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:

We follow a two-step application process:

1. Complete your application in SOPHAS. You will pay $150 for the first application; if you are applying to more than one school or program, the fee is $60 for each additional application. (Note: SOPHAS application fees are paid to SOPHAS, not UMass)
2. Complete your UMass Supplemental Application in Slate. After your SOPHAS application has been submitted and verified, it will be transferred into Slate within 72 hours. You will receive an email from UMass to create an account in Slate, submit the UMass Supplemental Application, and pay the associated $60 UMass Supplemental Application fee.

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 three)
• 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. 1.
MS and PhD deadline: Feb. 1.

Spring Admission

We no longer consider spring admission candidates.

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 in the form of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), and traineeships. There is no separate application for PhD funding at the time of applying to the program; 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.

All current students including PhD and Masters students are encouraged to apply for posted TA/RA positions. Funding decisions will be made from the pool of qualified applicants, with first priority given to PhD students and then to second year masters students. First year masters students will be considered when positions cannot be filled by students with priority. Students must apply for specific positions to be considered. The level of funding available in a semester is dependent upon faculty-held grants and TA openings.