For admission to the M.S. Program in Statistics, applicants must have or be in the process of completing a Baccalaureate Degree, either in a mathematical field or a field that makes significant use of quantitative methods, with at least a 3.0 overall grade point average (GPA). A previous degree in Statistics or Biostatistics is useful, but not required.
All students entering the Program are required to have a substantive background in mathematics, including at least three semesters of Calculus through multivariable/vector calculus (at the level of MATH 125, MATH 129, MATH 223), one semester of Linear Algebra (at the level of MATH 215), and experience with computer technologies.
For M.S. and Ph.D. applicants, at least one introductory course in statistical methods (at the level of MATH 263) is required. In addition, at least one semester of upper-division Probability (e.g., MATH 464) and (for Ph.D. students) two semesters of upper-division Real Analysis (e.g., MATH 425A-425B) are strongly recommended.
M.S. and Ph.D. applicants MAY show scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE - general test only) that exceed 75th percentile Quantitative and 50th percentile Verbal. (GRE scores must be dated no older than five years from the time of application to the program.) The GRE is not required but it is recommended.
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must exhibit proficiency in English as per the Graduate College's basic requirements for this proficiency: a minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 550 paper based (PB) or 79 internet-based (iBT).
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination can be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score requirement for admissions consideration is a score of 7, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.
Note, however, that the GIDP imposes additional English proficiency requirements on applicants in order to be eligible for financial aid through the Program. See the section below on Financial Assistance for further details.
The Graduate College's basic admissions requirements stipulate that scores on the TOEFL or the IELTS must be dated within 24 months of the term of intended enrollment. Scores older than this are considered out-of-date and cannot be used to support a student's application.
Along with these materials, a Statement of Purpose describing the applicant's interests and goals for graduate study in interdisciplinary statistics, a list of college-level statistics and mathematics courses completed (including final grades) or in progress, and a minimum of two letters of recommendation from university faculty members familiar with an applicant's academic and scholarly abilities are also required. (Applicants who wish to submit additional letters may do so; however, letters from non-academic sources are treated with lesser weight by the Recruiting & Admissions Committee.) An attendant curriculum vitae is optional, but recommended. Complete application procedures are given in the Applications section of this website.
