FAQ for Prospective Graduate Students
1. Is GRE required for application to the statistics graduate programs?
We have waived the GRE requirement for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 admissions for statistics graduate programs. Please see this link for further information: https://tinyurl.com/2ehejfwb.
2. I am an international student, is there an English proficiency requirement?
You can learn more about the university policy for English proficiency by visiting the GMU website.
3. I am an international student, are there additional requirements that I should be aware of?
Students can learn more about the international student requirements by visiting the GMU website.
4. What are the deadlines and the required application materials of applications for the statistics graduate programs?
For the deadlines and required materials, please find the relevant information in this link: https://tinyurl.com/2ehejfwb.
5. Do I need a Master’s degree to enroll in the PhD program?
No, you can enroll directly in the PhD program without a Master’s degree. However, once enrolled, you will be required to complete coursework equivalent to a Master’s degree as part of your PhD requirements. Incoming students are expected to have completed coursework similar to STAT 544 (Applied Probability), STAT 554 (Applied Statistics I), and STAT 652 (Statistical Inference); see GMU’s catalog. If you have not completed these courses, you may need to take them as part of your PhD program, with a reduced credit reduction for the equivalent MS requirements. If your goal is to pursue a PhD and you meet the admission requirements, there is no need to apply for the MS first. You can apply directly to the PhD program.
6. Can I submit unofficial transcripts for my PhD in Statistical Science application?
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires applicants to upload scanned, unofficial copies of transcripts for application review. Please make sure documents are legible. They should include full name, show school name, and have degree conferral date, if earned. If admitted however, all applicants are required to submit official, final transcripts prior to the last day to add/drop courses in their first semester or they are withdrawn by the university. For more information, please visit the George Mason Graduate Admissions page.
7. I have some questions related to transcript evaluations, where can I get support?
You may find the answers to your transcript questions (and many other frequently asked questions during applications) in this link: https://tinyurl.com/58rfv39b. If you have further questions about transcript evaluations, please email CEC Graduate Admissions at cecgrad@gmu.edu.
8. Am I qualified for admission to one of your statistics graduate programs?
The requirements for admissions to statistics graduate programs can be found in our catalog: https://tinyurl.com/4rf4x8pv. Please submit your application via the following link for a formal review for admission: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now. Due to limited resources, we do not offer any assessments before applicants submit their applications.
9. I still miss one or two courses to meet the admission requirements of one of your graduate programs, what should I do?
While we encourage applicants to meet all the admission requirements to apply to our graduate programs, applicants who have not fully met the admission requirements may be considered for provisional admissions (for domestic students only). Provisionally admitted students will be required to take selected courses to meet all admission requirements, prior to or concurrently with the coursework of the graduate programs.
10. I am interested in your MS/PhD program. Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Yes, both the MS and PhD programs allow students to enroll as part-time students. However, it is important to note that part-time students must still meet the same academic requirements and timelines as full-time students, and part-time enrollment may impact the duration of the program and the availability of certain funding opportunities like assistantships.
11. I am interested in your MS/PhD programs. Does the department offer an assistantship? Do I need to apply for the assistantship separately?
Usually, each year, the department has a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions for select newly admitted PhD students. On rare occasions, and if funding permits, we may also consider offering GTA positions to outstanding MS students. Applicants who are interested in the GTA positions only need to indicate their interest in their applications to the graduate programs and do not need separate applications. Additional research assistantships at various levels may be available from faculty research grants or other funds. More information can be found Graduate Student Assistantships and CEC Scholarship.
12. Does the PhD program in Statistical Science offer Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), and how can I apply for one?
Yes, the PhD program offers Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). However, new PhD students, if sponsored, are typically offered Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) in their first year. GRA opportunities are usually considered starting in the second year, based on the student’s research progress and available funding. Applicants who are interested in the GRA positions only need to indicate their interest in their applications to the graduate programs and do not need separate applications. It is also not necessary to contact faculty members directly for funding opportunities, though doing so can help you learn more about specific research projects in the department.
13. Can you waive the application fee?
Our department does not have the authority to offer application fee waivers for graduate admission. However, George Mason University offers admission fee waiver to qualified applicants. Please check the criteria by clicking on the application fee waivers. A full list of Waiver-Eligible Countries can be found here: https://www.gmu.edu/international/english-language-requirements.
14. Do I need to contact faculty members before applying to the PhD program in Statistical Science?
No, contacting faculty members before applying to the PhD program is not required. The admissions committee operates independently and reviews applications holistically, without direct consideration of specific research groups or faculty members. Admission decisions are based solely on your full application package.
15. I am a master’s student at George Mason. Can I transfer to your MS program?
You can apply to transfer from one MS program to another within the same school by submitting a Graduate Change of Program form. The transfer needs to be approved by the program directors of both programs. If you want to change to a program outside the College of Engineering and Computing, you will need to start a new application.
16. What are the prerequisites for your MS Biostatistics Program?
The Biostatistics MS at Mason is grounded in statistical theory and requires a solid understanding of Calculus I and II, as well as linear algebra (or abstract algebra). While we do offer provisional admission to those missing some of the required courses, we suggest that at least two of the three courses are completed before applying. These prerequisites are in place to ensure that the students enrolling in our program succeed.
17. I can't find what I'm looking for; where can I find further information, or whom can I talk to with specific questions?
For more information, please visit the graduate programs page. If you still can't find what you're looking for, please contact:
- Dr. Lily Wang, Graduate Program Director
- Dr. John Stufken, General Advisor of MS Students
- Dr. Brett Hunter, Associate Chair for Education