Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
Advance your career with a certificate in applied statistics
Fast Track | No GRE
The Certificate in Applied Statistics will train students on the assumptions associated with applied statistics procedures and prepare them to apply the procedures to real data. Students will learn statistical packages that allow them to perform the procedures and learn the proper interpretation of the results. Graduates will be able to apply the procedures in many high-demand areas, including industry, government and professional/financial businesses.
The graduate certificate is appropriate for working professionals in government agencies and the financial sector who want to advance their careers by acquiring new skills and learning new topics in applied statistics. Individuals who are considering a graduate degree in statistics may also be interested, as all courses in this program would transfer to an M.S. within the statistics department.
Full-time students can complete the certificate in one year (two semesters) with a course load of six credits each in a fall and spring semester. Part-time students can complete the certificate in two years (four semesters) with a three-credit load each semester.
Admissions
All applicants are required to supply academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal statement. For admission to graduate study at VCU, the Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In cases where the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, additional factors, including performance in the last 60 hours of coursework, may be weighted more heavily in the admissions assessment. For students with earned graduate degrees from accredited institutions, the graduate GPA may be the primary basis for consideration. The three letters of recommendation must come from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study. The personal statement must address the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate education in the planned course of study at VCU.
The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research requires that students demonstrate that they have computing/technology skills that would allow them to learn and use several statistical software packages.
International applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission and/or full-time enrollment in the university. An applicant may satisfy university English proficiency requirements by obtaining a satisfactory score on the TOEFL. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (Internet-based).
Application Process
Information about applying to all graduate programs at VCU, including the Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics, can be found at the Graduate School website. U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply through the VCU Graduate School. International students must apply through the Global Education Office. Visit VCU International Admissions for specific admissions requirements for international applicants and to learn more about the international application process and to download forms.
Contact
David J. Edwards
Professor and Chair, Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research
dedwards7@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2936