How to Apply

All applications for statistics graduate programs are completed online using SLATE. The graduate program in statistics ordinarily grants admission for entry in the fall semester, entry in spring and summer is rare and only considered under special circumstances.

Applications for Fall 2026 entry will open later this year. The priority deadline for applications is December 15, 2025, although applications received after December 15 will be reviewed on a space available basis. The final application deadline is March 15, 2026.

The School of Statistics is pleased to provide graduate application fee waivers for entry in Fall 2025 to the first 90 applicants who are US citizens, permanent residents, or those here legally on a non-temporary basis (refugees and asylees). Detailed instructions can be found at the link under “Application Fee” below. You must apply for this fee waiver ahead of time as we are not able to reimburse the fee once you have paid it.

No individual faculty has the authority to admit a student directly into the PhD program. All applicants should go through the formal application process to be reviewed by the admission committee. After joining the PhD program, students find their thesis advisors under mutual agreement, which typically occurs during the first or the second year of the study.

To apply to our graduate programs, you must complete the SLATE online application. Materials to upload include:

Application fee
- US citizens or permanent residents click here to request a fee waiver
Transcript
- An unofficial transcript is required.
Three letters of recommendation
- Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.
- Paper copies are not accepted.
- Applications without three letters of recommendation may be rejected without review.
GRE scores
- GRE scores are not required and there is no advantage to submitting them.
TOEFL (for non-native English speakers):
- Our institution code is 6874.
- A TOEFL score of at least 79, with a reading subscore of at least 19 and a writing subscore of at least 21, is required.
- IELTS may be substituted for the TOEFL.
  - An IELTS score of at least 6.5 is required.
- Please review the complete information regarding the TOEFL requirement.
Statements
- Personal and description of research statements are required.
CV/Resume
- A CV or resume is required.

Contact Information

Questions about your application should be directed to the office of graduate admissions, which can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 612-625-3014.

Further inquiries for the School of Statistics may be directed to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you require a minimum test score or GPA?

We do not require a minimum GPA for applicants, though students are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher
We do not require a GRE score for fall 2024 admission
The School of Statistics requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79
IELTS may be substituted for the TOEFL
An IELTS of at least 6.5 with a writing subscore of 6.5 is required

What is your deadline for admissions?

The priority deadline for applications is December 15, 2024, although applications received after December 15 will be reviewed on a space available basis. The final application deadline is March 15, 2025.

What materials do you require?

Application fee, but be sure to investigate the options available to have your fee waived
Transcript
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native English speakers):
Research Description Statement
Personal Statement
CV/Resume

I’m applying to the MS program. Do I still need to submit a Research Description Statement?

Yes. Personal statements and research description statements are required for both the MS and PhD programs.

The application website has a slot for a Diversity Statement, among other things not listed here. Do I need to submit additional materials?

You do not need to submit any additional materials that are not listed here on the statistics website.

What should I submit for my personal statement, diversity statement, research description, and writing sample? Are there specific questions I should address? Are there parameters for length, format, or content?

Applicants may share whatever they feel is relevant to their application. There are no requirements or restrictions for length, format, or content.

What are the prerequisites for admission?

We do not have any formal prerequisites. Nearly all successful applicants have familiarity with linear algebra and multivariable calculus. Additional background in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or some other related area is also common.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

You need three letters of recommendation.

Do I need to submit my transcripts?

Yes, you need to submit an unofficial transcript.

Do I need to submit a WES evaluation with my international transcripts?

No, WES evaluations are not required. You must submit an unofficial copy of your credentials in both original language and translations. We do not accept credential evaluations as a replacement for documents issued by your institution.

If I submit my transcript now, you won’t have my grades for this current semester. Is that a problem?

We understand that the deadline for admission is earlier than when you receive your fall term grades, and we do not expect every applicant to have those grades yet.

I don’t have a background in statistics or mathematics, what are my chances of admission?

A strong mathematics background, especially in probability, statistics and linear algebra, is important in the admission process. However, it is not the only factor that determines which applicants are admitted. If such is the case, it is strongly suggested that prospective applicants consider strengthening their math skills and apply later.

Can I send you my materials to determine my chances of admission?

We will be unable to determine your chances of admission outside of the application system.

How many applicants do you admit each year?

We matriculate approximately 20 students to the MS program and 8-10 PhD students each year.

Is financial support available for MS students?

MS students are not guaranteed any financial support. We may have a few teaching and research assistantships available each term, but please do not apply based on this, as we cannot guarantee support.

Do you offer online courses?

Our graduate programs take place in person and on campus. Online courses are not offered at this time.

Is it possible to work full time while going to school?

Many students work part time (5-20 hours a week) while pursing an MS or PhD degree in our programs, but the answer to this question will depend on your individual work arrangement. Here are some factors that may help you decide what is feasible for you:

Most classes for our MS and PhD programs are held during the daytime, and attendance is required.
Students must take between 6-14 credits per semester.
For each credit taken, students spend approximately 2 hours studying outside of class. So if you take 6 credits, you can expect to spend roughly 12 hours per week studying for those credits, in addition to any time spent in class.