Graduate Admissions

The Department of Statistics welcomes applicants to our Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. Prospective students may apply for admission through the Graduate School’s online application.

Application Deadlines

Ph.D. in Statistics

Fall admission early deadline: February 1

Fall admission final deadline: April 1

Prospective students may apply for fall admission only. All applications received by February 1 will be considered for financial aid.

MS in Biostatistics

Fall admission: April 1

Spring admission: October 1

Prospective students may apply for admission in the fall or spring semester.

All fall applications received by February 1 will be considered for the merit-based Macfarlane Scholarship.

MS in Statistics

Fall admission: April 1

Prospective students may apply for fall admission only.

For special consideration after the deadlines, please contact tracy.burke@uconn.edu.

Prerequisites

Most students entering the statistics MS or Ph.D. programs at UConn have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics. Students with degrees in fields other than statistics and mathematics are also encouraged to apply.

While there are no official course requirements for admission to the MS programs, a level of mathematical sophistication and statistical knowledge is necessary for acceptable progress. This may be achieved by successful completion of three semesters of calculus and a semester of linear algebra. A background in statistics will be helpful but is not required.

Please note: The Department does not offer a joint MS/Ph.D. program. Current UConn students enrolled in a statistics master’s program who wish to pursue the Ph.D. in Statistics must reapply to the Graduate School.

In order to be considered for a possible switch to the Ph.D. program or for financial support, current UConn students enrolled in the MS programs in statistics or biostatistics must first pass both parts of the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam at the Ph.D. level. For international students, in order to be considered for financial support, passing UConn’s English Speak Test is mandatory.

Application Requirements

The University uses an online application system that is managed by the Graduate School. All application materials should be submitted electronically through the online application system.

In addition to the online application, we will also evaluate the following materials as part of your admissions packet:

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required to apply for admission.

English Proficiency Policy for TAs

Applicants who are not native speakers of English may be required to submit evidence of their proficiency in the English language. Ph.D. applicants who are not native speakers of English and who plan to obtain a teaching assistantship (TA) must satisfy UConn’s English Proficiency Policy before they can instruct a class. For more information, please contact International Teaching Assistant Services.

You may use the results (no more than two years old) from one of the following standardized tests to satisfy this requirement:

  • Receive minimum scores of 79 (Internet-based test – iBT) or 550 (Old Paper-based test – PBT) or 22/30 on each of the Listening, Reading and Writing sections (“New” Paper-based test-PBT) or higher on the TOEFL test.
  • Receive a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.
  • Receive a score of 53 or higher on the PTE test; or qualify for a Score Waiver (please review the policy).

Your TOEFL scores will only be accepted when sent electronically via ETS. The TOEFL code for UConn Storrs is 3915.

Transcripts

Applicants must submit all applicable official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Your transcript(s) must meet the following criteria:

  • A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 for your entire undergraduate career; a grade-point average of at least 3.0 for your last two undergraduate years; or exceptional work in your entire final undergraduate year (3.5 or better)
  • Graduate work with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better even if the undergraduate grade-point average meets the above criteria.

Please submit your transcripts via the UConn Graduate School online application system.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. You can request letters from teachers who know you well, preferably from your last two years of coursework. Please submit your letters of recommendation via the UConn Graduate School online application system.

Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a letter describing their career goals. Please submit your personal statement via the UConn Graduate School online application system.