Master of Arts in Statistics Application
The application process is entirely online. All supplemental materials such as your transcripts, the descriptive list of courses, publications and/or resumes should be uploaded as PDF files. Please do not mail copies of your transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, GRE and TOEFL scores, resumes, or any other documents as they will not be included with your application.
Directions for online submission of letters or recommendation will be included in the Online Graduate Application for Admissions.
Once you upload and submit supplemental material, you will not be able to update it so please make sure you are submitting the correct material. Due to the high volume of emails during the admissions season, please do not send multiple emails requesting to update and replace already submitted material. We cannot update your application after the application deadline has passed.
Requirements
The online application is designed so that you can enter and update your information at any time before you submit your application. Click here to access the online application. For the Intended Program of Study section, you will be asked to choose which department, concentration (if applicable), and enrollment option you would like to be considered for during the application process.
Applicants may only apply to one degree program per admissions cycle.
You are required to pay the application fee using a credit card. The application fee is non-refundable. If you are a US Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.
Application Fee Waiver
- Current undergraduates and alumni of a University of California or California State University may be eligible for a Berkeley M.A. Statistics application fee waiver.
- Applicants who identify as a U.S. citizen or current permanent residents may be eligible for a fee waiver through the UC Berkeley Graduate Division based on financial need or program participation. If an applicant has participated in select programs like the National GEM Consortium, American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver from the Berkeley Graduate Division. See the UC Berkeley Graduate Division guidelines to view the the financial need conditions or full list of participating programs and request an application fee waiver.
Transcripts
Upload copies of official transcripts for the departmental initial review. However, unofficial transcripts are also acceptable for the application and review process as long as these documents are easy to read and review. (Unofficial transcripts downloaded from the web can, at times, be poorly formatted). If admitted, official transcripts of all college-level work will be required and must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) you have attended. Transcripts that are not in English should include translations from the school that issued the original transcripts. Transcripts must be uploaded no later than the application deadline.
See "Basic Requirements" on the Graduate Admissions Website more information regarding transcripts »
Applicants are required to complete two essays. Although we do not have a required minimum or maximum word count, the suggested length of each is around 1 to 2 pages single-spaced.
Statement of Purpose
This essay question was created to provoke honest, thoughtful responses to help us get to know you. The admissions committee is interested in learning how your professional and academic experiences and achievements equip you and motivate you to enroll in our program. At a minimum, the Statement of Purpose should indicate, with clarity and focus, your purpose for entering the Master of Arts in Statistics program and why this advances your professional and personal goals. We are especially interested in understanding both your experience in and your capacity to take full advantage of an intensive, fast-paced degree program.
Personal History Statement
Anything that can give reviewers a sense of why you as a person belongs here; you can repeat information about your experiences in your Statement of Purpose, but any experiences that show your promise, initiative, and ability to persevere despite obstacles belongs here. If you have faced any obstacles or barriers in your education, sharing those experiences provides a deeper understanding of who you are as an applicant. If one part of your academic record is not ideal, due to challenges you faced, this is where you can explain that, and direct reviewers’ attention to the evidence of your promise for higher education.
We are interested in learning about your academic, work, and experiential background. Please upload your most current resume or curriculum vitae. If applicable, please also include honors, awards, publications, presentations, languages spoken, and associations you belong to.
Three letters of recommendation
Please follow the detailed instructions in the online application and remember to inform your recommenders that the department's deadline to receive supplemental materials is the same as the application deadline. The department does not have a preference as to who these letters should come from (i.e professors, managers, etc.), but the letters should come from individuals who can comment positively and credibly on your academic achievements and/or relevant work experience. Your recommenders must submit their letters online via the Online Graduate Application for Admissions and Fellowships.
Descriptive List of Upper Division/Graduate Statistics and Math Coursework
Please include the department, course number and title, instructor, grade, school, texts used and subject matter covered for all upper division and graduate level statistics and math courses you have taken. You should also include courses outside statistics and math departments that have a significant quantitative component. This list should be uploaded as a PDF document via the online application. Please review the examples below:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.
There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
See more information on English Language Proficiency »
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
NEW: The GRE is not required for Fall 2024 applicants. Fall 2025 has yet to be determined.
Average GPA and GRE Scores*
*Fall 2021
How many students are accepted?
Student Background
Admissions decisions are based on the most complete picture of the student we can get from the application. No single feature of the application automatically overrides others. Our applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and accordingly, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. Statistics attracts students who are interested in interdisciplinary studies, have diverse skills, and interests. Our most commonly admitted students have majors in actuarial science, computer science, economics, finance, mathematics (pure and applied), the physical and biological sciences, political science, and statistics.
Recommended Preparatory Coursework
Our typical admitted student has significant coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, theoretical and applied statistics, as well as at least one statistical system (such as R) or a computer language (such as Python). Examples of UC Berkeley courses at this level are:
- Math 53: Multivariable Calculus, 54: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, 104: Introduction to Analysis, 110: Linear Algebra
- Statistics preparation: A good reference are the requirements for our undergraduate major. Substantial coursework at this level will prepare applicants well for the MA. For example, STAT 134: Concepts of Probability is a prerequisite for STAT 201A: Introduction to Probability at an Advanced Level, which is the first course students will take in the MA program.
Some admitted students from disciplines other than statistics might have had this material in courses within their own discipline. This is why we ask for a descriptive list of mathematics and statistics courses as part of the application for admission. Please be sure to include all upper-division or graduate courses that have a significant quantitative component, even if the courses were not taught through statistics or mathematics departments.
Is there a separate admissions application for current UCB graduate students?
As of Fall 2016, all current UCB graduate students outside of the Statistics Department interested in obtaining an M.A. degree in statistics must apply using the online application: http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/. If admitted, students will be officially enrolled in the M.A. program for two semesters and pay the Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST).
Note: Students have the option to take the required coursework prior to applying, with the exception of the MA capstone course (STAT 222). However, if admitted, the student will still be required to take 12 units of approved coursework each semester. For example, if you have already completed STAT 243 for a passing letter grade, then once enrolled in the MA program you will be required to take another course instead of STAT 243. Once admitted, course selection/approval can be discussed with your assigned faculty advisor so that you can choose a course that both fits your interests and satisfies the 12 unit per semester requirement.
Returning Students
If you’re a returning student who has been out of school for several years, we understand that transitioning back to an academic environment can be both exciting and challenging. Our Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Statistics offers a rigorous curriculum, and fluency with the prerequisites is essential for success.
What to Expect:
- You’ll encounter intensive classes that demand a solid understanding of the foundational prerequisites.
- Whether you’ve been away from academia due to work, travel, or other reasons, we want to ensure you’re well-prepared for the academic rigor through our Summer Prep Program. The Summer Prep Program is open to all incoming students before the Fall semester begins.
During the application process returning students can demonstrate their preparation in a variety of ways, for example by providing examples of work that they have recently done that uses those prerequisites, or by taking relevant classes at local universities.
What is more valuable to the admissions committee: work experience, internships, or research experience?
Applicants vary widely, and we don’t compare one kind of experience to another. We are looking for evidence that the student has the skills and motivation required to succeed in the program.