1. You can take Math 1190 Calculus I and Math 2202 Calculus II if you want additional preparation. These classes are offered in the day and evening.
2. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a Minor Degree in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis. The courses required for the minor will help prepare you for MSAS and give you experience that will be useful.
3. There are many commercial products that have self-study material for calculus. Working through one of these courses will help you review and gain confidence in your calculus knowledge.

2. I’m thinking about applying for MSAS, but I need calculus. What are my options?
A: There are several options:

1. If you have never taken a calculus course, you can take Math 1190 Calculus I and Math 2202 Calculus II. These classes are offered in the day and evening.
2. If you have taken a calculus course in the past, but feel a little "rusty", you can enroll in the STAT 7000 course offered each summer before the program begins. This is called the Boot Camp Option for the MSAS program. This course is used to review the mathematics essential to the program.
3. Also, there are many commercial products that have self-study material for calculus. These can be useful to review materials that may have been forgotten. Working through one of these courses will help you review and gain confidence in your calculus knowledge.

3. Why does MSAS admission require calculus?
A: The depth of understanding of statistics depends on a basic knowledge of calculus. The focus of the MSAS program is to develop graduates that have in-depth knowledge of the techniques they will be using. “Plugging into” formulas or computer a routine is not the objective. This approach will enable students to develop meaningful careers and be in demand in the marketplace.

4. Can I start in the spring rather than the fall?
A: No. This program is a cohort program. The spring courses have fall courses as prerequisites. New cohorts begin each fall.

5. What if I miss a semester?
A: If you have completed the first semester of coursework and then miss a later semester of work, you can rejoin your cohort and make up the missed semester with the next year’s cohort.

6. Can I substitute any graduate courses from other departments?
A: You can substitute up to 9 hours of credits from other graduate programs with the permission of the MSAS program director.

7. What courses can I substitute for courses in MSAS?
A: Courses such as ECON 8700 (Econometrics and Forecasting Methods), ECON 8720 (Multivariate Data Analysis), ECON 8740 (Quantitative Decision Models in Economics and Finance), ECON 8760 (Simulation and Risk Analysis) are examples of courses that would substitute for courses in MSAS. Other courses would be considered on a case by case basis.

8. Does Kennesaw offer any courses to help me prepare for MSAS?
A: MATH 1190 (Calculus I) and MATH 2202 (Calculus II) are offered every semester. These would prepare students for the calculus part of the program. Courses in the Minor in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis (STAT 3010, STAT 3120, STAT 3130, STAT 4120 and STAT 4210) would help students prepare for the statistics part of the program. These are not requirements for admission to the program. STAT 7000 (Introduction to Mathematics for Statistics) is offered every summer to help students review the mathematics necessary for success in the program.

9. What can I do with my degree?
A: The entry degree for most positions requiring statistical training is the Master of Science degree. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicated that 18% of the country’s statisticians work for the federal government, 16% for state and local governments and the remainder for private industry. University based statisticians are a relatively small percentage. Thus, a large percentage of MAS degree students will likely be placed in the private sector. From the 2005 survey of salaries reported on http://www.amstat.org/careers, the median salary in 2005 for an MS statistician in business, industry or government with 0 to 1.9 years of experience was $60,000. In the pharmaceutical industry, the corresponding figure is $73,000. An August 2004 web search of American’s Job Bank for positions in the Atlanta area with a Six Sigma keyword produced 96 jobs from a variety of companies; most positions had salaries over $50,000 per year.

Applied statisticians are used in industry and government where skills are needed for areas such as: testing, sampling surveys, computing, market research, reliability, estimation, quality control, and process improvement. Some areas that employ statisticians include: manufacturing, medicine, pharmacology, public health, engineering, consulting, insurance, defense, and economics. The American Statistical Association web site -  www.amstat.org/careers - gives an extensive list.

10. My undergraduate degree is not in math or statistics; can I still enroll in MSAS?
A: Yes, as long as you have the prerequisite mathematics knowledge (Calculus I and II).

11. Is there any financial support for students in the MSAS program?
A: There are a limited number of graduate research assistantships to be awarded. In addition, financial aid and loans are available. See the Tuition, Expenses and Financial Aid section of the Graduate Catalog.

12. How much does it cost to enroll in the MSAS program?
A: As of Fall 2006, for a 7 credit hour load for a Georgia resident, tuition and fees total $1317. For a non-Georgia resident, the cost would be $3844 per semester. See the Tuition, Expenses and Financial Aid section of the current Graduate Catalog for details.

13. How do I apply?
A: Fill out the application for admission at www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/forms.html.

14. How much time outside of class will I need to spend?
A: For a 7 hour course load, you can expect to spend 14 hours per week on homework, take-home assignments and studying.

15. What is the difference in “Applied Statistics” and “Statistics?”
A: The word “applied” in the title of our program indicates that the emphasis of the program is on using statistics to solve problems, not on proving theorems or developing new statistical methodology.

16. What do I do if I miss a class?
A: If you know ahead of time that you miss a class, make arrangements with classmates and your instructor to make up any missed work. Otherwise, you should contact some of your classmates to find out what you missed. You can also contact the instructor.

17. I’m not interested in Six Sigma certification. Do I need to take the tests?
A: No there is no requirement to take any American Society for Quality certification test. At the end of the first year, students will be ready to take the Green Belt exam and can do so if they choose. At the end of the program, students will have covered the Body of Knowledge for the Black Belt exam. MSAS is unique in that the Body of Knowledge is addressed for both exams within the MSAS courses.

18. Will Kennesaw accept my degree from a university outside the United States?
A: Graduates of universities outside the United States must be able to document that their degree is the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited United States college or university. See www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/international.html.

19. This program of study seems very unique, it’s not offered at other universities. Why?
A: KSU is a growing university with about 19,000 students. This growth has enabled hiring 8 PhD statisticians over a relatively short period; many of whom- have had experience in business or industry. Thus, MSAS was developed with business applications including use of software as a primary objective.

20. Is MSAS an approved program?
A: The program was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents on March 23, 2006.

21. I’m interested in going to graduate school in an applied discipline. Will MSAS help me prepare for my program?
A: The MSAS program includes the basic course content of most master degree programs in applied statistics. Students are encouraged to check with the university where they would pursue a doctoral degree on the transferability of specific courses.