Statistics
The Statistics department faculty is known for both cutting edge methodological and collaborative research and for outstanding teaching. Faculty members are currently investigating statistical problems in the fields of ecology, genetics, economics, meteorology, wildlife management, epidemiology, AIDS research, geophysics and climatology. The program’s faculty members have ongoing collaborative programs across disciplines such as biostatistics, bioinformatics, economics, atmospheric science, psychology and with the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The graduate program provides opportunities for graduate study and thesis direction in various areas of probability and statistics, both theoretical and applied. A variety of consulting and collaborative opportunities allow both faculty and graduate students to conduct cooperative and interdisciplinary research. Regular statistics colloquia provide opportunities for faculty and outside speakers to present the results of their research. Faculty and graduate students also participate in weekly seminar series in Bayesian statistics, bioinformatics and biostatistics.
Degrees Offered
Statistics, Master of Arts
On Campus
The program offer a Master of Arts in Statistics, with emphasis areas in Biostatistics and Data Analytics.
Admission Criteria
Application Deadline
- Fall deadline for regular MA track: January 15
- Fall deadline for applied MA track: March 30
- Spring deadline: October 15
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 in math and statistics courses to enter master’s program
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or University in related area
- Undergraduate courses in statistics are recommended but not required. Consideration also is given to rank in graduating class, trends in grade records, maturity and experience, and other criteria bearing on qualifications.
- Before entering the graduate program, a student should have a background that includes three semesters of calculus (or equivalent), one semester of matrix theory, and at least one post-calculus course in probability and statistics. Some required courses at the 7000 level not taken as an undergraduate may be taken for graduate credit as part of the graduate program.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 80 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 550 | 52 | 52 | N/A | 52 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Application Process
- New applicants: Complete the Graduate School online application and upload the required application materials to the online application.
- Current MU graduate students: Complete the Change of Program Form and Statistics Department Graduate Application Form. Submit the forms directly to the Statistics program along with the required application materials.
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Statistics Program
- 3 letters of recommendation (use departmental form or submit through the Graduate School online application)
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- GRE score report
- TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
Statistics, Doctor of Philosophy
On Campus
Admission Criteria
Application Deadline
- Fall deadline: January 15
- Spring deadline: October 15
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.5 in math and statistics to enter PhD program
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or University in related area
- Undergraduate courses in statistics are recommended but not required. Consideration also is given to rank in graduating class, trends in grade records, maturity and experience, and other criteria bearing on qualifications.
- Before entering the graduate program, a student should have a background that includes three semesters of calculus (or equivalent), one semester of matrix theory, and at least one post-calculus course in probability and statistics. Some required courses at the 7000 level not taken as an undergraduate may be taken for graduate credit as part of the graduate program.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 80 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 550 | 54 | 54 | N/A | 54 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Application Process
- New applicants: Complete the Graduate School online application and upload the required application materials to the online application.
- Current MU graduate students: Complete the Change of Program Form and Statistics Department Graduate Application Form. Submit the forms directly to the Statistics program along with the required application materials.
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Statistics Program
- 3 letters of recommendation (use departmental form or submit through the Graduate School online application)
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- GRE score report
- TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
Statistics, Minor
On Campus
To receive a designated minor in statistics for a PhD degree, at least 15 credit hours of course work at the 7000 level or higher must be completed from the Department of Statistics at MU. The courses must include at least two at the 8000 level or higher and may not include Statistics 7002, 7020, 7050, 7070, 7085, 7530, 8085, 8090, or 9085. Students must have at least one course in calculus-based statistics and the equivalent of at least two courses in an applied statistics sequence. The calculus-based statistics requirement can be met by Stat 7710 or Stat 7760, but no more than 6 hours of Stat 7710, 7750, and 7760 can be counted towards the 15 hours. The applied sequence requirement can be satisfied by either Stat 7510/Stat 8220 or Stat 8310/8320. At most one course from Stat 7510 and Stat 8310 can be counted and at most one course from Stat 8220 and 8320 can be counted towards the 15 hours. The plan of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate School of the Statistics Department and be completed with an average grade of B (3.0) or higher. Each student is encouraged to seek approval of his/her plan of study as soon as possible.