Statistics

Program Type
Master’s Program
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Mode of Study
In person
Department
Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. See cost details

Credit hours

30 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours.
Select concentration & browse courses

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship, fellowship & research opportunities. Explore aid

Admissions

No GRE required. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Earn your degree on your terms: Take several courses each semester to finish in 2 years or take fewer courses each semester and finish in 4 years.
  • Tailor the degree to your career goals: Choose to concentrate in Applied Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or Operations Research and Applied Mathematics.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility to choose from both day and evening classes.
  • Study with faculty with diverse expertise who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
  • Acquire the foundation to pursue further advanced studies in statistical sciences and allied disciplines.
  • Learn to use computer software packages such as Mathematica, MATLAB, Minitab, and SAS.

Expected career outcomes

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Career opportunities

The graduate program in statistics is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of the concepts and practice of statistics and related fields. Depending on the concentration chosen, graduates may find employment in a wide variety of fields.

Choose a concentration option

Applied Statistics

Attain a broad knowledge of statistics. Graduates may find employment involving diverse, statistics-related activities in business, industry, government, regulatory agencies, insurance companies, biotechnology firms, and marketing research firms.

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Biostatistics

Gain formal training in applied statistical methods commonly used in biomedical, bioinformatics, environmental, and health-related fields. Graduates may find positions in health care agencies, governmental agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry.

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Operations Research and Applied Mathematics

Learn to solve practical problems from business and industry in preparation for positions of responsibility and expertise. Graduates possess a good foundation to pursue further advanced studies in mathematical-statistical allied disciplines.

Visit the academic catalog

John Mitchell Center on the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Dedicated faculty

The MS in Data Science is a collaboration of the Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science departments, offering diverse faculty expertise. Small class sizes enable our dedicated faculty to maintain close connections with students and provide extra support, as needed.

Meet our faculty
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Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources
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Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Explore scholarships
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Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Register today
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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Statistics, MS

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term start
FinalAugust 1December 15
International applicantsJune 1October 15
  • Applications from students with undergraduate degrees in business, computer science, education, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or one of the behavioral or social sciences are encouraged. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent, 3.0 or higher is recommended.
  • The applicant is required to have completed the following USM courses or their equivalent:
    • MAT 153 Calculus B
    • MAT 281 Introduction to Probability
    • MAT 282 Statistical Inference
  • Conditional admission status may be granted to students who do not fully meet these requirements, but who have a good working knowledge of statistical methods. Upon successful completion of preparatory coursework, the student will be granted regular admission status.
  • Currently enrolled students at USM with a 2.75 or better GPA may apply for admission any time after attaining junior standing by applying directly to the Office of Admissions.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Essay: Applicants must submit a personal statement of purpose describing why they want a degree in Statistics and why they are interested in this program.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be from individuals who are qualified, through direct experience with your academic or professional work, to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession. 

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?