Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Arts Degree in Educational Statistics and AI prepares professionals to tackle pressing challenges in education through a rigorous integration of advanced statistical methodologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Students gain expertise in analyzing diverse educational datasets—including state-level assessments (e.g., Michigan’s Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress [M-STEP]), national benchmarks (National Assessment of Educational Progress[NAEP]), and international surveys (Programme for International Student Assessment [PISA], Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study [TIMSS])—to generate insights that directly inform policy reform, instructional innovation, and equitable resource allocation.

Admission

Applicants to the Master of Arts Degree in Educational Statistics and AI must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the final two years of undergraduate coursework and in any prior graduate-level study.
2. Statement of Purpose: A two-page statement articulating the applicant’s professional goals, research interests, and alignment with the program’s focus on applying statistical and AI methodologies to educational challenges.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Submission of GRE General Test scores is optional but encouraged. Scores may strengthen applications, particularly for candidates seeking to demonstrate quantitative aptitude or compensate for gaps in academic records (e.g., lower GPAs in quantitative course work).
4. English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit scores from an approved English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) meeting Michigan State University’s minimum requirements.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of academic preparation, professional goals, and potential for success. Admission is competitive, with priority given to applicants whose goals align with the program’s mission to advance equitable educational outcomes through AI and statistics. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.  

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Educational Statistics and AI
 
A minimum of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan B (without thesis). The student’s program of study must be approved by the Program Director of the Master of Arts Degree in Educational Statistics and AI. This program is available only online.

Students must complete the following:

1.	All of the following courses (9 credits):
	CEP	808	Introduction to Educational Measurement						3
	CEP	834	Inference in Educational Statistics						3
	CEP	835	Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science in Education						3
2.	Complete six courses totaling 18 credits from the following:
	CEP	819	Experimental Design and Causal Inference						3
	CEP	821	Sampling within Educational Contexts: Multi-level Analyses						3
	CEP	823	AI for Data Collection and Analysis in Education						3
	CEP	826	Linear Statistical Models in Education						3
	CEP	863	Path Analytic Models in Education						3
	CEP	867	Ethics of AI in Education						3
	STT	810	Mathematical Statistics for Data Scientists						3
	STT	811	Applied Statistical Modeling for Data Scientists						3
	A relevant course approved by the academic advisor
3.	Complete the following capstone course (3 credits):
	CEP	898	Educational Statistics and AI Capstone						3
4.	Completion of a final evaluation.