Graduate Admissions in Biostatistics

The biostatistics program utilizes the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) for receiving applications to our graduate degree programs.

Application process for Ph.D. and M.S. programs:

Your application must be completed through SOPHAS. During or after completing the SOPHAS application, you must also submit the UMass Supplemental Application, which can only be found through this link: https://www.spire.umass.edu/html/grad_add_info_heproda.html. There is a $60 fee associated with the UMass Supplemental Application. If you find that you are submitting duplicate information between SOPHAS and the UMass supplement, please STOP and contact sphhsgradapply [at] umass [dot] edu for help. DO NOT apply through the full UMass Graduate School Application found on the Graduate School website.

Instructions for UMass Supplemental Application:

For the first question “Application type,” please respond “SOPHAS”. For the second question, “SOPHAS ID,” please respond using the “CAS ID” number found in the top right corner of your SOPHAS application.

Admissions is a process shared by the University of Massachusetts Graduate School and the biostatistics program. To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate School.

Admissions Requirements

• Transcripts: Successful applicants typically earn at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their baccalaureate degree. We do not disqualify students who have had periods of poor academic performance, and we invite students to provide explanations for periods where their performance was not consistent with what they feel their potential is.
• Quantitative coursework: Multivariate calculus is required, and linear algebra is recommended for applicants to the MS program. Both multivariate calculus and linear algebra are required for applicants to the PhD program. Otherwise, no specific undergraduate courses are required for admission to the MS or PhD program. Successful applicants will have completed coursework that demonstrates their quantitative skills. Successful applicants in the past have included graduates from math/stat undergraduate programs as well as students who were not math/stat majors but performed well in quantitative coursework as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student.
• Personal statement/essays: Applicants’ personal statement (MS) or responses to essay questions (PhD) are evaluated to assess not just their academic maturity and performance in the classroom, but also their prior engagement with research projects and service to their community.
• Letters of recommendation (minimum of two)
• Résumé/CV

Please note, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required and will not be considered or reviewed by our admissions committee.

International Applicants

We encourage international applicants to apply to continue their educational journey with us!  All international applicants should visit the University of Massachusetts Graduate School’s website for international applicants for important information on:

• English Language Proficiency Requirement — successful biostatistics candidates typically earn a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or the equivalent on other approved tests
• Prerequisite degrees and international transcripts
• Estimated expenses
• Receiving the I-20

What We Look for in Applicants to Our PhD Program 

Given the demands on students working toward a PhD degree, we look closely at factors beyond academic history when making admissions decisions for the PhD program. Specifically, we look for qualities such as determination, leadership, maturity, and independence. This means that recommendation letters, clear evidence of leadership and service, and a history of overcoming obstacles will weigh more heavily in admission decisions to the PhD program relative to the MS program. Not all incoming PhD students have an MS degree, but they all must demonstrate these characteristics through work experiences or undergraduate leadership.

Application Deadlines

We begin accepting applications in August. Prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Fall Admission

PhD priority deadline: Dec. 15.
MS and PhD deadline: Feb. 1.

Spring Admission

The MS degree program offers spring admissions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at sphhsgradapply [at] umass [dot] edu if you are considering applying for spring. Prospective students must have completed the following course requirements (or equivalent graduate-level courses) to be considered:

• BIOSTATS 540 – Intro to Biostatistics
• BIOSTATS 691F
• STAT 515

Spring admission deadline: Oct. 1.

STEM Designation

Biostatistics MS and PhD degrees are considered STEM designated programs.

Funding

We have traditionally been very successful in providing funding for PhD students (including first-year students) in the form of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), and traineeships. First-year students who receive funding typically receive a 10-hour-per-week position that includes a tuition waiver as well as a competitive paid stipend. The level of funding is dependent upon the availability of faculty-held grants and TA openings as well as the ranking of the student applicant in the context of the entire pool of applications. There is no separate application for funding; you will automatically be considered when you apply and are accepted for admission. Detailed information about funding will be communicated at the time of admission.  

Master’s students can also be considered for available RA and TA positions with priority given to second-year students.