Applied Statistics in Social Science Research (MS)

Degrees

MS Applied Statistics and Social Science Research
MS/MPA Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy (NYU Wagner)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Applied Statistics for Social Science Research (A3SR) provides students with rigorous training in applied statistics research techniques and strategies that can be applied to contemporary social, behavioral, and health science research. This MS program is a good choice for students who want to gain greater knowledge of statistics and its application to everyday problems and policies, and to sharpen their data-analysis and problem-solving skills.

The A3SR curriculum provides students with a firm foundation in statistical modeling tools and theoretical perspectives common within the social, behavioral, and health sciences, while allowing the opportunity to pursue their own interests and develop specialized skills. It prepares students to become applied statisticians and data scientists in the public or private sector, as well as for further academic study in fields that rely on quantitative research. The concentrations and electives can be tailored to students’ substantive and methodological interests. A3SR faculty have particular strengths in causal inference, demography, missing data, model selection, multivariate analysis, multi-level modeling, networks, and surveys and sampling. They also have expertise on methods at the intersection between machine learning and statistics. Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty on research that ranges from applied statistical analysis to the development of customized statistical models.

Dual Degree Option

A dual degree option offers students interested in contributing to public policy the opportunity to develop both their quantitative skills and their policy analysis and public management expertise by completing both an MS in Applied Statistics at NYU Steinhardt and an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service in two years. The MS program focuses on understanding and applying advanced statistical techniques critical to policy issues across the social, behavioral, and health sciences. The MPA program, with its Public Policy Analysis specialization, provides students with key frameworks from economics and political science alongside important skills in management and finance, and sets them up to play a leading role in designing, implementing, and evaluating policy that better serves the public good.

This dual degree option allows for 24 credits of coursework to apply to both degrees, so students can complete their MS and MPA in only two years of continuous, full-time study resulting in considerable financial savings.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

This variable-credit program (33–44 credits) offers an accelerated option for students entering with prior statistical training. The program consists of theoretical foundations, statistical inference and generalized linear models, causal inference, survey research methods, multilevel modeling, applied statistics electives, and unrestricted electives. A statistical consulting research seminar and internship provide practical learning experiences.

All students must select one of three concentrations: General Applied Statistics, Computational Methods, or Data Science for Social Impact. The concentrations allow students to tailor their studies and focus more specifically on training and preparation for their career or future research. Data Science for Social Impact prepares students to build research–practice partnerships, become knowledgeable of ethical concerns surrounding data, and effectively communicate research findings and their implications. Computational Methods provides more rigorous training in methodological theory and development, and is particularly appropriate for students who wish to progress to PhD programs. General Applied Statistics offers maximal flexibility, allowing students to customize their programs of study by selecting from a broad set of statistics and related courses. Applied statistics electives must be taken, selected from among the topics offered in the program. Finally, a small number of unrestricted electives may be taken from departments across the entire university.

Sample Plan of Study

Full-Time General Applied Statistics

Full-Time Data Science for Social Impact

Full-Time Computational Methods

Part-Time Sample Plan

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Build a strong foundation in statistical research techniques and apply them to address critical issues in contemporary social, behavioral, health science and policy research.
2. Develop core statistical programming skills.
3. Develop ability to communicate about statistical methods and results to a non-technical audience.
4. Ability to apply statistical methods in research or professional settings.
5. Develop proficiency in core statistical competencies.

Policies

Program Policies 

Program Policy on Transfer Credit

Students may not transfer credit in from previously completed courses from another college or university towards this degree program. 

Program Academic Standards

Successful completion of our department’s graduate programs requires a strong foundation in theories and methods. Therefore, in addition to Steinhardt academic standards, students in the program must also: 

• Maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Complete all core and concentration courses with a grade of B- or better
• May not take any core or concentration courses pass/fail
• May only take up to 4 elective credits or one course (whichever is fewer) pass/fail

Course Repeat Policy

A student who does not complete a required course or a concentration course with a grade of B- or better must retake the course. The A3SR program has a limit of two non-satisfactory attempts (below the required B- grade) or three withdrawals for each course. If a student takes a required course twice and earns a grade below a B- both times, or withdraws from the same class three times, they could be recommended for dismissal from the program for failing to meet their departmental program standards and benchmarks.

Course repeats may impact your program length if:

• Repeating a course would place you over the maximum credit load for a term
• The repeated course is a prerequisite for a course required in your next semester
• The repeated course is not offered in the next semester

Students should be mindful of financial aid implications with any course repeats.

STEM OPT Benefits for International Students

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.