The program includes fundamental training in mathematical and applied statistics as well as specialized training in data management, analysis, and model building with large datasets and databases. The specialized courses have an emphasis on statistical computing, data management, and statistical learning, which encompasses the more statistical topics that fall under the broader title of data mining. Students are encouraged to gain experience in a business or consulting environment as part of the program.

Virtually every industry and major organization is becoming increasingly data intensive in planning processes and business decision making. There is a strong and increasing demand nationwide for people with training in statistics, data mining, predictive modeling and analysis with complex datasets for problems in risk analysis and demand forecasting