Statistics BX/MS Joint Degree Program (3+1)

Students interested in the Statistics BX/MS Joint Degree Program are encouraged to plan their course schedule and consult Yibi Huang () early in their first or second year.

Application

  • Deadline: The application deadline for the Statistics BX/MS program is June 1 of the third year, unless it falls on a Friday or weekend. For 2025, the deadline is Monday, June 2. Admission decisions are made within one week of the deadline.

  • Eligibility: The undergraduate degree (BX, either BA or BS) can be in any field. The master’s degree (MS) will be in Statistics. Applicants need not be Statistics majors but must complete either STAT 24400 or 24410 and STAT 24500 or 24510 by the Winter quarter of their third year. Performance in these courses is a key factor in the admission decision.

  • Selectivity: The BX/MS program is more selective than the regular Statistics MS program. Typically, 0-3 students are admitted each year. Students with grades lower than A or A- in STAT 24400-24500 or 24410-24510 have a lower chance of admission unless other aspects of their application are exceptionally strong.

  • Application Components:

    • Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.
    • Three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement are required.
    • A detailed 4-year plan (spreadsheet or list) of completed and planned courses must be submitted to demonstrate how all BX/MS and Gen-Ed requirements will be met.

  • Submission Process: Applications are submitted online at https://apply-psd.uchicago.edu/apply/. Since the BX/MS application deadline is later than the regular MS deadline, applicants will fill out the forms and upload materials but will not be able to “submit” them. After uploading all documents, applicants should email Yibi Huang (). Yibi will coordinate with the staff to download the submitted materials.

  • Application Fee: There is no application fee for the BX/MS program.

Requirements for the Statistics BX/MS Joint Degree Program

  • Coursework:
    • BX/MS students must complete 9 courses in total, including STAT 244X0-245X0 taken in the first three years. They must also complete an MS paper and a 30-minute presentation. For detailed requirements, see the Requirements and Regulations for Statistics MS Candidates.
    • BX/MS students may substitute STAT 30030 (= STAT 24410) and STAT 30020 (= STAT 24510) required by the Statistics MS with STAT 24400 and STAT 24500 if taken during the first three years.
    • General Education Courses: At most one general education course can be completed during the 4th year.
    • Course Double Counting: Students can double count up to two courses (typically STAT 244X0-245X0) toward both the MS degree and any undergraduate major and/or minor. The remaining 7 STAT MS courses may count toward the MS degree and as general electives for the undergraduate degree.
    • Students must take appropriate MS courses each quarter of their 4th year. At least 7 of the 9 MS courses must be taken in the 4th year. Students may take up to 5 courses in the 4th year toward their undergraduate degree, provided they meet all other requirements. Note that students can take up to 4 courses per quarter but they are recommended to take only 3 courses per quarter as they need to spare time for the MS thesis.
  • MS Thesis: BX/MS students must graduate in the Spring quarter of their 4th year. It is advisable to seek a thesis advisor during the Spring quarter of the third year as many professors may be unavailable over the summer. Background reading typically begins in the summer, with the main thesis work done in the autumn of the 4th year. The final thesis deadline is in the middle of the Spring quarter, so the draft should be near completion by the end of winter. This timeline aligns with the schedule for writing a Bachelor’s paper, allowing students who are not admitted to the BX/MS program to still use their thesis for honors graduation.

For further questions about the Statistics BX/MS Joint Degree Program, please contact Yibi Huang at .

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here does not supersede or replace the University’s and Department’s official webpages on:

Information valid as of July 02, 2024