PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S PROGRAM

Admissions & Requirements

Prerequisites

Prospective students should not apply to the Master in Statistics program if they do have not satisfy these prerequisites. However, we invite you to apply if you are currently taking these courses, or plan to complete these requirements prior to your admission.

  • Single and multivariable calculus
  • Linear or matrix algebra
  • Probability and Statistics (Calculus-based)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of a high-level programming language, e.g. C/C++/C#, JAVA, Fortran, Matlab, R/S+, Python, etc.

Preparatory classes are offered in the summer at Rice University through Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.

Note: A background in non-calculus statistics is helpful, but will not prepare you for this course of study.

Rice courses include:

  • MATH 101/102 - Single Variable Calculus I/II
  • MATH 211 - Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, or
  • CAAM 335 - Matrix Analysis
  • MATH 212 - Multivariable Calculus
  • STAT 310/311/315 - Probability and Statistics

This list may change. Be sure to consult the Registrar's Course Schedule.

In some cases when a student has completed certain advanced statistics courses in an undergraduate or graduate program from another school, up to 6 hours may be transferred; however, these courses must not have been counted in the graduation requirements for the previous degree.

Admissions Requirements

All graduate program applicants must provide:

  • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (and graduate, if applicable)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL scores should also be included when appropriate; the internet-based TOEFL (IBT) is preferred. Please view requirements here.
  • GRE score report (see more details below)

The pandemic has made it difficult for some students to take the GRE. Rice Graduate Studies and the Department of Statistics is not requiring the GRE for Fall 2024 admission, but will provide students with the option of submitting those scores. Please note the requirements for each individual graduate program (MSTAT and PhD).

The General GRE for the MSTAT program is recommended, but it is not required. This means that although the GRE is not required, its use will aid in prioritization and ranking of prospective MSTAT applicants.

More information is available in our Graduate Handbook and from Graduate Admissions. Inquiries should be emailed to our Zoila Parra-Castelan at zp10@rice.edu

How to Apply and Application Deadline

The application will open on September 1 and close on March 31. After you've reviewed the program and application requirements, click here to apply.

International Students

International students must pay careful attention to rules regarding full-time status and optional and practical training (if needed). For more information visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.

Tuition & Aid

Admission to the MSTAT program does not carry any commitment of financial aid, and the student is expected to be fully responsible for tuition and fees throughout the program. Tuition is based on hours taken; full-time tuition is based on registering for at least 9 hours; for more details, see the application process.

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