Program Overview
Statistics is a branch of applied mathematics that uses probability theory to build mathematical models, collect data from observed systems, conduct quantitative analysis and summarization, and make inferences and predictions to provide a basis for decision-making. Through statistics, students master various data analysis techniques, learn cutting-edge statistical theories, understand scientific survey and research methodologies, and also learn to use statistical analysis software.
Although statistics falls under mathematics, from the perspective of U.S. university structures, statistics has gradually separated from mathematics departments to become an independent statistics department. The growing number of universities establishing statistics departments is the best proof of this trend.
Research Branches
In U.S. universities offering statistics programs, there are generally two directions: one focused on theoretical research, and the other on practical applications.
If you choose the theoretical research direction, it is typically within a dedicated statistics department or statistics within the math department. If you choose the applied direction, it covers a broader range, such as the now highly popular biostatistics, as well as economic statistics and social statistics.
Biostatistics
This discipline explores the design, sampling, analysis, data organization, and inference of biological experiments.
Graduates can engage in university teaching and research, conduct statistical analysis at biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and a considerable number also work in medical institutions, securities analysis, and insurance companies.
Financial Statistics
This field primarily focuses on how central banks and statistical departments of financial institutions investigate, collect, organize, and analyze financial business activities and data, thereby providing statistical information and consulting advice, and conducting financial statistical management and supervision.
Graduates typically work in financial institutions such as banks, securities firms, investment funds, accounting firms, and insurance companies.
Applied Statistics
This field mainly studies the application of general statistical theories and methods in various fields such as society, nature, economics, and engineering. It is an interdisciplinary field formed between statistics and other disciplines.
Graduates can pursue various careers such as mathematical research, statistical research, operations research, computer programming, data analysis, accounting, and securities analysis.
Mathematical Statistics
This discipline uses the analytical results of probability theory to study statistical data more deeply, reveals inherent laws by observing the frequency of certain phenomena, and makes corresponding judgments and predictions by constructing mathematical models.
Graduates also have broad employment prospects in government departments, financial institutions, and computer companies.
Curriculum
Prerequisite courses for statistics generally include: calculus (three semesters for math majors, two semesters for science/engineering and some business students), linear algebra, and probability theory. That is, aside from math majors, if students from other majors want to switch to statistics, these courses are indispensable.
Typical master's courses in statistics include:
Multivariate Stat Inference
Time Series Analysis
Stochastic Processes
Application Requirements
Academic Background
Statistics master's programs are not particularly strict about undergraduate backgrounds, but a strong math background is a common requirement.
Most schools explicitly require students to have completed fundamental math courses such as mathematical analysis, advanced algebra (or higher mathematics), basic statistics courses, and real analysis. Additionally, proficiency in computational software like SPSS, Eviews, MATLAB, SAS, etc. is also highly valued by admissions committees.
U.S. universities tend to prefer students with science and engineering backgrounds when admitting applicants. Most students have backgrounds in mathematics, actuarial science, applied mathematics, or statistics-related fields, as well as finance and economics. There are also a few students from electronic engineering and automation applying for statistics master's programs.
Internship and Research Background
Internship experiences at placements arranged by the school, such as statistical bureaus, banks, insurance companies, etc., are all acceptable. Working with overseas professors or at renowned domestic laboratories are also good options.
For projects with professors at your own school, student participation tends to be higher, providing more content for your writing sample and personal statement. If you have a strong research background, not having an internship is also acceptable. Summer schools and exchange programs are relatively less important.
Standardized Test Scores
GPA: The minimum requirement is 3.0, and grades in undergraduate statistics and math courses must be high. This is a key focus of the application review. You need to actively participate in research projects to demonstrate research ability, or take part in relevant academic competitions such as mathematical modeling contests, which is far more important than finding two shallow internships or doing many volunteer activities. The most critical factors for a statistics application are relevant internships/research and a high GPA.
