Program Overview

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Graduate Programs Overview

The Department of Statistics and Data Science offers various graduate programs, including the PhD Program, MS Program, and Ad Hoc MS Option for NU PhD Students.

PhD Program

Applying

The application process for the PhD program involves submitting an application through the online portal.

Tuition & Funding

Information on tuition and funding for PhD students is available.

MS Program

MS in Statistics and Data Science Program Requirements

The MS program in Statistics and Data Science has specific requirements that must be met for completion.

How to Apply

The application process for the MS program involves submitting an application through the online portal.

MS in Statistics and Data Science FAQs

When does the online application for this program open?

The online application for all TGS programs, including the MS in Statistics and Data Science program, opens annually in early September.

Can I apply off cycle?

No. The Department of Statistics and Data Science accepts applications for full-time students entering in the fall quarter only.

May I apply for more than one TGS graduate program at Northwestern?

You may only submit one application to TGS per academic year. Additional applications will not be reviewed and application fees will not be refunded.

I am planning to apply for the Statistics PhD program. If I am not accepted, could my application be transferred to the MS program for consideration?

Yes, but you must indicate your interest in being considered for the MS program when applying for the PhD program. You cannot make this selection after you have submitted your application.

Can I apply for this program before having my BS degree if I will be receiving my BS degree prior to starting the program the following fall?

Yes, you can apply to the program as long as your expected graduation/degree date from your BS program is prior to the start of the MS program.

Am I required to pay a fee to apply for the MS program?

Yes, the application fee is $95. Applicants to the Statistics and Data Science PhD program have the option to be considered for the MS program if they are not admitted to the PhD program at no additional cost.

Is it possible to receive an Application Fee Waiver due to a difficult financial situation?

If you are applying for the Statistics and Data Science PhD program with the option to be considered for the MS program if your application for the PhD program is unsuccessful, then you can apply for a Fee Waiver if you have US citizenship or permanent residency.

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is optional, not required. However, please be aware that if you provide unofficial GRE scores in the application, you will be required to provide the official scores for your application to be complete.

Is TOEFL required?

A minimum of TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS of 7.0 is required for most international applicants.

Do students in the MS program pay tuition/fees?

Students in the MS program pay Tuition and the Student Activity Fee on a quarterly basis, and the annual Northwestern University/Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan premium.

Does Northwestern University provide any kind of full financial support in the form of scholarship / assistantship for the entire period of this master's degree?

Unfortunately, Northwestern does not provide financial support for students in the MS program. However, external scholarships may be awarded to students on a merit basis.

Am I required to have health insurance?

Yes. All graduate students at Northwestern University are required to have health insurance through the Northwestern University/Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan unless they are approved for a waiver by providing proof of other qualifying comparable health coverage.

Can I be a part time student and participate in the program?

The MS in Statistics and Data Science program is a full-time program. Both tracks require a minimum of 4 quarters of residency, while students on thesis track may need 5-6 quarters or longer to complete their degree.

Will I be able to continue working while in this program?

The MS in Statistics and Data Science is a day school program, meaning the required courses are offered during the day, not in the evening. Graduate students enrolled in the MS program may continue working as long as they can negotiate taking the required courses at the times they are offered and can maintain a full-time course schedule.

If I have completed my coursework, but have opted to do the MS thesis, do I still have to pay tuition?

Students who have completed their coursework but are working toward completing a thesis for their degree may register for TGS 512 by paying a nominal fee to maintain the full-time student status.

Ad Hoc MS Option for NU PhD Students

Ad Hoc MS in Applied Statistics Program Requirements

The Ad Hoc MS in Applied Statistics program has specific requirements that must be met for completion.

Ad Hoc MS Program Application

The application process for the Ad Hoc MS program involves submitting an application through the online portal.

Approved Courses for Ad Hoc MS

Information on approved courses for the Ad Hoc MS program is available.

Culminating Project

The culminating project for the Ad Hoc MS program involves completing a research project.

Completing the Ad Hoc MS Degree

Information on completing the Ad Hoc MS degree is available.

Withdrawing from the Ad Hoc MS Program

Information on withdrawing from the Ad Hoc MS program is available.

Courses

Information on courses offered by the Department of Statistics and Data Science is available.

PhD Placements

Information on PhD placements is available.

For Current PhD Students

Required Courses for PhD

The required courses for the PhD program are available.

Funding

Information on funding for PhD students is available.

Travel Grants & Other Funding

Information on travel grants and other funding opportunities for PhD students is available.

For Current MS in Stats Students

Required Courses for MS in Statistics and Data Science

The required courses for the MS in Statistics and Data Science program are available.

MS Thesis Track Option

The MS thesis track option involves completing a research project.

Internship CPT information for MS in Stats & DS Students

Information on internship CPT for MS in Stats & DS students is available.

MS Conference Travel Grant

Information on the MS conference travel grant is available.

Graduate Student Awards

Information on graduate student awards is available.

People

Administrative

Information on administrative staff is available.

Faculty

Information on faculty members is available.

Affiliated Faculty

Information on affiliated faculty members is available.

PhD Graduate Students

Information on PhD graduate students is available.

Postdoctoral and Visitors

Information on postdoctoral and visitors is available.

Staff

Information on staff members is available.

Emeritus Faculty

Information on emeritus faculty members is available.

In Memoriam

Information on in memoriam is available.

Events

Seminars

Information on seminars is available.

Professional Development Series

Information on the professional development series is available.

Lectures & Special Events

Information on lectures and special events is available.

Dissertation Defense Talks

Information on dissertation defense talks is available.

DataFest

Information on DataFest is available.

Past Events

Information on past events is available.

Research

Department Research

Information on department research is available.

Women in Statistics

Information on women in statistics is available.

Groups

Information on research groups is available.

Selected Books

Information on selected books is available.

PhD Graduate Student Research

Information on PhD graduate student research is available.

Ad Hoc MS in Applied Statistics Research

Information on Ad Hoc MS in Applied Statistics research is available.

Data Science Awards

Information on data science awards is available.