Master of Science in Statistics
Turn Numbers Into a Narrative
Build the skills and expertise employers trust with a Master of Science (MS) in Statistics from San José State University. Created for ambitious students, our two-year statistics program equips you to become a practicing statistician proficient in designing studies, analyzing complex datasets and using findings to make evidence-based decisions.
Whether you plan to work in Silicon Valley’s tech sector, support public policy decisions or lead data-driven initiatives in industry, SJSU’s MS in Statistics positions you to turn complex data into insights that generate change.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Statistics at SJSU?
Prepare to lead with analytical expertise and confidence. Housed in our Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the statistics graduate program offers:
- An integrated curriculum that weaves theoretical and applied course work together to round out your knowledge.
- A specialized track in machine learning to expand your computational and high-dimensional modeling expertise.
- Real-world experience gained through internships and hands-on research projects to strengthen your applied knowledge.
- Faculty members who are passionate about their field and ready to invest in your academic and professional growth.
- STEM designation that indicates academic rigor and offers practical advantages, such as extended work authorization for international students.
- Teaching assistant opportunities that provide transformative professional development and tuition waivers that lower the cost of your degree.
Want to learn more about this field? Explore why we encourage students like you to study statistics.
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What You’ll Learn
As a "science-plus" program, the 36-credit master’s in statistics is interdisciplinary, combining rigorous statistics course work with the development of writing and communication skills. You’ll master the fundamentals of probability theory and regression methods, as well as how to use modern computing tools and programming languages like Python and SQL. You also become proficient in translating complex numerical outputs into actionable insights through statistical modeling
Beyond the core foundations, you can customize your graduate education with 12 credits of highly focused electives or opt for a specialization in machine learning, where you will tackle advanced topics like cluster analysis and statistical classification.
MS in Statistics Degree Requirements
Culminating Experience
To bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, we incorporate a culminating experience into the MS in Statistics curriculum. This final requirement ensures you graduate with a comprehensive mastery of statistical theory and career-focused training.
Depending on your long-term goals, you complete one or more of the following:
- A supervised team research project supporting an outside agency or local company
- An internship working alongside a professional statistician
- An individual research project
- An elective and exam option
Whichever pathways you pursue, SJSU’s emphasis on experiential learning helps you advance to meet the high-level analytical demands of the modern workforce.
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating with your master’s in statistics, you’re well equipped to:
- Carry out appropriate inferential procedures based on the mathematical theory of statistics.
- Use technology and statistical software to perform advanced statistical analyses.
- Communicate and present specialized statistical concepts clearly in oral, graphical and written forms using appropriate technical terms in a way that is accessible to a general audience.
- See the Program Learning Outcomes in the SJSU Catalog.
Statistics Careers
Power your future with data at San José State University. Through the Master of Science in Statistics program, you gain the skills to uncover hidden patterns, challenge assumptions and architect the strategies that define industry trends, preparing you to transition from an analyst to a high-level problem solver.
Whether you’re aiming to optimize algorithmic trading in finance, drive life-saving clinical trials or shape public policy, your SJSU master’s degree strengthens your technical fluency and communication — the qualities top-tier employers seek.
Where SJSU’s Graduates Work
With a premium location in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU serves as a launchpad for our students’ thriving careers. Our statistics alumni, known for their expertise and strategic problem-solving, have found work at prominent corporations and organizations, such as:
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Statistics Graduate Program Admissions
Ready to take your next step toward earning your MS in Statistics? Applying to San José State University is a two-step process. You must meet the university’s graduate admission requirements and the specific requirements of the statistics program.
The College of Graduate Studies is available to guide you through the SJSU application process. They offer Information Sessions, Drop-in 1:1 Sessions, and support via email at [email protected] for university application questions.
Explore Graduate Admissions at SJSU
Application Requirements
Whether you are a professional looking to integrate advanced data analysis into your field or a math specialist ready to deepen your theoretical expertise, SJSU’s MS in Statistics welcomes applicants with a wide variety of academic backgrounds.
This master’s program is designed for a fall cohort entry to ensure you meet the prerequisites for spring course work. Spring admission is limited to those who have already learned the material of the first-semester core requirements.
When applying, please complete the following steps:
- Submit your application through Cal State Apply
- Submit official documents to Graduate Admissions by the Statistics document deadline
- Provide two to three letters of recommendation, preferably academic (professional references are also accepted) through the Cal State Apply application
- No additional tests are required, including the GRE
- Statement of purpose / personal statement
Prerequisites
To excel in our graduate-level statistics program, you must demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and probability. The department requires the following course work, each completed with a grade of B or higher:
- Three semesters of calculus, including multivariable calculus. (Equivalent to SJSU’s Math 30, 31 and 32. Must include multiple integration and partial differentiation.)
- Linear algebra (Equivalent to SJSU’s Math 39)
- Calculus-based probability and statistics (Equivalent to SJSU’s Math 161A)
If you completed course work at another institution, the department will evaluate course equivalency during application review.
Financial Aid
Ready to invest in your career preparation? At SJSU, our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need.
From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), our team helps you understand how you can fund your MS in Statistics and progress toward your academic goals.
Additionally, discover more funding opportunities, offered by the College of Graduate Studies. From teaching assistantships to scholarships, there are diverse paths to covering the cost of your SJSU degree.
Level Up Your Skills as a Statistician at SJSU
Whatever industry you pursue, earning a Master of Science in Statistics from San José State University empowers you to make sense of data, transforming it from numbers into insights, ideas and solutions. In two years, you’ll graduate ready to lead with confidence and data-driven expertise.
