With proper planning and coordination of your undergraduate major(s) and senior year courses, undergraduates at Rice University can earn a Professional Master's degree in Statistics one extra year of study.
The fifth-year Master in Statistics (MStat) a non-thesis degree program that involves a fifth year of specialized study that is integrated with the four undergraduate years leading to either the BA or the BS degree in the same or related areas of interest.
This graduate program is open to students who have shown academic excellence in their undergraduate studies — especially students who major in statistics, other engineering, mathematics, mathematical economics, or other majors with appropriate statistics interest and coursework, are candidates for this degree.
How to Apply and Application Deadline
Students may apply to the 4+1 Program for either Spring or Fall admission. The application process is designed to be straightforward. To apply, students only need to submit the following:
- A recommendation from their undergraduate academic advisor: Download the Undergraduate Academic Advisor Recommendation Form and ask your undergraduate academic advisor to complete the recommendation.
- An official undergraduate transcript: Submit your official transcript as part of your application.
Students must submit their applications by the applicable deadline, pay the required application fee, and pay the enrollment deposit to secure their place in the program.
Application Deadlines
Applications for both Spring and Fall admission must be submitted at least two weeks before the end of the semester. Students seeking scholarship consideration should submit their applications by the following priority deadlines:
- Spring Admission: November 30
- Fall Admission: April 30
Early submission is encouraged to ensure consideration for available scholarship opportunities. Meeting the scholarship priority deadline does not guarantee a scholarship.
Planning Your Graduate Studies
With faculty approval, students may begin taking required core courses for the MStat during their senior year at Rice. In consultation with the applicable track director and the MStat program director, students will develop a plan of graduate study tailored to their particular focus area. The plan must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate program directors.
MSTAT 4+1 Scholarship Opportunities
A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available for students enrolled in the MSTAT 4+1 program. These scholarships cover a percentage of tuition and are awarded at varying levels. Selection is based on a holistic review of applicants, which may include academic achievement, campus engagement, unique experiences, and diverse backgrounds.
For more information or to schedule a meeting with Dr. Jackson, the MStat Program Director, please email mdj3@rice.edu.