Apply to the Masters in Statistics
Begin your path toward mastering data, probability, and inference at one of the world’s leading centers of statistical research and education. Our rigorous #3 ranked MS in Statistics program prepares you for both academic and professional success across a wide range of industries. Explore the master’s in statistics admission requirements and start your application today.
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Master’s in Statistics Admission Requirements
UChicago’s MS in Statistics welcomes applicants with strong quantitative backgrounds and a passion for analytical problem-solving. Admission is highly selective and designed to identify students ready to excel in a challenging academic environment. In addition to meeting all master's in statistics prerequisites, a comprehensive list of the statistics master’s requirements is below:
To apply, you’ll need:
- Completed Online Application – Submit through the University of Chicago’s Division of the Physical Sciences application portal.
- Transcripts – From all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Letters of Recommendation – Three letters from academic or professional references familiar with your quantitative abilities.
- Statement of Purpose – Describe your academic interests, professional goals, and motivation for pursuing the MS in Statistics.
- Resume or CV – Highlight relevant coursework, research, or work experience.
- GRE Scores (Optional) – Not required, but may be submitted to strengthen your application.
- TOEFL or IELTS test scores – if needed to demonstrate English proficiency
- Fee – There is non-refundable $90 fee to apply
View how to apply. and admissions FAQs.
Master's in Statistics Prerequisites
Because the UChicago program is mathematically rigorous, applicants should demonstrate preparation through prior coursework in:
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Probability and Mathematical Statistics
- Real Analysis (recommended)
- Programming or Computational Experience (recommended)
Students from diverse academic backgrounds—mathematics, computer science, economics, physics, engineering, and related disciplines—are encouraged to apply if they meet these statistics master’s requirements.
Tip: Competitive applicants often not only meet the master’s in statistics admission requirements but have also completed advanced undergraduate or introductory graduate-level statistics or data analysis courses before applying.
Application Deadlines and Process
- November 2, 2026
- February 1, 2027
- May 3, 2027
You will receive an email when your decision is available. To view your decision, log in to your online application.
MS in Statistics vs. PhD in Statistics
| MS in Statistics | PhD in Statistics | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Professional training and/or PhD preparation, not centered on independent research | Lead independent research in academia, government, or industry
|
| Typical Pathway | Students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds and professional backgrounds | Often enter directly from college; MS not required first |
| GRE Expectations | Strong record; GRE General strongly recommended; Math Subject Test not required | Strong record; GRE General + Math Subject Test expected |
| Math Preparation | Calc (through Jacobians/multivariate integrals), linear/matrix algebra, 2 years probability & statistics | MS prep plus advanced math (e.g., real/complex analysis) and/or CS/econ/natural sciences |
| Funding | All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based partial tuition scholarships. MS students also utilize other sources of funding such as grants, fellowships, government scholarships, or student loans | Full tuition scholarship, coverage of required fees, stipend and/or assistantship funding |
| Cohort Size | Roughly 30–40 students/year | Roughly 8–10 students/year |
| Career Outcomes | ⅓–½ of students go on to doctoral programs in applied/quant fields (stats, econ, finance, business, etc.); the remainder go on to work in industry and/or think tanks/labs/etc. | PhD research leading to academic or research-intensive careers |
Tip: If you are unsure about a PhD or about your competitiveness, apply to the PhD and ask to be considered for the MS if not admitted.
Pursue Your Specialized MS in Statistics
Students in the master's program may choose an area of specialization such as biostatistics, statistical genetics, statistical finance, environmental statistics, computational neuroscience, machine learning, pattern recognition, scientific computation, survey methodology, and more. In your Candidate Statement you may indicate what areas of specification you are interested in. The master’s in statistics admission requirements and master's in statistics prerequisites are the same regardless of your specialization interest.
Contact Us
For more information on the master’s in statistics program and curriculum, please email us at admissions@statistics.uchicago.edu. For admissions and application questions, please email mastersadmissions@uchicago.edu.