According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for professionals with graduate training in mathematics and statistics is expected to increase by 33%, much faster than average, through 2030. Professionals can gain the advanced skills employers are looking for with an online masters in statistics from an accredited university. Online statistics masters degree programs can give you the skills needed to work with large data in a variety of domains including:
- social sciences
- medicine
- engineering
A career in statistics can be lucrative. The median annual wage for statisticians in 2020 was $92,270/year!
We created this ranking of the best online masters in statistics to showcase some of the best programs in the country. To ensure we covered a variety of statistical degrees, we expanded our search to include applied mathematics programs with extensive coursework in statistics as well as biostatistics programs. We used information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics to find schools offering these types of programs as well as our own online search.
Schools included in our best online statistics masters degree ranking are regionally accredited and offer a well-balanced curriculum focused on statistics and applied mathematics. To receive additional consideration, programs needed to be taught by industry experts. For the purpose of this ranking, we defined an online program as one having most of their courses available online. We applied our ranking criteria to come up with the top 20 best online masters statistics degree programs.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Average Graduate Tuition Rate:
- Less than $10,000- 3 points
- $10,000 to $19,000- 2 points
- Greater than $19,000- 1 point
Student/Faculty ratio:
- 11:1 or less- 3 points
- 12:1 to 17:1- 2 points
- 18:1 and above- 1 point
Availability of Concentration Areas:
- Concentration Areas- 3 points
#20. University of Delaware – Newark, Delaware
Online Master of Science in Applied Statistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $34,164/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The top statistics masters online from the University of Delaware is a high-quality program that prepares students for a variety of positions for data professionals. High-quality courses are developed by industry professionals at some of the top companies in the country. Online master statistics courses are delivered 100% online, with no on-campus residency requirements. Applied applications include:
- regression
- logistic regression and models of counts
- multivariate methods
Students can take advantage of hands-on training opportunities using SAS. The capstone course allows students to design and conduct an applied research project, gaining valuable research experience.
#19. Pennsylvania State University World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Applied Statistics Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $22,464/year in-state and $38,198/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Penn State World Campus offers a cost-effective masters degree in statistics online with a curriculum developed by industry experts. Students gain hands-on experience working with the latest software packages, developing data analysis skills that are in demand by top employers. The 30-credit hour curriculum includes courses in:
- data mining
- predictive analytics
- statistical consulting
The rigorous curriculum is taught by many of the same faculty who teach the on-campus program. Graduates of the program can prepare for the SAS Base Programming Certification Exam or seek PStat accreditation through the ASA as an Accredited Professional Statistician.
#18. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Online Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,278/year in-state and $29,178/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of Washington offers a top value online master’s in applied and computational mathematics for full and part-time students. This 100% online program can help students take their knowledge of mathematics to the next level with interdisciplinary coursework that incorporates physical, engineering and biological sciences. Cutting edge courses cover areas like:
- numerical analysis and scientific computing
- mathematical finance
- mathematical biology
Online statistics masters students can access course material whenever it’s convenient and there are no set meeting times. Graduates are successful working a variety of jobs as data scientists and engineers.
#17. University of Illinois – Chicago, Illinois
Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $13,799/year in-state and $23,714/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The innovative Master in Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment from the University of Illinois Chicago is a 32-credit hour program for professionals planning a successful career in research. The program also serves as a launch pad for doctoral study in a MESA area. There are no on-campus residency requirements making this a great choice for working professionals. Course offerings include:
- Assessment for Measurement Professionals
- Multivariate Analysis of Educational Data
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods
New online masters statistics students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Graduates are able to manage both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in a variety of professional settings.
#16. University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina
Masters of Applied Statistics Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $13,737/year in-state and $29,760/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The Department of Statistics at the University of South Carolina offers a high-value online applied statistics master’s degree program. The program is for working professionals in a variety of settings including education and business. Core courses cover areas like:
- data analysis
- mathematical statistics
- linear statistical models
Applications are accepted year-round but most master of statistics online students begin their studies in the fall semester.
