Are you looking to launch, pivot, or accelerate your career with skills that make you valuable in any industry?

The Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science, offered by the Department of Mathematics, provides students with training in the statistical analysis of data sets, as well as in state-of-the-art data mining techniques. This one-year, 30-credit program includes computational implementations on real data sets and learning key theoretical concepts. The program provides students with the necessary skills required for professional positions in data analysis and statistics.

Graduates of the program go on to work in industries such as energy, healthcare, finance, insurance, technology, and government, reflecting the broad applicability of statistical thinking in today’s workforce.

Contact us if you are interested in the program and/or have additional questions.

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Why This Program?

In a field where tools and technologies are constantly evolving, a strong foundation is what sets professionals apart. Our program emphasizes statistics as the core of data science, equipping students to understand, interpret, and apply data rather than just process it.

Unlike many data science programs that focus primarily on tools, we emphasize statistical thinking, modeling, and real-world application, giving you the skills to adapt and stay relevant as the field evolves.

Through this program, you will:

• Build a strong statistical foundation that translates across industries
• Work with real-world data using modern tools and techniques
• Gain experience in data mining, modeling, and machine learning
• Develop both technical and analytical decision-making skills

Whether you're advancing your current career or making a pivot, this program is designed to equip you with the depth, flexibility, and confidence to succeed in any data-driven role.

Built for Your Career Growth

Statistics-Driven Foundation
Build deep expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation that goes beyond tools and prepares you for long-term success.

Hands-On, Real-World Experience
Work with real data sets using modern data mining and computational techniques to solve practical problems.

One-Year, Career-Focused Pathway
Complete your degree in as little as one year and enter the workforce quickly with in-demand, job-ready skills.

Supportive Network & Industry Access
Learn from dedicated faculty, connect with engaged alumni, and network with industry professionals who actively support your growth.

Who This Program Is For?

Are you a recent graduate looking for a career path with a high return on investment? A professional ready to pivot into data science and bring a fresh, analytical lens to a new industry? Or someone looking to elevate your current career with insights that make you indispensable to your organization?

• Recent Graduates: You’ve built a strong academic foundation. Now you’re looking for a clear, marketable path forward. This program equips you with in-demand statistical and data science skills that translate directly into real-world roles across industries. Instead of guessing your next step, you graduate with a defined, competitive skill set.

• Career Changers: You’re ready for something different. Not just a new job, but a new way of thinking. This program gives you the tools to analyze problems, uncover patterns, and make data-driven decisions. You’re not starting over. You’re adding a powerful lens that makes you valuable wherever you go.

• Working Professionals: You’re already in your field, but you know there’s another level. Whether you want to move into analytics, strengthen your decision-making, or increase your impact, this program helps you turn data into insight and insight into strategy. This positions you as a key contributor within your organization and opens doors for growth.

Program Outcomes

Where our graduates work

Why Houston?

Located in one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the country, the University of Houston provides direct access to opportunities across energy, healthcare, technology, finance, and consulting. As a global hub for industry, Houston allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, build meaningful connections, and explore a wide range of career paths.

Many of our graduates go on to work in the energy and oil and gas industry right here in Houston, leveraging the city’s strong demand for data-driven decision-making.

This proximity to industry, combined with the program’s strong analytical foundation, positions students to graduate not only prepared, but connected.

Curriculum

(PDF)

Alumni Testimonials

"I found the M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program at UH to be a challenging, exciting, and invaluable experience. I appreciated the diversity in backgrounds and disciplines among my peers and professors. My research internship with the UH physics department at the end of the program was an excellent bridge to my current role. I apply the theory and methodology taught in Statistics and Data Science courses regularly in my work solving natural science and social science problems!"

Jasmine Eshun (M.S. ’20)

Data Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

"Overall, I would highly recommend the M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in data science or analytics. The coursework covered a wide range of relevant topics and prepared me well for a career in the data field. What I appreciated most about the program was its emphasis on hands-on projects. The professors were experts in their fields and always went above and beyond to ensure that we had a deep understanding of the material."

Basel Najjar (M.S. ’22)

Data Analyst

"The M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program at UH was an invaluable and rewarding learning experience for me. During my time in the program, I was able to refine my programming and technical skills as well as broaden my knowledge of statistics and various topics in data science that ranged from geospatial modeling to applications of machine learning in finance. Upon graduation, I felt that the diverse set of skills and knowledge I gained through the program greatly prepared me for my career in data analytics."

Patricia Sieng (M.S. ’21)

Finance Data Analyst, CBRE

"The UH M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program provided a great foundation to pursue my data science career. I gained foundational knowledge in statistics and data science techniques as well as the technical skills needed to solve a variety of data-related problems. Obtaining my master’s degree in statistics and data science through the program was the stepping stone of my career journey."

Dayana Sosa (M.S. ’21)

Data Science Associate, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Contact Us

Mailing Address

Department of Mathematics
University of Houston
3551 Cullen Blvd., Room 641
Philip G. Hoffman Hall
Houston, TX 77204-3008

Questions?

Answers to some common questions can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page. Please contact Tierra Kirts (tskirts@central.uh.edu) with any other questions.

under construction - 04/24/26