May I apply for the Hybrid Online/On-campus Program?
The Hybrid Online/On-campus Program is not accepting applications.
COVID-19
Q: Where is the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and the Columbia University campus?
Please keep reading all your emails from the Statistics Department, GSAS and Columbia University.
Please regularly visit Columbia University's Resource Guide for COVID-19andISSO.
Check University Updates for the most recent communications to the Columbia University community.
Q: What health and safety protocols do we have to follow?
A detailed overview of public health protocols on Columbia’s campus includes symptom screening, mandatory and periodic testing, contact tracing, face covering, social distancing, and quarantining.
Q: What is the Columbia Community Health Compact?
It is the shared community pledge to the highest standards of health and safety. See here: Columbia Community Health Compact
General Questions
Q: What are students, faculty and alumni saying about the MA Program?
Here are:
o
oVideos of Faculty
Enjoy a VIDEO from 2018 with our former Chair Richard Davis who continues as one of our influential faculty members.
Q: What do you look for in an applicant?
The Admissions Committee looks for applicants with a compelling background and strong grades in quantitative and related fields such as statistics, mathematics and computer science. Applicants need a thorough knowledge of linear algebra and advanced calculus. Successful candidates have experience in theoretical or applied probability and statistics. Familiarity with computer programming is highly recommended.
Interested applicants lacking background in these areas should make up the deficiency before applying. We do not offer conditional acceptance.
Due to the large number of applications received, the MA in Statistics staff does not answer inquiries about specific applications. We do not give advice or offer direction to applicants before they are admitted. While we appreciate interest in the program, emails expressing this interest have no bearing on the outcome of an application. One's candidacy is decided upon by the application materials only. Any specific interest and rationale should be conveyed in the personal statement within the application.
Q: How many students are enrolled in the program?
The number of enrolled students varies every year according to the number of qualified applications received.
Q: What is the application deadline?
We recommend submitting your application before the January 31st early deadline, especially if you would like to be considered for a Department Scholarship. HERE is more information about deadlines.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applicants who submit applicationsthat include all required supporting materialsbytheearly deadline of January 31are guaranteed to receive a decision by theendof March.
Please refer to the GSAS Admissions website for deadline information.
Q: What are the minimum GPA/GRE Scores for a successful applicant?
There are no minimum GPA or GRE scores set by the Department. The Admissions Committee looks competitively at the overall application including the grades received in relevant coursework, the prerequisites needed for the program, recommendation letters, test scores, and other supporting documents.
Q: May I apply for more than one program?
To apply to more than one program in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, please review the Frequently Asked Questions on the GSAS Website. Note that besides applying to GSAS, it is fine to apply to other schools within Columbia University, like the School of Professional Studies or the School of Engineering.
Q: May I pursue another degree when enrolled in the MA Program?
No, you may not. Here is some general information on Statistics on the GSAS Website.
Q: May I arrange for a personal interview or visit the Columbia University Campus?
Due to the number of applicants we do not meet with prospective students. An interview is not part of the Admissions Process. Nor do we provide tours or interviews with faculty or students.
You may visit the Columbia Campus Visitor Center (213 Low Library). HERE is a link for visiting the Columbia Campus. HERE is a link for tours, including the self-guided tour. HERE is more detailed information about Columbia University and visiting New York City.
Thoroughly review the MA Website and the GSAS Website including the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). If questions remain and you are on campus, visit the GSAS Admissions Office (107 Low Library) between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Q: Are TOEFL Scores required?
GSAS requires a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (600 on the paper-and-pencil test) or 7.5 on the IELTS test. Please refer to GSAS Admissions for timing and more details on the English Proficiency Requirement. Write to gsas-admissions@columbia.edu for specific questions.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program? Is there a part-time option?
The typical full-time schedule is three semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall) with summer courses as optional. Students in F1 status are required to be full-time and may not extend beyond the three semesters, according to their visa. There is no minimum number of courses taken per semester as long as all the program requirements are completed within a maximum of three semesters. A small number of exceptional students are able to complete the program requirements within two semesters.
Part-time domestic students complete the program in a maximum of four years.
Q: Where can I find additional information about admission requirements and other GSAS policies?
Please refer to the GSAS Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
Q: What is the cost of attendance?