#15. University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky
Master of Science in Biostatistics Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $13,260/year in-state and $27,374/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of Louisville features a budget friendly online master’s in biostatistics for professionals seeking career advancement in:
- industry
- government
- academia
The program is offered through the School of Public Health and Information Science and delivers a forward-thinking curriculum emphasizing the real-world application of statistical analysis. Core courses include:
- Categorical Data Analysis
- Biostatistical Methods
- Survival Analysis
Students benefit from extensive training in SAS, SPSS and R statistical software packages. Full-time students can complete their degree in just three semesters.
#14. Columbia University in the City of New York – New York, New York
Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $49,024/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The high quality online applied mathematics master’s degree from Columbia University is a 30-credit hour program with no on-campus residency requirements. Core courses include:
- Numerical Methods
- Analytic Methods for Partial Differential Equations
- Applied Functional Analysis
Elective courses are offered in a variety of areas including computer science and industrial engineering/operations research. Admission to the program is competitive. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a related field. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
#13. University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
Online Master of Applied Statistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,189/year in-state and $31,867/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics at the University of Kentucky offers a best-value online applied statistics master’s degree. This flexible degree program is designed for both traditional and non-traditional students and professionals who want to enhance their career through statistical expertise. Two-year and four-year program tracks are available to accommodate diverse student needs. The 11-course curriculum includes courses in:
- Regression Modeling
- Computational Theory and Data Visualization
- Foundations in Probability and Inference
Online master’s degree statistics students can engage with each other and their instructors through real-time discussion boards. Instructors set up time throughout the week to meet with individuals and small groups to discuss program materials and build relationships.
#12. University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida
Online Master of Science-Biostatistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The Department of Biostatistics at the University of Florida features a cost-effective online master’s in biostatistics. This 36-credit hour program is for students planning future PhD study or careers in biostatistics. Academically challenging courses are taught by experienced faculty, many of whom are renown researchers in the field. Online course offerings include:
- Introduction to Biostatistical Theory
- Biostatistical Computing Using SAS
- Applied Survival Analysis
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, biology, or a closely related field. Graduates are well prepared for careers in health care and pharmaceuticals.
#11. University of Houston – Houston, Texas
Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science (M.S.) – Hybrid
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,821/year in-state and $14,283/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The Department of Mathematics at the University of Houston offers a master’s in statistics in flexible hybrid format. Students can complete their degree in just one year, taking courses online and on-campus. Courses are selected to give students a solid foundation in applied statistics while providing advanced training in principles that guide statistical inference. Required courses include:
- Applied Statistics and Multivariate Analysis
- Deep Learning and Artificial Neural Networks
- Information Visualization
Faculty serve as mentors to their students, sharing their real-world experiences.
#10. University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida
Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,088/year in-state and $22,166/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The flexible online master’s in statistics from the University of West Florida is a professional program for students seeking:
- career advancement
- doctoral study
- a government or teaching position
Courses are offered in a synchronous format that fosters relationship building between students, peers, and faculty. Core courses include Matrix Theory and Statistical Inference. Three start dates are available each year, allowing students to begin the program when it is most convenient. Students can decide whether to complete a thesis, research, or capstone project as their culminating experience.
#9. Arizona State University – Scottsdale, Arizona
Online Master of Engineering in Quality, Reliability, & Statistical Engineering
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,516/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
Arizona State University features a high value online Master of Engineering in Quality, Reliability, and Statistical Engineering that offers specialized coursework in statistics principles and basic engineering. Students can design their course of study to include a Six Sigma Black Belt certification in addition to their degree. Half of the required courses are in engineering with the remaining half in mathematics. Courses are taught by award winning faculty who know the ins and outs of the industry. All students complete an applied project as their culminating experience, developing their professional skills. Graduates have gone on to exciting career roles as logistics engineers and computer systems architects.
#8. Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma
Master of Science in Applied Statistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,531/year in-state and $21,034/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
Oklahoma State University features an online professional master’s in applied statistics emphasizing the practical application of statistical applications. This 32-credit hour program includes courses in:
- analytics
- experimental data analysis
- applied mathematical statistics
- computer programming with SAS and R
Applicants can have an undergraduate degree in any area to pursue this affordable online master’s in statistics. Students without a mathematical or computer programming background must make up the deficient courses before applying to the program. Most students can complete their degree in two years of study.
