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Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
Department of Statistics

Admission and Program Requirements

Application forms are available here. The deadline to submit an application is February 1st.

Admission Requirements


All applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US university or equivalent, with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
  • Course Prerequisites:
    • 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; at BYU these courses are Stat 240 and Stat 340.
    • Three calculus courses: differential calculus (Math 112 at BYU), integral calculus (Math 113 at BYU), and multivariate calculus (Math 314 at BYU).
    • A course in linear algebra (Math 213 & Math 215 at BYU).
    • A B- or higher grade in each course.
    • Students must also have taken the general GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
    • A math minor is recommended.

If the applicant has not clearly satisfied the above 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. Appropriate remedial coursework will be required before official admission to the program and will need to be completed prior to starting the program. 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 Graduate Program Manager.

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.

  • Demonstrate English proficiency. 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 of at least 85.

Application Materials


The application process consists of submitting the following:

  • 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.
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement (no application can be considered complete until BYU receives this).

All application materials must be submitted before the February 1st deadline for Fall admission.

Profile of Students Admitted Over the Last 5 Years


  • Average first quartile GPA: 3.82

  • Average first quartile Quantitative GRE: 161

Program Requirements:


  1. Minimum 30 hours of coursework plus 3 project hours (Stat 497R).
  2. Required Courses: Stat 535, 536, 537, 624, 637, 641, 642, 651, and 666.
  3. Examinations:
    1. Comprehensive written examination covering Stat 535, 624, 641, and 642.
    2. oral defense of project
  4. 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 academic years (four semesters). 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 Policies and Forms

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