I joined the MSSP program at Boston University right after completing my undergraduate degree in Economics from India. During my undergrad, I developed a strong interest in statistical analysis through internships, which motivated me to pursue a Master’s in Applied Statistics.
Out of the three programs I applied to, I chose BU’s MSSP because of its flexible curriculum and the opportunity to explore how statistics is applied across various industries. One of the other programs I considered focused primarily on social science research, which I felt might limit my exposure to economics and other fields. BU’s MSSP program stood out for offering a well-rounded foundation while allowing for exploration.
The highlights of the program for me were the practicum, my peers, and the professors. Orientation helped me connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and I learned so much from their experiences and perspectives. The practicum was especially valuable—it offered hands-on experience and covered crucial topics such as ethics and data security, which have come up frequently in job interviews and hackathons. I particularly enjoyed the consulting component, as it provided real industry exposure and significantly boosted my resume.
The professors were incredibly supportive and always willing to help, which made a big difference in my learning experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to build a strong foundation in applied statistics with real-world relevance.