Statistical Analysis System Certificate

1. Prerequisite
   • An introductory statistics course such as STA2023 or STA2122 offered at FSU. This can be an intro course taken at a different institution, a course with a significant statistics component in another discipline (e.g., economics or sociology), or a probability/mathematical statistics course.
2. Application
   • An application must be submitted before completion of the second course in the certificate program. No exceptions!
   • Applicants must have student status (degree-seeking or non-degree).
   • The application involves supplying student information, the prerequisite course taken, and a plan of study listing courses anticipated to be taken for the certificate.
   • Only online applications are accepted (see the link in the Application section below).
3. Coursework

To earn the certificate, you must complete the following core course:

• STA 3024 SAS for Data and Statistical Analysis

and any three of the following elective courses:

• STA 3064 Statistical Models Using SAS
• STA 4202 Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments
• STA 4203 Applied Regression Methods
• STA 4664 Statistics for Quality and Productivity
• STA 4702 Applied Multivariate Analysis
• STA 4853 Time Series and Forecasting Methods
• STA 4173 Biostatistics
• STA 4930 Special Topics in Statistics*
• STA 4931 Statistics in Practice

*Course topics and names will vary. You must check with an advisor to see if a particular offering is eligible for SAS certificate completion.

All of these courses are three credits and you must earn at least a B- in all four courses.

4. Portfolio
   • A student portfolio will be created from select assignments from each course.
   • The work will be compiled in a binder that includes four tabbed sections.  Each section will contain the work from one specific course.
   • At least one tabbed section must contain an extensive course project.
   • The portfolio will be due before the last week of classes in the semester that you plan to receive the certificate.
   • Upon completion of the coursework and favorable review of the student portfolio, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and your transcript will be modified to reflect completion of the certificate.

• The application must be submitted to the program before the end of your second course. If the first two or more courses are together in a particular semester then the application is due before the end of that semester.
• The application is an online form.
• You will be notified concerning approval status via email shortly after your application is evaluated (this can take up to one week).  

All of the courses taken for the SAS certificate may also be counted toward the department requirements for a major in statistics. The statistics major consists of a total of 33 credits and the SAS certificate courses can contribute 12 credits to this total. Therefore, the certificate courses count for more than one-third of the department requirements for a major in statistics.

The SAS certificate is the equivalent of a minor in statistics. That is, if you complete the coursework for the SAS certificate, you qualify for a minor in statistics.

For more information on the requirements for a major in statistics, visit the statistics undergraduate web page.

The certificate credential is not intended as a diploma or a degree.

1. Prerequisite
   • An introductory statistics course such as STA2023 or STA2122 offered at FSU. This can be an intro course taken at a different institution, a course with a significant statistics component in another discipline (e.g., economics or sociology), or a probability/mathematical statistics course.
2. Application
   • An application must be submitted before completion of the second course in the certificate program. 
   • Applicants must have student status (degree-seeking or non-degree).
   • The application involves supplying student information, the prerequisite course taken, and a plan of study listing courses anticipated to be taken for the certificate.
   • Only online applications are accepted (see the link in the Application section below).
3. Coursework

To earn the certificate, you must complete the one of the following core courses:

• STA 5066 Data Management Analysis with SAS, or
• An honors-enhanced course approved by the certificate director

and any three of the following elective courses:

• STA 3064 Statistical Models Using SAS
• STA 4202 Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments
• STA 4203 Applied Regression Methods
• STA 4664 Statistics for Quality and Productivity
• STA 4702 Applied Multivariate Analysis
• STA 4853 Time Series and Forecasting Methods
• STA 4173 Biostatistics
• STA 4930 Special Topics in Statistics*
• STA 4931 Statistics in Practice

*Course topics/names will vary. You must check with the advisor to see if a particular offering is eligible for SAS certificate completion.

All of these courses are three credits and you must earn at least a B- in all four courses.

4. Portfolio
   • A student portfolio will be created from select assignments from each course.
   • The work will be compiled in a binder that includes four tabbed sections. Each section will contain the work from one specific course.
   • At least one tabbed section must contain an extensive course project.
   • The honors portfolio requires more writing (for example, including written reflections and summaries) than one for the regular undergraduate certificate (see details below).
   • The portfolio will be due before the last week of classes in the semester that you plan to receive the certificate.
   • Upon completion of the coursework and favorable review of the student portfolio, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and your transcript will be modified to reflect completion of the certificate.

The SAS Certificate with Honors is open to all students including those currently in the honors program and those who are not. Successful completion of the certificate with honors will place this distinction on the student's transcript. For further details about the university's undergraduate certificate with honors program visit honors.fsu.edu.

The requirements for the SAS Certificate with Honors are as follows:

• A 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all certificate courses.
• In place of STA 3024 students must either enroll in STA 5066 or take an honors-enhanced course approved by the certificate director as the core course. Undergraduates taking a graduate-level course must complete the appropriate form from the registrar and get approval from the STA 5066 instructor. The remaining three elective courses are chosen in the same way as described above from the elective course list shown.
• A portfolio is compiled as described above; however, written reflections will be composed by the student to be included with the portfolio. Written reflections generally discuss what was accomplished in a specific assignment or project and how the particular achievements contributed to the student's mastery of the topics.

