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Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department of Statistics

Admission and Program Requirements

To apply, application forms are available here. The deadline to submit an application is February 15th

Admission Requirements

U.S. Applicant

  • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US university or equivalent, with a minimum 3.3 undergraduate GPA. We also require two methods courses beyond introductory statistics, (at BYU these courses are Stat 230 (ANOVA) and Stat 330 (Regression)), two courses in calculus-based statistical theory (Stat 240 and Stat 340 at BYU), differential calculus (Math 112 at BYU), integral calculus (Math 113 at BYU), multivariate calculus (Math 314 at BYU), and a course in linear algebra (Math 213 & Math 215 at BYU). You must have a B- or higher in each course. A math minor is recommended.

If the applicant has not clearly satisfied these prerequisites, they may be admitted to the graduate program on a provisional basis. In such cases, the admitted student should discuss their situation with the Graduate Coordinator immediately. If necessary, appropriate remedial coursework will be added to the graduate’s study list and should be completed as soon as possible. The department will generally not provide tuition assistance for coursework intended to remedy deficiencies in satisfying these prerequisites.


Prior to admission, and while enrolled in the program, a student must have a current ecclesiastical endorsement. Direct any questions about this requirement to the Department secretary.

International Applicant

  • All international students must obtain an IERF evaluation of their international transcripts. The IERF needs to be obtained before applying. The IERF will need to be attached to the application.
  • Admission to the graduate program in the Department of Statistics presupposes that students will have completed all of the prerequisites or suitable equivalents stated below:
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or equivalent, with a minimum 3.3 overall undergraduate GPA.
  • A B- or better in a methods course beyond introductory statistics, a calculus-based statistical theory course, multivariate calculus, and linear algebra. A math minor is recommended.
  • Students must also have taken the general GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
  • Be proficient in written and spoken English

IELTS: Overall minimum band score of 7.0 (consisting of minimum band scores of 6.0 in each module). TOEFL PBT(paper based test): 564. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): Minimum subscores of 22 (Speaking) and 21 (Listening, Reading, & Writing respectively) comprising an overall score at least 85.
If the applicant has not clearly satisfied these prerequisites, they may be admitted to the graduate program on a provisional basis. In such cases, the admitted student should discuss their situation with the Graduate Coordinator immediately. If necessary, appropriate remedial coursework will be added to the graduate’s study list and should be completed as soon as possible. The department will generally not provide tuition assistance for coursework intended to remedy deficiencies in satisfying these prerequisites.

Prior to admission, and while enrolled in the program, a student must have a current ecclesiastical endorsement. Direct any questions about this requirement to the Department secretary.

In addition, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, a resume, official GRE scores, official TOEFL scores for international students, and payment of all university application fees. Also, please be aware that no application can be considered complete until BYU receives the applicant's Ecclesiastical Endorsement. All application materials must be submitted before the January 15th deadline for Fall admission.


Profile of Students Admitted over the last 5 years:

  • Average first quartile GPA: 3.87
  • Average first quartile Quantitative GRE: 163

Program Requirements

Project Option Thesis Option
Minimum 30 hours coursework plus 3 project hours (Stat 698R) Minimum 27 hours coursework plus 6 thesis hours (Stat 699R)
Required courses: Stat 535, 536, 537, 624, 637, 641, 642, 651, and 666 Required courses: Stat 535, 536, 537, 624, 637, 641, 642, 651, and 666
Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination covering Stat 535, 624, 641, and 642, (B) oral defense of project Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination covering Stat 535, 624, 641, and 642, (B) oral defense of thesis
C+ or better in each class, with an overall cumulative 3.0 GPA in required MS degree classes C+ or better in each class, with an overall cumulative 3.0 GPA in required MS degree classes

Full-time students should complete the master's program in two years. This very affordable graduate program includes tuition benefits for students with notable academic advancement as well as teaching and research assistantships (see Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid).

Important Policy and Forms

For more information email graduate@stat.byu.edu.