MS Statistics

[satori]

Has anybody used alternative sources of credit and gotten accepted to any MS Statistics programs?  Thinking about the primary prereqs for these programs which include Calculus 1-3 and Linear Algebra.  Thanks.

[ThatBankDude]

Satori, do you have much coding experience? Upper Level Calculus and Linear Algebra will help but I would also highly recommend learning R and Python for statistical analysis. My Programming for Data Analytics and Visualization Instructor at Duke University has his MS in Statistics from Duke and most of what he did, and does, revolves around coding for the analysis.

That said, I think the alternative sources of credit being utilized for an admissions offer will boil down to what program you are looking into. Do you have any programs in mind that myself and others could do a little research into to be able to give a better answer?

[satori]

Thanks. I am just starting to work on my coding. I have a MBA. CFA and a background in equity/credit/distressed debt analysis. I am looking at data science and statistics given the projected growth and targeting both finance and the life science industries (have experience analyzing companies in the life science industry). I was thinking an MS in Statistics, along with a second BA CS, would help me transition to data science as well as eventually qualify me for the Professional Statistician designation. The growth in statistician jobs and large freelance market seemed perfect for a semi-retirement job.

I was looking at GA Tech's MS Statistics program which is supposed to have an online version soon given that many of the classes are already online for the MS Analytics. I also thought Penn State's Master in Applied Statistics was a possibility and have heard good things about CSU's online MS Applied Statistics. I'm open to any online program, but may even be open to an onsite since there is the possibility of layoffs at my job.

[bjcheung77]

Most or almost all the alternative credit options are for undergrad, there are some for graduate study, but it'll mainly be for TESU - such as their partnership with Statistics.com... What was your undergrad in? I don't think you need a second BA in Comp Sci, if you have enough undergraduate credits, it maybe easier just to apply to a graduate program instead...

[satori]

The alternative sources of credit are to satisfy the prerequisites for admission to the program. These include Calc1-3 and Linear Algebra. The alternative sources of credit for those would include all the usual including Straighterline and Coopersmith.

[ThatBankDude]

Data Science is a tough field to break into however, you have a pretty quantitative professional background and therefore, I think that would lend its hand in your favor. It cost is not a factor, Stanford has a degree that may interest you.

https://online.stanford.edu/programs/sta...-ms-degree

[satori]

Satori, do you have much coding experience? Upper Level Calculus and Linear Algebra will help but I would also highly recommend learning R and Python for statistical analysis. My Programming for Data Analytics and Visualization Instructor at Duke University has his MS in Statistics from Duke and most of what he did, and does, revolves around coding for the analysis.

That said, I think the alternative sources of credit being utilized for an admissions offer will boil down to what program you are looking into. Do you have any programs in mind that myself and others could do a little research into to be able to give a better answer?

Data Science is a tough field to break into however, you have a pretty quantitative professional background and therefore, I think that would lend its hand in your favor. It cost is not a factor, Stanford has a degree that may interest you.

https://online.stanford.edu/programs/sta...-ms-degree

That program seems slanted toward pursuing a Phd rather than applied.  Looks like it's onsite also (I haven't been canned yet! ).

I see Data Science is hard to break into, but I've also seen a dearth of domain knowledge and expertise in business.  Seems like most people in DS just have the technical skills so I thought I may have an edge (as long as I master the technical skills).  I am trying to stay flexible to pursue a variety of related opportunities and stay employed.

[bjcheung77]

You might want to take a look at this thread about Eastern University, MS Data Science for about $10K, it's on par with the Georgia Tech costs, but recognition wouldn't be that high in the charts. A good program from what I can tell for me, but for others, it may or may not be suitable for them. Then there are always others such as WGU's Data Analytics, you should check out a few more from Coursera/Edx, I think they're offered at the U of Texas as well... Here's the thread link for Eastern: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...University?

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Yup, so I was right, U of Texas at Austin for $10K as well: https://www.edx.org/masters/online-maste...-utaustinx
And if you can afford a bit more at $15K, ASU online here: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/master-...cience-asu

[asianphd]

Statistics and Analytics would be different from each other.

I am currently in the Statistics program, it is more mathematics heavy than Analytics. Analytics is more comparable to Applied Statistics. Make sure you choose the more suitable one.

[satori]

Statistics and Analytics would be different from each other.

I am currently in the Statistics program, it is more mathematics heavy than Analytics. Analytics is more comparable to Applied Statistics. Make sure you choose the more suitable one.

Thanks.  Applied stats is more like data science, but I thought it would still be a viable credential for freelance work given my domain knowledge.  I thought an applied stats program in conjunction with CS would cover all the bases.  The applied programs still qualify for the GStat and PStat, right?