📘 Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our most commonly asked questions about applying to the MA Statistics program, understanding the curriculum, and navigating student life at UC Berkeley.

📝 Admissions Process

What are the minimum admissions requirements?

Please see: Minimum Admissions Requirements

Is it possible to apply to two UC Berkeley graduate programs?

The University does not allow applicants to apply to two departments simultaneously unless there is an established concurrent degree program between the two departments or schools (http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/programs/concurrent.shtml). Statistics does not have a concurrent degree program

Can I be admitted with a three-year bachelor’s degree earned outside the U.S.?

Normally, UC Berkeley requires applicants to have obtained the recognized equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree by the time they start graduate school. However, if you only have a three-year bachelor’s degree earned outside the U.S., you can still apply for admission. If admitted, the department may request an exception to the four-year degree requirement.

For more information regarding admissions please see the Graduate Admissions Page.

Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?

For more information, please see the Graduate Division website for their policy on section F4.3 Duplication of Degrees.

Do I need to contact faculty before applying?

No, this is not required.

Do I need to list faculty whose research interests me?

No, we do not require this of our MA applicants. PhD applicants are required to list faculty whose research is of interest to them.

Does the MA Statistics program admit students for Spring?

No, we only admit students for the Fall semester.

Can I reactivate a previous application?

If you applied for admission in a previous year, your application cannot be reactivated for this year. You will have to start a new application and pay the application fee. This is true of all previous applicants without exception.

Can I transfer from another institution or program?

We do not have a separate application procedure for applicants who wish to transfer to our program from another graduate program at another institution. Applicants should follow our normal application directions. A link to the graduate application can be found here: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/

How many students are typically admitted each year?

The Department of Statistics receives approximately 550-600 applications for the MA program. For the MA program, we usually recommend for admission 100-120 students per year to achieve an incoming class of 65.

When will I be notified of my admission decision?

All applicants will be notified via email during the first week of March

Are application fee waivers available for UC/CSU undergraduates and alumni who are California residents?

Yes, please see: MA Statistics Application Fee Waiver

📄 Application Materials & Test Scores

What materials are required in the application?

Please see: Master of Arts in Statistics Application

Can the TOEFL be waived?

Please see: Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Is the GRE required or accepted?

The GRE is NOT required and will NOT be accepted for Fall 2026 admissions.  While there was no minimum requirement for the GRE, admitted applicants generally score in the high percentiles especially on the quantitative section of the exam. The following are the average scores of those admitted in Fall 2021 in which the GRE was optional and not all applicants who were admitted submitted GRE scores:

MA admitted applicants (in percentiles): Verbal 86%, Quantitative 91%, Analytical Writing 70%

Is the Math Subject GRE required?

We do not require the Math subject test and submitted scores will not be reviewed as part of the application review process

Do I need to calculate and list my GPA?

Yes. Applicants who received their undergraduate degree at an American university or college are required to list their cumulative GPA, major GPA (all courses completed in their major area of study), and advanced GPA (all course work excluding the first two years of study). Please use the GPA Worksheet and upload as part of your application. If you attended a university that does not use the 4.0 system, please do not try and convert your grades to our system--just leave that section blank.

Do I need to submit official transcripts when I apply?

No, unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application review process. Official transcripts will need to be verified if offered admissions.

How should I prepare my resume for the application?

Keep it to one page, focus on relevant coursework, technical skills, and experience, and highlight any research or projects involving statistics or data analysis.

How are the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement different?

The Statement of Purpose focuses on your academic and career goals, while the Personal History Statement highlights your background, experiences, and challenges that shaped your path.

🎓 Program Format & Structure

Do you offer Part-Time, Distance, and/or Evening Programs?

The MA Statistics program is a full-time, in-person program based at UC Berkeley. We do not offer part-time, distance, or evening options.

Prospective students seeking a flexible or online learning format may wish to explore UC Berkeley’s Online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program, offered through the School of Information. More information about MIDS is available here.

The UC Berkeley Extension offers evening and weekend classes in locations throughout California.

Can I extend the program beyond one year?

Yes, but extensions are not guaranteed. Students may request a third semester for academic or professional reasons, pending departmental approval and good academic standing.

Is there a 5th-Year MA Statistics option for UC Berkeley undergrads?

Yes, please see: 5th-Year MA Statistics

Is this a STEM-designated program?

Yes, the MA Statistics program is eligible for the STEM OPT extension. The program falls under CIP code "Statistics, General 27.0501" as of July 12, 2023.

🚀 Career Preparation & Outcomes

What career paths do MA Statistics graduates typically pursue?

Graduates typically pursue careers in data science, analytics, biostatistics, and research across tech, finance, healthcare, and government sectors. See: Professional Development

Do graduates go on to PhD programs?

Yes, some graduates pursue PhD programs, though most enter industry. Those who apply to PhDs often do so in statistics, biostatistics, or related fields.

What professional development opportunities are available?

Students have access to alumni panels, industry talks, career fairs, resume reviews, and faculty mentorship to support their professional development.

Is there support for finding internships or jobs?

Yes, students receive support through faculty advising, career events, alumni connections, and campus-wide career services.

💬 Student Life & Community

What is the cohort experience like?

The cohort model fosters a strong sense of community, with students taking core courses together, collaborating on projects, and building lasting academic and professional relationships.

Are there events or networking opportunities for students?

Yes, the program hosts alumni panels, career talks, social events, and industry networking opportunities throughout the year.

What is the Peer Ambassador Program?

The Peer Ambassador Program engages current students in outreach, community building, and social media efforts to support prospective and incoming students.

How diverse is the MA Statistics program?

The program includes students from a wide range of academic, geographic, and cultural backgrounds, and actively works to increase diversity through outreach and support initiatives.

How can students get involved in the department?

Students can get involved through peer programs, student-led events, alumni engagement, or outreach efforts.

❓ Other Questions

Where do I pay the application fee?

Please follow the Graduate Division instructions. Applicants must pay the fee online by credit card when they submit their application. Please do not mail your fee payment to the Statistics Department. This will delay crediting the payment to your application.

Can I apply again if I wasn’t admitted previously?

Yes, you can reapply in a future cycle. We recommend strengthening your application by addressing any gaps or areas for improvement.

Who can I contact if I still have questions?

You can contact the MA Statistics program advisor via the contact information listed here for further assistance.