisites by taking MATH 380 and STAT 381 at CSULB through Open University.

Although these are required for many graduate programs, they are not required for admission at CSULB. However, if you are a borderline case based on the above qualifications, letters of recommendation can help you make your case.

You will be required to pass 30 semester units (10 classes) and complete a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination to be granted a degree.

Of these 30 units, a maximum of 9 may be credit from another institution, provided all of the following are true:

  • the units are equivalent to courses offered at CSULB.
  • the units were not used to count towards another degree.
  • the units were set aside for graduate school credit before you graduated.