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Applied Statistics

Master’s in Applied Statistics

Master's

As our world becomes increasingly data-driven, the need for professionals who can analyze and interpret that data continues to grow.

Statisticians play an important role in turning raw numbers into meaningful insights — uncovering patterns, informing decisions and shaping solutions across a wide range of industries. They work in fields from healthcare and finance to environmental science and national security, and the demand for these professionals is outpacing most professions. 

At UW-La Crosse, our Master’s in Applied Statistics program prepares graduates to meet this demand with confidence, creativity and strong technical skills.

A program within Mathematics & Statistics

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MS Applied Statistics program options


Master’s in Applied Statistics (two-year graduate program)

This stand-alone graduate degree can be completed in two years following a bachelor’s degree. It is designed for students from a range of academic backgrounds who are seeking advanced training in applied statistics.

Dual Degree (undergrad + one–year graduate program)

Earn both your undergraduate degree in Statistics and your MS in Applied Statistics in just five years. This streamlined path is ideal for highly-motivated students looking to fast-track their careers. Learn more about the Dual Degree program.

Career outlook

What jobs are there?

Demand for statisticians continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 11 % from 2023 to 2033 — outpacing most professions.

Our graduates are in high demand:

95% of UWL Applied Statistics alumni report securing jobs that directly use their degree.

Graduates have gone on to work as data analysts, biostatisticians, and data scientists at leading organizations including:

  • Emplify Health
  • Fastenal
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Baker Tilly
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
 What salary can I expect to make?

As of 2024, the median salary for statisticians is $104,000, with strong upward growth depending on industry and experience, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why choose UWL’s MS in Applied Statistics?

Personalized learning experience

With class sizes ranging from just five to 25 students, you’ll benefit from individualized attention and close mentorship from faculty who are not only experts in their field but also award-winning educators.

Accomplished faculty

Our faculty are known for their commitment to teaching and mentorship. Numerous faculty in the department have been recognized campus-wide for excellence in teaching.

Practice solving real research problems

The program involves research experience that allows students to work first- hand with regional business partners or other programs on campus.

A curriculum that fits your goals

The program builds a solid foundation through core coursework in:

  • Regression
  • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
  • Mathematical Statistics

Students can then tailor their experience through a wide selection of electives such as:

  • Biostatistics
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Bayesian Statistics
  • Statistical Learning
  • Multivariate Statistics

For full course details, visit our Student Resources page.

Featured courses

  • Environmental Statistics
    STAT 544 | 3 credits
    This course is an introduction to common statistical methods used for environmental applications. Topics include spatial statistics, time series analysis, environmental monitoring and impact assessment, and integrated population modeling. This course is application driven and includes an introduction to computer programming in R. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students have additional course requirements/expectations Prerequisite: BIO 519 or GEO 505. Offered Spring - Odd Numbered Years.
  • Applied Multivariate Statistics
    STAT 549 | 3 credits
    This course is an introduction to applied multivariate statistical methods covering multivariate analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of covariance, repeated measures design, factor analysis, principle component analysis, cluster analysis, discriminate analysis, and multivariate regression. Course participants are involved with hands-on statistical applications. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in STAT 345. Offered Fall - Odd Numbered Years.
  • Survey of Modern Statistical Software
    STAT 763 | 3 credits
    This course exposes students to a variety of software packages that are relevant to the field of statistics. Advantages and disadvantages of the software for performing various common statistical procedures will be highlighted. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate applied statistics program. Offered Spring - Even Numbered Years.

SHERWIN TORIBIO

who teaches in the Applied Statistics graduate program, was awarded a 2024 Eagle Teaching Excellence Award.

Learn more about SHERWIN TORIBIO

Student Success

"UWL’s statistics students excel in their ability to integrate an abundance of data and produce practical, actionable insights"

Learn more about Student Success

Important dates

Rolling application process

The MS in Applied Statistics program has no formal application deadline, but financial aid opportunities may have separate deadlines.
Notification of acceptance

Continuous notification.

Latest news

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Pushing students to be their best James Peirce receives 2025 Eagle Teaching Excellence Award
Portrait of Kacie O'Hearn, '25, MS Applied Statistics

Hear from an alum

Kacie O'Hearn, '25, MS Applied Statistics

"I’ve grown so much through this graduate program, and I’ve learned a lot. But what stands out most is the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Each interaction has taught me something valuable."