When making your financial plans, it is necessary to consider tuition and fees as well as living expenses in estimating the overall cost of attendance (COA).
Q: Are there any scholarship or funding opportunities available?
Read HERE about scholarship and funding opportunities.
Q: When do classes begin in the Fall, Spring, or Summer? What are important dates?
You can find important dates on theAcademic Calendar. Choose the year, semester, and the school is the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Visit the MA Program Events Calendar to see dates and deadlines relevant to the MA Program in Statistics.
Q: What programming languages are used in the MA Program?
Both R and Python are used. A good website to have time to prepare in advance for programming options is located here.
Q: Do MA students take courses with PhD students?
MA Statistics students who have demonstrated exceptional academic potential and who plan to apply for a PhD program may submit applications to take selected PhD-level courses offered by the department. Applications will be reviewed by the Faculty Director of the MA program and faculty instructors of the PhD-level courses. Space will be limited, with a cap decided by the faculty instructors of the PhD-level courses.
Q: Are there TA or RA opportunities for MA students?
You may apply for a grader position after you complete your first semester in the MA Program. Keep reading the MA Newsletter and checking your emails as this opportunity will be announced. We do not offer RA or TA positions within the Statistics Department for Master's students, but there may be TA opportunities available outside the Department.
Q: May I apply for the Hybrid Online/On-campus Program?
The Hybrid Online/On-campus Program is not accepting applications.
Q: Is there a Facebook page for the MA Statistics Program?
Yes, we have a Facebook page.
Q: Where do graduates work?
Our graduates pursue careers in diverse areas including but not limited to the following: the pharmaceutical industry, education, finance, insurance, market research, public health, government, academia and consulting. To get a sense of where our recent graduates have landed, please click HERE. International students should consult with ISSO counselors about eligibility to work in the US.
Our career development team provides individual and group guidance to help students find jobs. This includes resume and cover letter reviews, training through mock interview sessions and networking events with employers and alumni.
Students take a professional development course in which they learn how to navigate their career path. They also meet several employers and alumni during the classes.
Statistics Career Information
oGraduate Placement
oAlumni Profiles
Decisions & Waitlists
Q: I applied a while ago and still haven’t received my decision. When will I hear back about my status?
If you have not heard back, it means your application is still under review. There are no expedited reviews.
Although the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences begins accepting applications to the M.A. program in September, the decision-making process may not begin until January. Once the decision-making process is under way, decisions will be made on a rolling basis.
Since space is limited, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit all application materials as early as possible.
Q: My application was rejected. May I receive feedback?
We appreciate the time and commitment you put into your application; however, we are unable to offer individual feedback on why you did not gain admission. This is a highly selective program and decisions are competitively based upon a thorough review of all application materials.
Q: What is my number on the waiting list?
We do not have a number system for our wait list, nor do we share where you rank.
Q: May I submit additional materials to improve my application while placed on the wait list?
No. If you are on the waitlist, you must simply wait to see if available slots open. You will be contacted if there is an open spot available for you.
Q: I was accepted. May I request an extension to the time I have to pay the deposit?
We are not allowing any extensions to the date of the deposit. You need to pay the deposit in time or forfeit your place to another student.
FAQs
How hard is it to get into Columbia University Masters program? ›
The admissions process for graduate students at Columbia University is notoriously difficult. At Columbia, students may expect to receive GRE Verbal Reasoning scores in the range of 154 to 167, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning scores might range anywhere from 156 to 170.
What is the acceptance rate for Columbia University MA in statistics? ›Some students in the MA program are preparing for doctoral study in statistics or other quantitative fields, most are preparing for, or are working in, positions that use statistics. The acceptance rate of Columbia University is 5.8%. Columbia University is ranked #19 in QS Global World Rankings 2021.
What GPA do you need for Columbia Masters? ›In general, the admission requirement for full admission to Columbia College graduate programs is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, for students' entire academic career. Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission, as described in the individual program sections.
What is the acceptance rate for Columbia MSCS? ›MS students are encouraged to participate in the state of the art research with the research groups and labs. The acceptance rate of Columbia University is 5.8%. Columbia University and the Department of Computer Science provide opportunities for students to explore career options and to prepare for their job search.
Can I get into Columbia with a 3.7 GPA? ›GPA. Although no minimum GPA is required for admission, if a student has recently been enrolled in a college or university, it is expected that he or she will have performed very well (an A average or 3.7 - 3.8 GPA).
