Frequently Asked Questions
Students considering the programs in the Department of Statistics at Western Michigan University commonly ask these questions.
How do I apply to a graduate program?
You can apply to our programs here!
When does the school year start?
The fall semester starts during the last week of August. The second semester, the spring term, starts in the beginning of January. The are two sessions (i.e., half-length semesters) in the summer. Summer I starts in early May and Summer II starts in late June. See the academic calendar for specific dates.
What is the (graduate) admission application deadline?
For permanent residents of the U.S., the deadline for Fall admissions is July 1 and the deadline for Spring admissions is November 1.
For international students, the deadline for Fall admissions is March 1 and the deadline for Spring admissions is July 1. These deadlines are set by International Admissions to allow sufficient time for visa processing.
However, not all of our graduate programs admit students for the same semesters. See the following pages for specific program deadlines and related information.
Can I apply for admission in Spring semester (January)?
Yes, you can apply for admission to start in the Spring semester. However, there are fewer classes to take, since the first year sequence of courses starts in the fall.
My college major was not Statistics. Can I get admitted?
Yes, we do accept students that do not have an undergraduate degree in Statistics. Check out the program requirements for the Master's in Statistics and Master's in Data Science.
I do not have a Master's in Statistics. Can I apply to the Ph.D. program?
Most students admitted to the Ph.D. in Statistics hold a Master’s degree in Statistics. Applicants without a Master’s are encouraged to apply to the M.S. in Statistics first. Early in your M.S. studies, you may consult with your advisor about the possibility of transferring to the Ph.D. program after completing one year of coursework.
What types of financial aid are available?
Students may apply for a teaching assistant (TA) position. TAs are typically assigned to teach sections of introductory Mathematics or Statistics courses. The department does not offer non-teaching financial aid. A TA appointment provides a stipend and covers up to 9 credits of tuition for each Fall or Spring semester.
What is the application deadline for TA?
To be considered for a teaching assistantship, applications must be submitted by the priority deadline of February 15. The Graduate Committee conducts its first round of TA awards for the Fall semester from applications received by this date. Applications submitted after the priority deadline may still be reviewed for subsequent rounds of consideration.
How many teaching assistant positions are available?
This depends on budget allocations, but we usually have five to seven positions available.
What are the work responsibilities for TA's?
TAs are typically assigned to teach sections of introductory Statistics or Mathematics courses. They are also typically assigned hours in the tutor lab and/or serve as graders for faculty members teaching upper-level courses. A full-time TA appointment involves 20 service hours per week.
What do we look for in a teaching assistant application?
We first confirm that you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses for your intended program. We then review your overall background, including coursework and grades. For international applicants, we require evidence of strong English communication skills—such as work experience in an English-speaking setting or reference letters addressing English proficiency. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a phone interview as a final step.
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission and TA?
Teaching assistant applicants need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (or the equivalent in their grading system). There is no minimum GPA for admission, but the prerequisite and related courses for the desired program should have been passed with grades of B or better.
Is the GRE required for admission?
Neither the GRE General Test nor any GRE Subject Tests are required for admission to the Master’s or doctoral programs.
Is there a minimum required TOEFL score? What other English language tests are acceptable?
International students must demonstrate English proficiency to enter a degree-seeking program at Western Michigan University. The IAS proficiency page lists the possible ways that students may demonstrate English proficiency.
I live in a country where English is a second language. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Residents of some countries do not need to take the TOEFL. See the list of exempted countries.