TOEFL Score: Top 30 schools generally require a TOEFL score above 100, while Top 100 schools require 90+; some schools also set minimum sectional requirements.
GRE Score: Top 30 schools generally require above 320. However, a perfect score on the GRE Quantitative section is a must.
Should You Take the Math Subject Test? In fact, many top schools do not require the Math Subject Test for application. Although not required, most schools recommend submitting it.
This indicates that a good Math Subject Test score can significantly enhance your application. Generally, a score in the 90th percentile or above is considered excellent.
Recommended Schools and Programs
Statistics is a field where overall rankings and program rankings can differ significantly, not only for master's but also for PhD programs.
For example, the University of Washington ranks 52nd overall, but its statistics program is ranked third or second; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks 89th overall, but its statistics program is within the top 20, with considerable application difficulty. Therefore, when choosing statistics programs, you must distinguish between overall rankings and program rankings.
University of California, Berkeley
The Department of Statistics at UC Berkeley currently has 43 full-time faculty members and nearly 90 graduate students. Its main research areas include theoretical statistics, applied statistics, and probability theory. It offers four graduate degrees: Master of Statistics, PhD in Statistics, Master of Biostatistics, and PhD in Biostatistics.
International students applying to the Department of Statistics at UC Berkeley must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 100) or IELTS scores (overall minimum 7.0), and GRE scores.
Other required materials include: a completed graduate school application form, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and a list of advanced mathematics courses taken.
University of Washington, Seattle
The Department of Statistics at the University of Washington currently has 47 full-time faculty members and over 50 graduate students. It has three main research directions: social science statistics, computational finance, and statistical genetics.
International students applying to the UW Statistics Department must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 92) or IELTS scores (overall minimum 7.0), and GRE scores (the General Test is required; the Math Subject Test is optional).
Other required materials: a completed graduate school application, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Johns Hopkins University
The Department of Statistics at Johns Hopkins University is the only statistics department among the top 10 schools that is part of the School of Engineering; its full name is the "Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics." The department currently has 18 full-time faculty members and over 60 graduate students. Research areas include discrete mathematics, optimization and operations research, numerical and matrix analysis, probability theory, statistics, partial differential equations and dynamical systems, etc.
International students applying to the Johns Hopkins Department of Statistics must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 100) or IELTS scores (overall minimum 7.0), and GRE scores (including both the General Test and the Math Subject Test).
Other required materials: a completed graduate school application, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
University of Chicago
Founded in 1949, the Department of Statistics at the University of Chicago currently has 42 full-time faculty members and nearly 110 graduate students. Its main research areas include computational and applied mathematics, biostatistics, and statistical genetics. It offers master's and doctoral degrees in statistics and biostatistics.
International students applying to the UChicago Department of Statistics must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 90) or IELTS scores (overall minimum 7.0), and GRE scores (including both the General Test and the Math Subject Test).
Other required materials: a completed graduate school application, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Carnegie Mellon University
The Department of Statistics at Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1966 and currently has 35 full-time faculty members and nearly 60 graduate students. Because the department originated from the math department and CMU has strong computer science research capabilities, its statistics department possesses powerful computational and analytical abilities. It has three main research directions: computational statistics, Bayesian statistics, and interdisciplinary statistical research.
International students applying to the CMU Statistics Department must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 67, with section scores of at least 18 in Listening, 15 in Speaking, 18 in Reading, and 16 in Writing) or IELTS scores, and GRE scores.
Other required materials: a completed graduate school application, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Duke University
The Department of Statistics at Duke University currently has 38 full-time faculty members and nearly 50 graduate students. Its main research areas fall into four categories: biomedical statistics; computer, natural, and engineering sciences; environmental and ecological sciences; and social and economic sciences.
International students applying to the Duke Statistics Department must submit TOEFL scores (iBT minimum 83) or IELTS scores (overall minimum 7.0), and GRE scores.
Other required materials: a completed graduate school application, undergraduate transcripts, graduation and degree certificates, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
