Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
MA in Statistics
Boston, USA
MA
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
16 Mar 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 34,935 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* applications received after the final deadline will continue to be reviewed on a space-available basis
** for full time students | part time students: 2,183 USD per credit
Key Summary
The Master of Arts in Statistics degree program provides advanced training in the fundamental theory of statistics and probability and in their applications to a broad range of disciplines. This program prepares students for positions in education, government agencies, industry, or nonprofit institutions, or for further graduate study leading to a PhD degree. To enter, students need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related discipline.
Eight semester courses (32 credits) approved for graduate study are required. The following core courses are required:
- CAS MA 575 Linear Models
- CAS MA 576 Generalized Linear Models
- CAS MA 581 Probability
- CAS MA 582 Mathematical Statistics
- CAS MA 583 Introduction to Stochastic Processes
The remaining three courses should constitute a coherent program relevant to the objectives of the student. Ordinarily, all courses are in probability and statistics or mathematics. However, students may petition the departmental graduate committee to use courses from other departments to partially satisfy this requirement.
Elective courses: The three elective courses mentioned on the BU Bulletin page can be chosen from the courses numbered MA 500 and above. You can find more information about the Students can also request to use courses from other departments to satisfy these requirements. Please contact your advisor for more information about which courses can be used in this way.
Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.
Comprehensive Examination
This examination, which is offered in April of each year, serves as a master’s degree examination. The comprehensive exam is typically taken after completing the required core courses. Students judged to be inadequately prepared for the first examination are allowed to take the examination again. More detailed information is provided upon admission.
Students graduating with an MA in Statistics are expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of probability theory, mathematical statistics, and stochastic processes.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply linear and generalized linear models to data and interpret the results.
- Demonstrate knowledge over a range of topics selected from probability theory, statistical methods, or computation.