The Department of Statistics and Applied Probability at UC Santa Barbara offers graduate programs leading to MA and PhD degrees. Admission decisions are based on academic achievement, programmatic fit, and scholarly potential. Below is a comprehensive guide to the application process, requirements, and frequently asked questions.

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Application Procedures

All applicants must apply electronically via the Graduate Division's Online Application. Please carefully read these instructions to ensure that you correctly complete each section of the application.

Required Materials

  1. Statement of Purpose
  2. Personal History Statement
  3. Resume or CV
  4. TOEFL or IELTS Scores (for international applicants)
  5. Three Letters of Recommendation
  6. Transcripts

Application Fee

  • Domestic Applicants: $135
  • International Applicants: $155

The fee must be paid via check, money order, or bank draft payable to "UC Regents." Applications cannot be processed until the fee is paid.

Deadlines

  • PhD Program: December 15
  • MA Program: February 15

General Admission Requirements

Education

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field with strong quantitative coursework.

Coursework

  • PhD Program:
    • One year of statistical theory, including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, regression, and ANOVA concepts.
    • Linear algebra, including vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
  • MA Program:
    • Calculus-based probability, including the law of large numbers and central limit theorems.
    • Statistical inference, hypothesis tests, and regressions.
    • Linear algebra, including vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.

GPA

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. However, the actual standard for admission is generally higher and depends on the applicant pool.

Exams

  • GRE: Not required for applicants to the MA or PhD programs for Fall 2025 (entering class of Fall 2026).
  • TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants whose native language is not English.
    • TOEFL: Minimum IBT score of 80
    • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 7
    • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120
    • Scores must be less than 2 years old. Applicants with a degree from a U.S. institution or a recognized English-speaking institution are exempt.

BS/MS program in Actuarial Science Applications

Current undergraduate students in the department can apply for this program here. 

Financial Support

The department offers financial support packages to all PhD students. These packages include a mixture of fellowships, grants, and teaching assistantships. 
MA applicants are not typically eligible for financial offers from the department. However, MA students are eligible to be hired as Teaching Assistants in the department.

Student Profiles

Javier Zapata, PhD in Statistics, Class of 2021

Javier Zapata talks about his experience at UCSB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your application will not be considered complete, and the department will not review it.

No, GRE scores are not required for the Fall 2025 application cycle.

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS unless they have earned a degree from a U.S. or recognized English-speaking institution.

Final admissions decisions are made in April. You will receive an email from the Graduate Division indicating whether you have been admitted or denied

Deferrals are only granted in cases of medical or family emergencies and require approval from the Graduate Dean. Otherwise, you must reapply for a future quarter.