Admission Guidelines
Students entering our Master of Science in Statistical Science program should have a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited university. Academic preparation should include at least two undergraduate courses in statistics, some background in mathematics that includes courses in multivariate calculus and linear algebra, and some familiarity with computer programming.
Applicants will be evaluated using a combination of academic transcripts, grade-point averages, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (for international applicants), letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Selection criteria include breadth and depth of preparation, quality of academic performance, and motivation.
The most effective way for us to evaluate your application and respond quickly is if you follow the online application procedures listed below. The process is not completely mechanistic and we do value any information you would like to provide that can help us determine if a match exists between your goals and the Department's. Using the online application procedures is the best way to initiate that process.
Important Dates
We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 semester. Applications will be processed as they are received. We will strive to inform you of our decision within three weeks of submission.
Please note that a decision to admit does not imply a commitment to provide financial support; however, all students who are admitted will be considered for Department Teaching Assistantships as opportunities arise.
Admission Requirements
Domestic Students
Please submit the following:
- The online application (you must use a credit card if applying online).
- A 300-500 word Personal Statement regarding your current goals, research interests, and plans for your professional career. This can be uploaded when applying online.
- At least three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic ability, scholarly work, and potential. Recommenders will use the online recommendation form. NOTE: If you are transferring from another US institution, at least two letters must come from that institution. One of those letters must be from your current research advisor (preferable) or from the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Your resume. Make sure to include any teaching and research experiences as well as any college or professional honors and awards. This can be uploaded when applying online.
- One set of official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions.
- GRE scores. IU’s institution code is 1324.
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS should send all materials to:
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Department of Statistics
Indiana University
Myles Brand Hall E104
901 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
statdept@indiana.edu
International Students
Please submit the following:
- The online application (you must use a credit card if applying online).
- A 300-500 word Personal Statement regarding your current goals, research interests, and plans for your professional career. This can be uploaded when applying online.
- At least three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic ability, scholarly work, and potential. Recommenders will use the online recommendation form. NOTE: If you are transferring from another US institution, at least two letters must come from that institution. One of those letters must be from your current research advisor (preferable) or from the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Your resume. Make sure to include any teaching and research experiences as well as any college or professional honors and awards. This can be uploaded when applying online.
- Official academic records from all post-secondary institutions. Please send one set of the documents in the original language and one set translated into English.
- GRE scores. IU’s institution code is 1324.
- Non-native English speakers must provide a TOEFL score (minimum score of 79 on the IBT), IELTS score (minimum score of 6.5), or a Duolingo score (minimum score of 100). Scores must be officially verified: TOEFL (ETS), IELTS (OIS), Duolingo (OIS). Exceptions may be possible when there is substantial evidence of English ability.
- Evidence of financial support. Federal regulations require students to demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support themselves and any dependents during their first year of study in the United States. Your admission cannot be finalized and your immigration document cannot be issued without this information. Please see the Office of Admissions website for details on estimated expenses for students and their dependents.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS should send all materials to:
International Admissions
Ferguson International Center
Room 100
330 N. Eagleson Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405
USA
newtoiu@iu.edu
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
All questions regarding the completeness of your file should be directed to statdept@indiana.edu.
For INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS, questions should also be directed to International Admissions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
English Proficiency
All non-native English speakers who wish to be considered for financial aid of any type must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency by earning a minimum score on the TOEFL of 100 on the internet based test, 250 on the computer test, or 600 on the paper test. To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, should one be offered, international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate competency in written and spoken English.
Financial Aid
Admission to the MSSS degree program does not imply financial support. However, MSSS students are eligible to be hired as hourly teaching assistants for 1-4 semesters. MSSS students hired as hourly TAs will receive an hourly wage and a tuition waiver. Many of our recent MSSS students have been supported in this way. Moreover, a small number of exceptional applicants will be offered Department Teaching Assistantships, which guarantee employment as an hourly TA for a specified number of semesters.
Office of International Admissions
The Office of International Admissions also provides information on the application process for international graduate students. This advice will assist you greatly in the application process.
