How do I apply to your graduate program?
To apply please go to http://www.grad.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/applicat.htm.
Do you have a part-time or correspondence program?
The department offers three graduate programs: a Ph.D. program, a M.S. program and a Master of Applied Statistics & Data Science (MASDS) program. The MASDS is designed for working professionals and focuses on applied statistics and data science. Most classes will be scheduled in the evening to make it easier for students who are concurrently working professionals. Students in the MASDS must take a minimum of 8 units (2 classes) per quarter to be regarded as full-time for visa purposes. The typical load for MASDS students is 8 units (2 classes) per quarter.
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Statistics are ONLY full-time, day-time program. Graduate students in all three programs must come to our campus to take classes since this program does not offer any correspondence courses.
What sort of jobs do your students normally get after graduating?
You can go to our webpage directory and choose “alumni” to research our alumni and their current jobs to see jobs our graduates get.
If I am applying for the Ph.D. Program and want to get an M.S. degree on the way, do I write Ph.D. or M.S. in the Immediate Degree Objective section of the application?
If you are applying to the Ph.D. program, please put Ph.D. in immediate Degree Objective. We have different committees for M.S. and Ph.D. applicants and we want to make sure that the correct committee reviews your application.
Can both the M.S. and Ph.D. Committees review me at the same time?“
No. The rule is you can apply to only one program at UCLA at a time. So in addition to the fact that you cannot apply to another Department (e.g., Biostatistics, Math) at UCLA and Statistics for the same term, you also cannot apply to both the M.S and the Ph.D. Programs in our Department for the same term.
What factors should I weigh when deciding if I should apply to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs?
There are several factors that you should consider before making this decision. The most important is, “What do you want to do with the degree?” If you plan on continuing in academia or research, the Ph.D. is designed for these goals. Otherwise, the M.S. program is a better program for students interested in more applied pursuits. Additionally, Ph.D. students have a much higher likelihood of receiving funding or an assistantship if this is one of your concerns (M.S. student normally do not get any funding offer). Because of these reasons, it is more competitive to get accepted into our Ph.D. than to our M.S. degree.
Can I attend part-time?
No, this is a day-time, full-time program and has no provision for part-time or limited status students.
I am interested in Biostatistics, should I apply to your program?
You can, but your interests may be better suited to apply to the Biostatistics program. You can read more about them at the Biostatistics Website. Remember, you cannot apply to both of our programs in the same term.
I would like to become an actuary. Would this be a good program to apply to?
You would be better suited to apply for the Math Department. They have an undergraduate program for actuaries and have faculty who are better in dealing with actuarial sciences.
How do I apply for the articulated Masters Degree?
If you are a current Masters or Ph.D. student at UCLA and interested in the articulated M.S. degree, you must apply online by the deadline Feb. 1 as all other M.S. applicants do (same requirements and the same procedure). You must apply as a “new” student and not “continuing”. The admission committee will then make recommendations in the M.S. admission process.
Please note that the Articulated Degree Program should not be confused with a Concurrent Degree Program. The UCLA Graduate Division explains the difference between the two at this link. For more information please carefully read the section entitled Individually Designed Articulated Degree Program at this link.
Is the GRE required for the MS and PhD program?
Yes.
Are physical copies of our transcripts required?
No, please do not mail physical copies to the Department of Statistics & Data Science as there is no guarantee it will be received especially during the pandemic. Only an original copy will be required upon admission into our program. Please carefully read the Graduate Admissions website regarding uploading transcripts to the application at this link.