#7. North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina
Online Master of Statistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,095/year in-state and $26,421/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 5
What’s Unique
North Carolina State University features an innovative online master’s in statistics in a convenient asynchronous format. While the program is designed to meet the needs of a wide audience, most online students have over five years of experience in the field and are looking to advance or retool their career. Required courses include:
- Big Data (Python)
- Statistical Programming
- Data Science for Statisticians
Most students move through the program one course at a time, maintaining a healthy work/life/school balance. Graduates are employed at many top tier companies including the SAS Institute and Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
#6. University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho
Online Master of Science, Statistical Science Major
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,754/year in-state and $26,990/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 5
What’s Unique
The Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science at the University of Idaho offers an affordable online master’s in statistical science with two different program tracks. Students can choose a thesis track or an internship track, depending on their career goals. Students work closely with their advisor to create an individualized program plan.
Core courses include:
- Regression
- Computer Intensive Statistics
- Probability Theory
Students also complete a consulting practicum experience that can boost a resume or help bridge the gap between classroom training and workplace application.
#5. Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, New York
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $50,136/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Concentration Areas: Professional Track or Thesis/Capstone Track
Points: 6
What’s Unique
The Rochester Institute of Technology offers a high-quality online statistics master’s driven by real-time employer demand. The online program mirrors its on-campus counterpart and new students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students can complete their degree on a part-time basis and choose from two different program tracks.
The professional track is comprised of core courses during the first year and electives during the second year. The electives can be selected to align with the students’ professional goals. The thesis/capstone track is similar but culminates with either a thesis or a capstone project. Online students have access to Career Services counselors who can help students plan, prepare, and meet their professional goals.
#4. Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
Online Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $57,010/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Concentration Areas: Applied Analysis; Information Technology and Computation; Operations Research; Probability and Statistics; Simulation and Modeling
Points: 7
What’s Unique
The Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University features a breaking master’s in applied and computational mathematics. The advanced level curriculum includes highly relevant courses like:
- Real Analysis
- Matrix Theory
- Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Courses emphasize applied and theoretical aspects of statistics, making this a relevant program for students in almost every discipline of science and technology. Students can pursue one of five different focus areas or select their own electives for a customized experience.
#3. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Online Master of Applied Statistics (M.A.S.)
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,520/year in-state and $25,791/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Concentration Areas: Statistical Science or Data Science
Points: 7
What’s Unique
The affordable online master’s in applied statistics at Colorado State University Online gives students the skills they need to turn data into actionable information. The program is for practicing statisticians who plan to pursue a career outside of academia. Students can choose from two distinct areas of specialization including:
- statistical science
- data science
Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach the on-campus program. Not sure if you are ready to commit to a full master’s degree program? CSU offers a graduate certificate in Theory and Applications of Regression Models that can later be applied to the MAS program.
#2. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
Master’s in Statistics Online
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,775/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Concentration Areas: Biostatistics; Applied Analytics and Data Science; Applied Emphasis
Points: 7
What’s Unique
Texas A&M University offers a high value online master’s in statistics with no on-campus residency requirements and the same quality education as their on-campus counterparts. Students can choose from a variety of elective course offerings to tailor the program to align with their professional goals. All students complete a consulting course, gaining valuable experience working for a “client” on a relevant statistical problem. A group final project allows students to conduct an analysis of current, real data. Faculty have flexible online office hours so students can get assistance when they need it while continuing to maintain a healthy work/life/school balance.
#1. University of Kansas – Lawrence, Kansas
Online Master of Science in Applied Statistics, Analytics and Data Science
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,989/year in-state and $23,951/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Concentration Areas: Analytics, Statistics, Data Science
Points: 8
What’s Unique
Our top choice for a master’s in statistics online is offered by the University of Kansas. They offer a 100% online master’s with an emphasis in statistics analytics or data science. The flexible, asynchronous format allows students to attend class on their own schedule by viewing pre-recorded video content. Students can virtually interact with their peers and credentialed, experienced faculty. Courses are designed for students transitioning to a new career as well as those currently working in the field. Statistics courses include:
- SAS Programming
- Mathematical Statistics
- Nonparametric Methods
New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Related Resources:
- Top 30 Most Affordable Online Certificates in Business Analytics
- Top 15 Online Master’s in Marketing Analytics
- What is Statistical Analysis?