• The application must be submitted to the program before the end of your second course. If the first two or more courses are together in a particular semester then the application is due before the end of that semester.
• The application is an online form. 
• You will be notified concerning approval status via email shortly after your application is evaluated (this can take up to one week).  

All of the courses taken for the SAS certificate may also be counted toward the department requirements for a major in statistics. The statistics major consists of a total of 33 credits and the SAS certificate courses can contribute 12 credits to this total. Therefore, the certificate courses count for more than one-third of the department requirements for a major in statistics.

The SAS certificate is the equivalent of a minor in statistics. That is, if you complete the coursework for the SAS certificate, you qualify for a minor in statistics.

For more information on the requirements for a major in statistics, visit the statistics undergraduate web page.

The certificate credential is not intended as a diploma or a degree.

1. Prerequisite
   • An introductory statistics course such as STA2023 or STA2122 offered at FSU. This can be an intro course taken at a different institution, a course with a significant statistics component in another discipline (e.g., economics or sociology), or a probability/mathematical statistics course.
2. Application
   • An application must be submitted before completion of the second course in the certificate program. No exceptions!
   • Applicants must have student status (degree-seeking or non-degree).
   • The application involves supplying student information, the prerequisite course taken, and a plan of study listing courses anticipated to be taken for the certificate.
   • Only online applications are now accepted (see the link in the Application section below).
3. Coursework

To earn the certificate, you must complete the following core course:

• STA 5066 Data Management Analysis with SAS

and any three of the following elective courses:

• STA 5067 Advanced Data Management and Analysis with SAS
• STA 5168 Statistics in Applications III
• STA 5179 Applied Survival Analysis
• STA 5206 Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments
• STA 5207 Applied Regression Methods
• STA 5238 Applied Logistic Regression
• STA 5244 Clinical Trials
• STA 5666 Statistics for Quality and Productivity
• STA 5707 Applied Multivariate Analysis
• STA 5856 Time Series and Forecasting Methods
• STA 5939 Introduction to Statistical Consulting

*Course topics/names will vary. You must check with the advisor to see if a particular offering is eligible for SAS certificate completion.

All of these courses are three credits and you must earn at least a 3.0 GPA in the SAS courses. Grades must be B- or higher for a SAS class to count, but please note that you would need to reach the 3.0 GPA for all SAS courses combined to receive the certificate.

4.  Portfolio

• A student portfolio will be created from select assignments from each course.
• The work will be compiled in a binder that includes four tabbed sections. Each section will contain the work from one specific course.
• At least one tabbed section must contain an extensive course project.
• The portfolio will be due before the last week of classes in the semester that you plan to receive the certificate.
• Upon completion of the coursework and favorable review of the student portfolio, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and your transcript will be modified to reflect completion of the certificate.

• The application must be submitted to the program before the end of your second course. If the first two or more courses are together in a particular semester then the application is due before the end of that semester.
• The application is an online form.   You will be notified concerning approval status via email shortly after your application is evaluated (this can take up to one week).

Are there any prerequisites that I need before applying?

Yes, you need an introductory statistics course such as STA2023 or STA2122 offered at FSU.  This can be an intro course taken at a different institution, a course with a significant statistics component in another discipline (e.g., economics or sociology), or a probability/mathematical statistics course.

Are any classes offered online? Or do you need to be present on campus?

Unfortunately, our program is not fully online at this point. Currently there are no online undergraduate certificate courses. For the graduate certificate, STA5066 and STA5067 usually have an online option and there may be one online elective class offered in the near term; however, the other elective courses would need to be taken on campus.

What is the cost for the certificate program?

It depends on your cost per credit. There is a difference for in-state vs. out-of-state residency and a difference per credit-hour between the undergraduate and graduate certificate. Visit tuition.fsu.edu for more information. There is also a small fee to register as a non-degree student.

If I complete this program will I be a certified SAS programmer?

No, what you earn through FSU is a "certificate" and although our program is sponsored by SAS, it is not considered a "certification" by them. A Certified Base SAS Programmer designation can only be earned through examination and is only administered by SAS. The only way to receive a certification ID number is by examination through SAS.

I am a State of Florida employee. Are the SAS certificate courses covered under the State Employee Waiver?

Courses should be eligible for the waiver as we have had several state employees in the past complete the certificate in this fashion. You should contact your supervisor and/or the registrar for details. If you are not currently in a degree program, you will need to register as a non-degree student. 

Is there anything tangible that I will receive or proof of certificate once I earned the SAS certificate? 

Yes, you will receive a thick paper certificate suitable for framing as well as it being posted to your transcript.

What is the estimated duration of the program?

Four semesters if taken at a one course per semester pace. Two semesters at a two-course per term pace.

What is the minimum number of semesters in which the certificate can be completed?

If courses are available, all courses can be taken and the certificate finished in one semester. However, we would not advise doing this in most cases.

