MS in Statistics

Admission Requirements

Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following degree requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field Mathematics or a related field. Applicants must have taken: calculus and multivariate calculus (MATH 180, MATH 181, and MATH 210, or equivalent); linear algebra (MATH 218 or equivalent); and a probability or statistics course (STAT 381 or equivalent). 
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study, and an average of 3.00 in all mathematics courses beyond calculus.
  • Tests Required Neither the GRE General Exam nor the subject exams are required. Applicants may still submit GRE scores; however, an absence of GRE scores will not negatively impact their application.
  • English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:​
    • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
      TOEFL iBT 100 19 17 20 21
      IELTS Academic 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0
      PTE Academic 68 66 66 66 66
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
  • Personal Statement Required.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
  • Coursework At least 24 hours must be courses in MSCS. Of these, 12 hours must be at the 500 level, and two of these courses (8 hours) must be STAT courses. (MATH 589 does not count toward this requirement, but independent study can be included with advisor approval).
    Required Courses
    STAT 401
    		Introduction to Probability
    STAT 411
    		Statistical Theory
    STAT 481
    		Applied Statistical Methods II
    Two 500-level STAT courses (8 hours)
    Courses to make up the 32 hours may not include MATH 589 or independent study at the 400 level. Courses from other departments may be included with advisor's approval.
    Remaining courses to be selected in consultation with an advisor. Other courses may be substituted with the permission of the director of graduate studies.
  • Comprehensive Examination: Students must pass the master's examination in Statistics.
  • Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only (with required examination). No other options are available.