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Statistics is the discipline that employs mathematical concepts, computational methods, and analytical techniques to structure and interpret information. Professionals in this field apply logical reasoning and mathematical theories to address statistical challenges, integrating modeling approaches with technical abilities to examine datasets.
This program equips students passionate about mathematics, computing, and scientific quantification for roles as statistical analysts in corporate or public sectors, or for advanced studies in statistics. The curriculum offers five specializations:
An Actuarial Statistics Track for those pursuing careers in insurance or business actuarial work,
An Applied Statistics Track for interdisciplinary applications like econometrics or psychometrics,
A Biostatistics Concentration for careers analyzing biological data in pharmaceuticals, medical research, or related fields,
A Graduate Preparation Path for students aiming for statistics-focused advanced degrees, and
A Statistics and Programming Combination for those seeking to merge statistical knowledge with coding proficiency.
The majority of Penn State’s applications come from traditional, first-year students. The following types of students are considered first-year applicants (or freshman applicants, as some refer to them): Current high school student in his or her senior year; Student who has earned a high school diploma or a GED and has no post-secondary coursework; Student who has attempted 17 or fewer credits (semester hours) of college coursework at a regionally accredited college/university before attending Penn State; Current high school student who may have enrolled in another institution(s) before graduating from high school (dual enrollment); Student who may have attended Penn State on a nondegree basis.
English Language Proficiency
The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement: TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 550 on the old paper exam and a minimum of 20 in each section of the new paper exam (code #2660); IELTS: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test.