This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The Certificate in Applied Statistics will train students on the assumptions associated with applied statistics procedures and prepare them to apply the procedures to real data. Students will learn statistical packages that allow them to perform the procedures and learn the proper interpretation of the results. Graduates will be able to apply the procedures in many high-demand areas, including industry, government and professional/financial businesses.

The graduate certificate is appropriate for working professionals in government agencies and the financial sector who want to advance their careers by acquiring new skills and learning new topics in applied statistics. Individuals who are considering a graduate degree in statistics may also be interested, as all courses in this program would transfer to an M.S. within the statistics department.

Full-time students can complete the certificate in one year (two semesters) with a course load of six credits each in a fall and spring semester. Part-time students can complete the certificate in two years (four semesters) with a three-credit load each semester.

Student learning outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of basic statistical concepts and general linear modeling. 
  2. Students will know how to select appropriate samples and conduct appropriate experimental data collection methods. 
  3. Students will be able to perform appropriate analysis of data, including knowledge of the assumptions associated with the procedures and how to determine the appropriate procedure to use. 
  4. Students will be able to use statistical software packages to solve various problems.
  5. Students will know how to clearly and concisely present technical information in writing.

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.