MA in Statistics and Applied Mathematics

Master of Arts (MA) in Statistics and Applied Mathematics

Students must obtain 30 credits to complete the Master of Arts in Statistics and Applied Mathematics.

The MA in Statistics and Applied Mathematics is a 30-credit degree program.

The courses must be approved by an advisor and constitute a concentration. Courses already taken as an undergraduate may satisfy specific course requirements but are not included in the 30-credit/10-course total.

Choose from these  four program sequences to complete the MA in Statistics and Applied Mathematics:

• Track I: Statistics
• Track II: Applied Mathematics
• Track III: Bioinformatics
• Track IV:  Mathematical Finance

Track I: STATISTICS

Core Curriculum (15 credits, 5 courses)
Choose from multiple courses for a total of 5.

Electives (12 credits, 4 courses)
Twelve credits in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or relevant areas of application, selected to constitute a cohesive program. Typically, these courses are at the MATH 700 and/or STAT 700 level. Electives must be approved by the Graduate Statistics and Applied Mathematics Advisor.

Project (3 credits, 1 course)
The student, guided by a member of the faculty, prepares a project in statistics. The student presents the results to faculty and students in a seminar during the student’s final semester. This replaces the comprehensive examination requirement.

Computer Language Requirement
The student must exhibit a working knowledge of two useful computer languages or data analysis packages. This replaces the foreign language requirement. 

Track II: APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Core Curriculum (15 credits, 5 courses)
Choose from multiple courses for a total of 5.

Electives (12 credits, 4 courses)
Twelve credits in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or relevant areas of application, selected to constitute a cohesive program. Electives must be approved by the Graduate Applied Mathematics Advisor. Alternatives to required core courses that were not selected may be used as electives.

Project (3 credits, 1 course)
The student, guided by a member of the faculty, prepares a project in applied mathematics. The student presents the results to faculty and students in a seminar during the student’s final semester. This replaces the comprehensive examination requirement.

Computer Language Requirement
The student must exhibit a working knowledge of two useful computer languages or data analysis packages. This replaces the foreign language requirement.

Track III: BIOINFORMATICS

NOTE: This track has Additional Admission Requirements. See below.

Required Core (15 credits, 5 courses)

Electives (12 credits, 4 courses)
Four graduate courses in biology, chemistry, or related fields. Those must constitute a cohesive curriculum in bioinformatics, and must be approved by the Graduate Bioinformatics Advisor.

Project (3 credits, 1 course)
The student, guided by a member of the faculty, prepares a project in bioinformatics. The student presents the results to faculty and students in a seminar during the student’s final semester. This replaces the comprehensive examination requirement.

Computer Language Requirement
The student must exhibit a working knowledge of two useful computer languages or data analysis packages. This replaces the foreign language requirement.

Track IV: MATHEMATICAL FINANCE

Required Core (24 credits, 8 courses)
Choose from multiple courses in Statistics, Mathematics, and Economics for a total of 5.

Electives (3 credits, 1 course)
Choose one of five courses.

Project (3 credits, 1 course)
The student, guided by a member of the faculty, prepares a project in mathematical finance. The student presents the results to faculty and students in a seminar during the student’s final semester. This replaces the comprehensive examination requirement.

Computer Language Requirement
The student must exhibit a working knowledge of two useful computer languages or data analysis packages. This replaces the foreign language requirement.

The Department’s requirements are intended to encourage students without a prior specialization in mathematics to pursue a degree in statistics and applied mathematics. However, meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

Note that the Bioinformatics Track has additional requirements. See below.

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College – College & University Transcripts
• Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
• Applicants are expected to have completed Calculus III (MATH 250) and Linear Algebra (MATH 260); however, some applicants may be accepted into the program conditionally, contingent upon successful completion of these courses.
• Official score report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.*
• Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references.
• A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words describing your objectives in undertaking graduate study. In reviewing applications, considerable importance is placed on the applicant’s interest in and commitment to advanced study and professional development.

*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is currently waived for both the incoming Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 class.

Bioinformatics: Additional Admission Requirements
The Bioinformatics track allows students with career plans in the biomedical sciences and without a previous specialization in mathematics to pursue a degree in statistics and applied mathematics. In addition to the above departmental requirements for admission to the MA program in Statistics and Applied Mathematics, it is required that the student have an adequate undergraduate training in biological sciences, chemistry, or related fields, as well as strong computer programming skills. Please review the specific admission requirements at the link below.

Actuaries analyze financial risks using statistical models for insurance companies, businesses, and government agencies.

Average Salary: $70,000 – $130,000

Data scientists use statistical techniques and programming skills to analyze complex datasets, derive insights, and make data-driven decisions.

Average Salary: $80,000 – $150,000

Financial and quantitative analysts apply statistical and mathematical models to analyze financial markets, investments, and risks.

Average Salary: $80,000 – $150,000

Market research analysts study market conditions, consumer behavior, and trends using statistical methods to aid businesses in making strategic decisions.

Average Salary: $60,000 – $110,000

Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to optimize complex systems and decision-making in various industries.

Average Salary: $70,000 – $130,000

Quantitative researchers develop and apply statistical models for research in fields such as finance, science, and technology.

Average Salary: $80,000 – $150,000

Statistical consultants provide expertise in statistics to help businesses and organizations solve problems and make data-driven decisions.

Average Salary: $70,000 – $130,000

Statistical programmers use programming languages to develop algorithms and software for statistical analysis and modeling.

Average Salary: $70,000 – $120,000

Supply chain analysts use statistical methods to optimize supply chain operations, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Average Salary: $60,000 – $110,000

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys, analyze data using statistical techniques, and present findings for various purposes.

Average Salary: $50,000 – $100,000