How to Apply: Statistics / Biostatistics Master's Programs

The main differences between our Statistics and Biostatistics Master's programs are outlined in this chart.

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) applicants may submit only one application per admissions year but may request to transfer their application to a different SMD graduate program at any point in the application process.

If you recently applied to the PhD in Statistics program and would like to transfer your existing application to either the Master of Arts in Statistics program or Master of Science in Biostatistics program, please email Karin Gasaway before May 1. PhD applicants are not automatically considered for admission into a Master's program.

Eligibility

Applicants must have earned a U.S. baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor's degrees are awarded before they matriculate. Evidence of the earned degree is required prior to matriculation in the form of an official transcript noting degree conferral.

Application Requirements for Statistics (MA) / Biostatistics (MS)

It is expected that all application materials (with the exception of official score reports) be scanned and uploaded to your online application. Please note that the University of Rochester reserves the right to verify the accuracy of all transcripts and test scores, and to require submission of official documentation at any point in the admissions review process.

1. Create an online School of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Admissions Application

2. Statement of Purpose

3. Uploaded copy of transcript(s) for each post-secondary college or university you have attended or at which you have completed courses. Please include any transcript key or guide that your school provides. Do not mail a hard copy at this time.

4. Three Letters of Recommendation

5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

6. Official English language test scores for international applicants whose native language is not English.**
    The following test types are acceptable:
         TOEFL (SMD school code: 2948)
         IELTS (Electronic score delivery; select University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry)
         DuoLingo (select University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry)

** Most Statistics and Biostatistics international applicants will need to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo English test scores unless they have earned or will earn an undergraduate baccalaureate degree from a U.S. educational institution (for automatic waiver) or from a country where English is an official language and all instruction is provided in English (manual waiver review). For consideration of any other waiver requests, including other graduate study in the United States, please email a copy of your most recent unofficial score report (even if expired) to Karin Gasaway.

GRE scores are no longer used in evaluating applications. If GRE scores are submitted, the admissions committee will not look at them or take them into account when making admissions decisions.

Research papers, publications, and other original works may also be submitted for consideration, but are not required.

Applicants who are not native English speakers have the option of submitting an English Essay. If you choose to submit an English Essay, you are encouraged to share information about your experience with the English language, including formal study in English, time spent in an English-speaking environment, and comfort level speaking and writing English. The English Essay is optional.

Please do not upload secondary school documentation, financial documentation, etc., as these are not utilized during the admissions process.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the application prior to all letters of recommendation being received.

Application Fee

The Master's application fee is $60. If you previously completed a degree at the University of Rochester or are a current University of Rochester student, you may qualify for an application fee waiver. Please contact us after starting your application. We cannot refund application fees.

Master's Programs Frequently Asked Questions

The pages below will answer many of the questions you might have before applying. If you have a question that is not answered on either of these pages, please contact Graduate Program Administrator Karin Gasaway. We look forward to receiving your application!

• Frequently Asked Questions - Statistics/Biostatistics
• Frequently Asked Questions - School of Medicine and Dentistry

Statistics (MA) / Biostatistics (MS) Application Timeline

Admissions decisions are typically released on a rolling basis starting in February or March and ending in late June. If your circumstances require a faster timeline or an admitted applicant needs an extension on the offer letter response deadline, please contact Karin Gasaway.

• By May 1 - Complete application due ($60 application fee applies)
• By July 1 - Final decisions should be released for all applicants
• August - Orientation

Financial Aid

• Statistics MA Department Scholarships
• Biostatistics MS Department Scholarships
• General financial information