Program Description
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Statistics, a fully accredited Master's degree program, is for those who are interested in professional careers in business, industry, government, or scientific research. Our MPS program provides rigorous training in modern data analytical skills that are sought after in almost any field; our graduates have extensive career opportunities that are as diverse as your imagination and your interests. Currently Cornell is the only Ivy League University that provides such a program.
The MPS Program Has Two Options
Option I, an option that focuses on techniques of statistical analysis.
Option II, a newly-introduced MPS option for data-centered statistics, which along with statistical techniques puts more emphasis on computer science than Option I, for example, high performance computing, databases, middleware, and scripting.
The MPS Program Has Three Main Components
Required common and option-specific core courses.
An in-depth statistical analysis MPS project supported by the core courses.
Required coursework, including a two-semester course sequence in mathematical probability and statistics, and elective coursework selected from offerings in both the Department of Statistical Science and other departments at Cornell.
The program can be completed in one year by a well-prepared student with the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in statistics, applied mathematics, or computer science.
Students with less preparation can make up missing prerequisites while at Cornell, which will increase the time required to complete the degree requirements by one or two semesters. A typical two-year program would be:
Year 1:
Calculus & linear algebra (Math 1110/1120, 2310), core applied statistics (STBTRY 6010/6020), and math/statistics/computing electives.Year 2:
Required core MPS courses and advanced applied statistics electives.
MPS or MS/PhD?
The MPS is intended for persons who want a short-term (1 year) Master's degree so as to go into business, industry, or government statistical work. The MPS is not equivalent to an MS, on several counts: the MPS has a project (a large-scale data analysis project) rather than a thesis or a qualifying exam (which would be the case for an MS). The mathematical probability/statistics component of the MPS is less than it would be for an MS (which would be considered the first part of a PhD). The admissions procedures are completely independent: at Cornell, if you want to go on for a PhD after the MPS you must apply as a new student to the PhD program; you would be considered as part of the "pool" of PhD applicants and, if admitted, you might be able to apply some of your MPS coursework but there is no guarantee. The PhD in Statistics at Cornell enrolls about 2-4 students/year; the MPS, about 30-40 students/year.
