Applying to the Graduate Programs

All applicants are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in mathematics, including (at least) advanced calculus and linear algebra. Other advanced courses such as real analysis, differential equations, and abstract algebra, are highly recommended. Please see each program's webpage for additional information specific to that program. A list of courses taken, with names of textbooks and instructors, would be a useful supplement to the application.

For the statistics option, an undergraduate degree in statistics is not required. Many of our successful statistics students have a degree in mathematics or another field such as engineering, computer science, biological sciences, together with substantial coursework in mathematics.

For detailed instructions regarding the application process, and a link to the online application, please visit the UMass Amherst Graduate School website here.  After submitting an application, you can check whether your materials have been received by logging in to Slate. Instructions are available here.

Please note that applications and all supporting materials must be submitted directly to the UMass Amherst Graduate School using the Slate application, not to the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The Department will not receive an application to review until the application fee is paid to the Graduate School and all required materials have been received.

Please make sure that your application clearly indicates which degree(s) you wish to apply for. These categories have different criteria for admission, and the applications may even be read by different people.  On the online application, choose "Program: Mathematics" or "Statistics", and then make the following selection under "Intended Degree(s)":

• Ph.D. in Mathematics (this includes students interested in applied areas): choose Mathematics (Ph.D.)
• Ph.D. in Statistics: choose Statistics (Ph.D.)
• M.S. in Statistics at Amherst campus: choose Statistics - Statistics (M.S.) Amherst
• M.S. in Statistics at Newton/Mt. Ida satellite campus and 100% remote M.S. degree in Statistics: choose  Statistics - Statistics (M.S.) Newton
• 4+1 M.S. in Statistics: choose Accelerated Statistics (M.S.) Amherst or Accelerated Statistics (M.S.) Newton, depending on which campus you are applying for (only available to UMass Amherst or Five College students)
• M.S. in Applied Mathematics: choose Mathematics - Applied Mathematics (M.S.)

Applicants to the Ph.D. in mathematics can indicate specific areas or subjects they are interested in under Sub-field or specialization. Do not put statistics in this space — instead apply directly to the Statistics Ph.D. program if you are intending to apply to the Statistics program.

A complete application to the Graduate School consists of the following (see here for complete details and instructions):

• Completed UMass Graduate School Application
• Application fee (Fee waiver information available here)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• At least three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement explaining the student's interest in pursuing graduate studies in mathematics or statistics
• The following exam scores, if applicable (all score reports must be sent by ETS using the code for UMass, which is 3917):
  • The GRE mathematics subject exam score is required for applicants to the Mathematics Ph.D. program for Fall 2025.  It is not required for applicants to the Ph.D. in Statistics or the M.S. programs in Applied Mathematics or Statistics.
  • The GRE general exam scores are strongly recommended, but not required.
• For international applicants:
  • English Language Proficiency scores. Most students submit TOEFL scores, but other test scores can be used to demonstrate English proficiency. Please review the International Applicants page for details regarding accepted test scores and eligibility for a waiver from the English proficiency requirement.

To be considered for a fall teaching assistantship, all application materials should be submitted to the Graduate School by January 10. Most offers for Amherst campus programs are made by mid-April. Applications for both the in-person and 100% remote M.S. Statistics degree program at Newton Mt. Ida are accepted on a rolling basis until June 30 (domestic students) and May 31 (international students) for the fall semester. Except in unusual circumstances, we do not admit students for the Spring semester.

The University of Massachusetts has signed the Council of Graduate School's resolution, which states that students offered admission including financial support for the Fall semester have at least until April 15th to decide whether to accept or decline their offer.