Azusa Pacific University's Master’s in Applied Statistics and Data Science program (ASDS) is a great opportunity for graduate students to hone their skills and learn new ones that will help them advance in their career goals. The field is quickly growing, and so is the demand for workers. “We are committed to equipping students with data science skills and preparing students to solve complex problems to serve God’s kingdom and the global community,” said program director Soeun Kim, PhD. The ASDS program and its faculty have notable connections within the workforce. With small class sizes, faculty are able to connect with students and help set them up for success through individual mentoring, research opportunities, internships, and hands-on work experience opportunities on and off campus.
The ASDS program accepts students with any bachelor’s degree and encourages students from all educational backgrounds to apply. A number of students come from a math, computer science, biology, or science background, but the program is designed to be accessible for all. Applications are accepted year-round, and classes are offered online, in-person, or hybrid for greater scheduling flexibility. Full time students can complete the program in just two years, and undergraduates from APU can participate in a four-plus-one pathway that allows traditional four year applied math, computer science, and engineering majors to finish their graduate courses in just one year, saving them time and money.
The ASDS program integrates ethics training and a Christian worldview into each course through discussions, papers, and special projects. “We’re showing our students how they can integrate their data science skills with the core command to love their neighbor and serve the community,” Kim said. “We empower students to make data informed decisions, thoughtfully considering how data analysis can lead to decisions that support and love members of society, especially the vulnerable.”
Faith integration is what draws many students to the program and helps them to excel. “Faith is what drives me and is in the background of everything I do,” current student Karim Raphael ’26 said. “Having a solid foundation of faith allows us to be good stewards of knowledge and have integrity whether we’re studying, applying what we’ve learned in class to an assignment, or working outside of APU.” Alumna Rebecca Burtea ’23 also enjoyed the faith integration aspect of the program. “It helped me recognize that wherever I go, I’m not just a representative of APU, but also of Christ,” she said. “Whether we’re actively talking about our faith or not, wherever we work is our ministry, and carrying ourselves with faith is important.”
Raphael, a telecommunications engineer, shared that data has always been a significant part of his career as he analyzed network performance and customer experience. He moved to the U.S. three years ago seeking to transition into data science and build upon his technical background. “This program provides a base of theoretical knowledge and tools that I have been able to apply in my work,” he said.
It helped me grow from a data enthusiast to a data professional, refining my data analysis abilities and expanding my technical expertise.
The ASDS program’s student to faculty ratio provides students with in class attention and out of class opportunities. “Each student receives a lot of personal attention from faculty to help build their careers based on what they’re looking for,” Kim said. Students can choose to work on projects in various fields such as business analytics, biostatistics, sports analytics, psychology, public health, or medical research. They are encouraged to use data sets from their own jobs or other sources on projects to develop their analysis and reporting skills on information that is relevant to their career. Each student in the program participates in practicum and a culminating project. Through a series of research courses, students get hands-on experience with real data and are able to enhance their applications for doctorate programs and jobs.
For students that are looking to start a new job or advance in their career by switching organizations, the ASDS program is known for facilitating professional connections. “We can connect students with different organizations and faculty to gain practical work experience,” Kim said. Burtea worked as a data analysis research assistant in the School of Nursing where she was able to practice her skills in a professional setting and help publish a paper in a medical journal to build up her resume. After that, Kim connected her with an internship at Gilead Sciences. After working with Gilead during her last year of the program, they hired Burtea as a contractor after graduation. “Getting into the workforce is a lot about having connections, and the professors helped me to get into the field,” she said. “With their help, I was able to make connections of my own while developing my skills.” Faculty members also support students as they begin to achieve their career goals by providing references and guiding students through the job application process with professional and biblical advice.
APU’s Applied Statistics and Data Science program helps graduate students hone in on their career goals through practical application projects, research, and theoretical knowledge. By integrating faith into courses and promoting personal and professional connections between faculty, students, and outside organizations, students are well prepared to enter or move up within the workforce. “Everyone in the program is knowledgeable and patient,” Burtea said. “The professors do an amazing job at teaching the different theories and tools while also showing you how to use them in your career. I’m grateful for how APU’s ASDS program equipped me for success.”