What concentrations are offered within the Statistics graduate programs?

Both the MS and Ph.D. program offer concentrations in Biostatistics. The MS program offers a concentration in Data Analytic Methods, which provides relevant training to students interested in data science. It is not necessary to declare any concentration on the graduate admissions application; in fact, most students do not. For more information, please see the graduate programs page. For more information, please see the graduate programs page.

What are the program prerequisites?

All applicants should have completed coursework on the following subjects: Calculus (through multivariable), a calculus-based course or courses in probability and statistics, and a linear algebra course. Applicants to the Ph.D. program would be well-served by having additional mathematics courses, such as an introduction to proofs and real analysis.

Is an MS required to apply to PhD program?

No. Many of our Ph.D. students do not have a Masters degree.

Where do I find application materials?

All application materials and other information are available here.

The entire application form, including letters of recommendation, must be completed and submitted online. No application materials should be sent to the department or to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

What is the application fee?

$85. This cannot be waived.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is January 15

Are students admitted for the Spring term?

Ph.D. students are not admitted for the Spring term. It is unusual, but not unheard of, for an MS student to start the program in the spring; however, because the program is not designed for spring admission there is a real possibility such a student would encounter complications the would prevent program completion within three semesters. All applicants, including those who wish to be considered for Spring admission, would need to go through the usual application process, subject to the deadline of January 15 by which the application must be received.

Is there a separate application form for financial support?

No. Just check the box on the application form indicating that you want to be considered for financial support.

If I am admitted will I automatically be offered financial assistance?

Ph.D. students all receive financial support as described above. Unfortunately, we are typically not able to offer financial support to MS students.

What types of financial assistance are there?

The standard financial support package for Ph.D. students is described above. Research assistantships are also occasionally available, with comparable levels of support. All Ph.D. students supported as GTA’s or GRA’s receive a full tuition waiver and health benefits. The department typically hires a small number of MS students, paid by the hour, to assist in grading or otherwise support courses taught within the department.

Do I need to take the GRE?

Yes, GRE scores are required for admission.  

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

A TOEFL or IELTS score from within the last two years is required for applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 90 is required on the iBT (internet-based) version of the TOEFL. Minimum subscores are 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening. A minimum score of 600 is required on the paper version. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section.

Note: Applicants completing all years of a baccalaureate degree in an institution where the primary language of instruction is English do not need the TOEFL or IELTS. All other applicants (including those who have attended graduate programs in the U.S. or less than 4 years in a U.S. undergraduate institution) are not exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement. 

Are there additional English language requirements for non-native English speakers?

Yes. All such students must achieve a satisfactory score (typically 55) on the SPEAK test, which is administered after admission upon arrival at UVA. (There is no change for this test.) Students with lower scores will be required to take English language courses given at UVA.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

Yes. The Graduate School typically requires a GPA (overall) of at least 3.0. Successful appli- cants (especially for the PhD program) usually have GPA’s of 3.4 or higher.

Can my application be considered with unofficial copies of the TOEFL?

Yes. But any offer of admission and/or financial support will be contingent upon having official text scores submitted.

What institution code should I use for TOEFL scores?

Use  Code B875 for TOEFL. This will send your score to the University Registrar, who will enter it into our university database. Do not have your scores (or anything else) sent directly to the department.

When can I expect to hear of a decision about my application?

All applications arriving by the January 15 deadline will typically receive a response by mid to late February.

How many students are admitted?  Is there a limit on the number of international students?

We typically enroll 5 PhD students from among 80-90 applicants. We typically enroll 25-30 MS students from 250 applicants. There is no limit on the number of international students, which varies from year to year