Is there a time limit for completion of the certificate?

No, currently there is no time limit.  As long as you are in good standing with the university and have an active transcript (either a current degree-seeking or non-degree student), you are free to stretch out your program as needed.

Is there a specific order in which to take the classes?

We strongly suggest that you take the core course first (STA3024 for undergraduates and STA5066 for graduate students) as those skills will be useful in subsequent courses. However, if your schedule does not permit, an elective may be taken first as long as you have necessary prerequisites.

Are all the classes offered every semester and is there a minimum amount of hours permitted each semester?

For courses in the undergraduate certificate STA3024 and STA3064 are both offered in the fall and spring.  There are elective courses offered every semester but they vary.  For courses in the graduate certificate, STA5066 is typically taught in the fall and STA5067 in the spring.  Usually, graduate certificate elective courses are offered every semester but vary.  If you have non-degree seeking status, there is no minimum required.

I have completed all of the courses for the SAS certificate this semester, however, I will won't graduate until next semester. Is it necessary for me to complete my portfolio by this semester’s deadline or can I wait until next term to submit my portfolio as I will still be enrolled at FSU?

You can complete the portfolio in the following semester. Just let the program director know so that your name can be officially moved to the list for the following completion term.

I have taken a course similar to one of the certificate courses at another university. May I use that course as one that is counted toward the certificate requirements?

Based on FSU policy and our partnership agreement with SAS, all courses must be taken at FSU in order for the certificate to be granted.

I made one of my SAS classes a pass/fail class, am I still eligible for the certificate?

No, all courses for the certificate need to be for a letter grade.

Is there a minimum grade requirement for courses used to complete the certificate requirements?

Yes, each class in the program must be completed with a B- or higher.

How does the graduate certificate compare to SAS other certifications (for example, business analyst, base, or advance programmer)?

The curriculum is such that the core course, STA5066, goes over most of the material covered on the base programmer exam and a bit on the advanced programmer exam. Students can take an elective course, STA5067, which covers much of the remaining material on the advanced programmer exam. Specific applied courses that can be taken as electives could help you in preparing for the business analyst exam. For example, you could take courses in regression, ANOVA, and logistic regression as your electives which would cover the majority of that exam’s body of knowledge.

I'm a graduate student in another department at FSU.  Am I eligible to apply for the SAS undergraduate certificate? Even though these are undergraduate classes, they seem like very marketable tools for my discipline.  Or would I have to apply to the graduate certificate program?

Since the certificates are not degrees, you would be eligible for either one. As long as your FSU student status remains active and you are in good academic standing, you are eligible to pursue the certificate that you feel is the best fit for you. We suggest, however, that you do check with your home department for any restrictions your current program may have.

What are the differences between the undergraduate honors and regular certificate program?

The two main differences between the regular and honors certificate are that you take a different core course for honors (either STA5066 or an approved honors augmented course) and you need to do a bit more writing (such as including written reflections and summaries) in your portfolio for the honors certificate program.

Is it true that by earning the undergraduate certificate, I also meet the requirements for a minor in statistics?

Yes, the four courses taken for the undergraduate certificate would qualify you for the minor in statistics.

How do I apply?

All applications must be completed online (paper applications no longer accepted).

When should I apply?

University policy states that you need to submit an application and be approved before the completion of your second course in the program. No exceptions!

Do I have to be a student at FSU to enroll in this certificate program?

Yes, you need to be enrolled at FSU before you can apply. If you are not currently enrolled in a degree program, you can register at FSU as a non-degree student.

I previously submitted the application listing the four SAS courses I had planned to take. However, since that time, I have taken a different course that I want to use instead for the certificate. Do I need to fill out a new application?

No, there is no need to resubmit the application. Just inform the program director of the substitution.

What is the portfolio requirement?

In addition to the certificate program courses, participants must complete a portfolio of SAS programs, output, and interpretations that showcase their abilities. Skills in programming, data management, statistical modeling, and report generation should be demonstrated. The portfolio will be based on work taken from the four certificate courses and will be submitted in a physical binder to be evaluated by the program director.

How do I put together the portfolio?

You should save all assignments and projects from the four certificate courses. You will select one to two key assignments or projects from each course to include in the portfolio. The work will be compiled in a binder that includes four tabbed sections.  Each section will contain the work from one specific course. At least one tabbed section must contain a course project illustrating an extensive application of the SAS system and that demonstrates several dimensions of SAS skills that are deemed valuable to outside organizations. All four courses in the certificate program must be represented in the binder. 

How are the portfolios evaluated? Will I get mine back?

The program director will review and provide an evaluation of all submitted portfolios. Evaluation is based on portfolio presentation, organization, breadth of material, and depth of material. Students will receive their binder back and may find it useful for demonstrating their skills to potential employers.

When is the portfolio due?

Generally, the portfolio is due before the last week of classes, usually in Week 14 of the semester. If your name is on the list for anticipated completion by the end of the current semester, you should receive an email with the specific due date for that semester. Contact the program director if you have not received the due date message.