What’s the difference between the MA program in Statistics and the MSSP Program?
The Master of Science in Statistical Practice (MSSP) is designed for students who want to acquire fundamental training in statistics and how it is applied to real-world problems in fields such as economics, education, technology, law, management, science, and social science. The program is suitable for students with backgrounds in fields such as biology, bioinformatics, economics, mathematics or statistics, management, neuroscience, psychology, and various areas of engineering. The Master of Arts program in statistics provides advanced preparation in both the fundamental theory and the practice of statistics. This program prepares students for a position in the fields of education or industry, or for further graduate study leading to a PhD. To enter, students need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related discipline. Prospective students may only apply to one of the programs at a time.
Can the MSSP Program be completed part-time?
Yes. Students are able, and encouraged, to complete the program part-time. You will likely take two courses per semester on a part-time schedule, but please note that most of our courses are currently held during daytime hours so completion of the program will require flexibility within your schedule.
What is the cost of attending the MSSP program?
For more information regarding tuition and fees for the MSSP program, please visit the Graduate School website.
Are any MSSP courses offered online?
The MSSP program emphasizes hands-on interactive learning, and we currently offer no online courses.
Which statistical programming languages are taught and used in the program?
Throughout the MSSP program students predominantly use the R programming language. Previous experience in R is not required. In addition to R, students will have the opportunity to complete certification programs in SAS, SQL, or Python for Statistical Applications.
Are there internship opportunities available for MSSP students?
Yes. MSSP students are able and encouraged to participate in internships both on and off campus. Read more about student internship experiences.
Do you have any information about post-graduation employment?
As a professional program, we strive to integrate career planning and preparation support throughout our courses and programmatic events. Such support includes consultingprojects with industry partners, networking through our Statistics@Work speakers series, and departmental and Boston University’s Career Development Center. Our students have been successful finding internships and employment in a wide variety of positions, including data analyst, consultant, and statistical programmer.
I have a GPA of x, GREs of y, and a TOEFL score of z. What chance do I have of being admitted?
It is impossible for us to prescreen applications. The qualifications necessary for admission are stated on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website mentioned above. However, admissions decisions are made only after careful consideration of a complete application, including all transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and official reports of examination scores from the Educational Testing Service. Proof of English proficiency is required of all applicants by submitting official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo, and Cambridge English Qualifications. The following minimums on the TOEFL, IELTS, Duoling, and Cambridge English Qualifications are as follows:
TOEFL:100Overall Score (25 recommended in each section). Internet-based Test (iBT) only. We do not accept “MyBest Scores.”
Applicants will not need to submit these scores if they:
are a citizen of the United States (including permanent residents), Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec and Nunavut), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
are currently enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-granting program at a university in one of the countries listed above for at least two consecutive years by the time of graduation
have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in one of the countries listed above, after at least two consecutive years of academic study
have received, or expect to receive, a graduate degree from an accredited institution in one of the countries listed above. Dual-enrollment and satellite programs may not qualify
will have completed at least two consecutive years of academic study in a country not listed above, at an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, up to two years prior to pursuing studies at Boston University. An acknowledgment that English is the primary language of instruction must be on the transcript, or provided on letterhead by your home institution when submitting your application
are currently a resident, or have been pursuing post-graduate work in one of the countries listed above, for at least two years immediately prior to starting at Boston University
Applicants will need to submit English proficiency scores if do not satisfy any of the conditions outlined above, or if they:
were enrolled remotely (excluding those adhering to the COVID-19 policies of their home institution) in an institution referenced above
have received, or expect to receive, their undergraduate degree in a country referenced above via a partnership or dual degree program that did not require at least two consecutive years of academic study at an institution in said country
have received, or expect to receive their undergraduate degree in a country different to those listed above, via a partnership or dual degree program that did not require at least two consecutive years of academic study at an institution where the language of instruction is English
earned their degree at a foreign satellite campus affiliated with an institution in one of the countries referenced above
have only studied as an exchange student in an English-speaking country
Additional information for international candidates can be found on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.
Which GRE tests are required in order to apply?
GRE is not required. You must take and submit your scores for the GRE general test. You are NOT required to take or submit scores for the GRE subject test in mathematics. If you would like to submit scores for the GRE subject test in mathematics, you may do so, and these will be considered in evaluating your application.
May I substitute GMAT scores for GRE scores?
No. Applicants must take the GRE general test.
My native language is not English, but I have received a degree from an institution where the instruction is in English. Do I need to submit the results of a TOEFL exam?
In most cases, yes. The TOEFL requirement is waived only if you have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in any of the following countries prior to enrollment in the MSSP program: the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.
Do I have to include official score reports for my GRE and/or TOEFL exams? Will photocopies suffice?
You may include photocopies of your examination results with your application, but we will not be able to accept you unless you provide official score reports from the Educational Testing Service.
Do you offer admission during the Spring semester?
No. Except for the pilot program launched in the spring 2015 semester, we do not currently offer spring admission. The application deadline is February 15 for fall admission.
Is MSSP a STEM program?
Yes, the MSSP program is considered STEM for the purposes of 24-month OPT extention.