MS in Statistics

The Master of Science (MS) in Statistics degree program is intended to prepare students for careers as statisticians or for entry into a PhD program in Statistics. A student entering with the minimum requirements should expect to take two years to complete the program. Students entering the program with a stronger background in statistics may be able to complete the program in three or even two semesters.

Students applying for the program should have or be expecting to obtain a bachelor’s degree in either mathematics or statistics, or in a related area with a strong mathematical foundation. Specifically, applicants should have taken:

• Three semesters of calculus up to and including multivariate calculus
  
• A semester course in linear algebra
• A semester course in calculus-based probability and statistics 

Applicants should have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (a “B” average) in these courses. 

While not required, a score of 155 or higher on the GRE quantitative section is a good indication a student will succeed in the MS program.

Proficiency in English is expected of international students whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL is required for admission. Also acceptable for admission are an overall band score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a score of 56 on the PEARSON Test of English (PTE), or a score of 110 on the Duolingo English Test. The English proficiency requirement is met for applicants with degrees earned in English from accredited universities and colleges in the US or other English-speaking countries. 

Applicants will need to meet the minimum requirements to be considered for the program. Completed applications will be reviewed beginning February 1. 

Most students enter in the Fall Semester since the core courses are structured in full-year sequences. Please contact us if you are interested in admission for the Spring Semester.

All application materials from international students requiring a US visa must be received prior to April 1 (but sooner is better) in order to allow time for the necessary paperwork to be processed. The visa application process can often take 90 days or more to complete.

How to apply: 

1. Create an online application

2. Include these documents in your application:

• Three letters of recommendation. The application system will automatically send an email to each of the recommenders with a link to submit their letters. 
• Unofficial copy of transcript (official transcript will be required if you are admitted to the program). 
• GRE general test score (highly recommended).
• Statement of purpose/cover letter 
• English Proficiency for international students.

3. Pay the application fee

UC’s CEEB college code is 1833, as established by The College Board. CEEB codes are used to ensure that test scores are sent to the correct institution. 

• More information about submitting your application materials 
• FAQs for the admission process
  

A minimum of 30 graduate credits are required with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Visit the curriculum guide to learn about the required courses. More details concerning the requirements of the program are explained in the Mathematical Sciences Department’s Graduate Handbook. See the course descriptions for information on the content.

Please note that students in the MS Statistics program do not receive financial aid or graduate assistantships. However, there are other funding opportunities available for UC students. 

Cincinnati is a big city with a small-town feel. The cost of living is low, but the quality of life is high.  Forbes named Cincinnati the #5 most affordable city and the #9 best city for raising a family. Cincinnati has ranked the best place to live in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report, also the fourth-best city in the country for parks. UC is home to over 10,500 graduate students, 20% of which are international students.

• Why Cincinnati 
• Tuition and fees for graduate and professional students
• Estimated living expenses (for international students)

For further information, please contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Robert Buckingham:

• Email: Robert.Buckingham@uc.edu
• Phone: 513-556-4085

See the full list of our graduate programs