Grad School: Pre-requisites...to take at a 4-year or Community College?

Graduate School
1

Hi All!

So I’m thinking of going back to get my Masters (in Statistics). I majored in Business Finance for undergrad (graduated from USC). It has been a few years since I’ve graduated (2015).

Because the Masters in Statistics is unrelated to my undergrad, I have about a year and a half of math classes to take before I can even apply.

Is it looked down upon to take these classes at a community college? The key is that I will be shooting for the top programs in the country, so I don’t want to give ANY reason for ANYbody to look down on my application…so I’m thinking that I should take all of the pre-reqs at a 4-year…

Does anybody have insight into this? I mean it’s a bummer because it would be so much easier and cheaper to do community college, but like I said, I really want to get into a top program…so I’m sure they judge…

What do y’all think?

Any input is appreciated!!!

<3
Mark

2

If the MA/MS in statistics has as prerequisites junior/senior level statistics courses that BA/BS statistics majors take, those courses can only be taken at a four year school (community colleges will not have them). However, the math prerequisites for those statistics courses (single variable calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra) are readily available at community colleges.

3

@ucbalumnus It seems that most/all of the master’s programs just require the calculus 1-3, linear algebra, probability and statistics, etc., which most community colleges have. But again, do you not think that a top program, like Stanford, would rather see classes taken at a 4-year (rather than a cc)? Or do they really not judge?

Thanks for your input!!

4

You can ask those statistics MA/MS programs directly with your question.

5

Okay, thank you.

6

I would look to see if you could take those math classes at a 4-year Uni, perhaps as a non-degree student. Or see if they offer an extension program. If you are still in CA, teh UC campuses offer Extension classes. Harvard has an Extension program in Cambridge, which is highly thought of.

That way you earn a grade but also have a chance to score a strong rec.