What is the hardest Ivy League school to get into? ›Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the US and consistently ranks #1 hardest Ivy League to get into.
Is Columbia MA statistics stem? ›Statistics is a STEM subject. Details on the OPT extension for students with STEM degrees are here .
What GPA do you need for grad school statistics? ›A good GPA is often considered to be at least a 3.0, although most graduate programs and graduate school require a minimum GPA of 3.5 for admission. The highest GPA you can achieve is a 4.0, so having an overall GPA at or above this level is what's usually considered a good GPA.
Is Ma statistics worth it? ›Master's in Statistics jobs like statisticians, data scientists, data analysts, and actuarial science are all highly lucrative career paths. If you already have a background in statistics, mathematics, or computer science, it's well worth considering pursuing an advanced degree.
What GPA is too low for Masters program? ›There is no universal minimum GPA for grad school. The minimum, when one is specified for admissions requirements, can vary by school and program. At many schools, admissions requirements for masters programs may specify a 3.0 GPA minimum, but some schools may accept applicants with lower GPAs.
Is 3.7 a good GPA in Masters? ›
Yes, a 3.7 is typically considered a strong GPA for grad school admissions.
Can I get into Columbia with a 3.5 GPA? ›For Columbia University Graduate School and all the top-tier schools in the country, you want to aim for at least a 3.5 GPA overall. If you have a 3.35 or a 3.4, you can still get into Columbia, but try to aim for a 3.5 or higher to have the best chances.
Does Columbia have the lowest acceptance rate? ›The University ranks as the second-most difficult school to get into, with a 3.73% acceptance rate for the class of 2026. Columbia University is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world, and its acceptance rate reflects that.
Is Columbia University an Ivy League school? ›There are eight total colleges that are considered to be Ivy League. These schools are Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, and Columbia universities and the University of Pennsylvania.
Is Columbia grad school competitive? ›Columbia University is an extremely competitive school for graduate applicants. Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses.
What is the lowest GPA Columbia will accept? ›Is there a minimum test score, class rank or GPA required for admission to Columbia? No. Columbia is test-optional and does not have a "cut-off" GPA or test score for applicants.
Is Columbia easier to get into than Harvard? ›In 2021, Columbia edged past Princeton and Harvard to become the most competitive Ivy. However, with a current acceptance rate of 3.4%, Harvard is once again the hardest Ivy League school to get into.
What's the lowest GPA someone got into Columbia with? ›You should also have a 4.12 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Columbia University, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What is the happiest Ivy League? ›Brown is ranked by the Princeton Review as the 10th happiest campus in the country and the happiest school in the Ivy League, and has a general reputation for being the “Happy Ivy.” But why does Brown have this reputation?
What is the easiest Ivy academically? ›Cornell University
Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.
What is the lowest GPA ever accepted Ivy League? ›
And maybe, you can get into a top tier college with a low GPA. We've always stated that the lowest GPA student we've ever helped get into an Ivy League school had a 3.3 unweighted GPA. And we're not saying that we could get anyone in with a 3.3 GPA. But it has happened before – and the student was Asian American too.
What is Columbia ranking statistics? ›It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,148 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 36 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Columbia University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #18. Its tuition and fees are $65,524.
What course is Columbia University known for? ›History, Pharmacology, Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, Engineering, Information and Computer Sciences, and Writing are some of the popular CU majors.
What is Columbia grad school known for? ›One of the nation's oldest and most distinguished graduate schools, GSAS confers graduate degrees in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Our renowned faculty works with students to cultivate advanced knowledge and offer preparation for a variety of careers.
Is 3.2 A good GPA for masters? ›Some students may wonder how to get into grad school with a 2.5 GPA. The average GPA needed to qualify for most graduate programs is somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5. A GPA of 3.0 is the most common minimum GPA required. It really does depend on the college and the program you are applying to.
Is 3.5 A good GPA for masters? ›Although actual requirements vary, most graduate admissions committees typically expect applicants to have GPAs from 3.0–3.3 for master's programs and from 3.3–3.5 for doctoral programs.
Do employers care about grad school GPA? ›In business, the GPA might be part of the picture, along with the real-world experience you gained through internships or jobs during your studies. And, as with everything, it's who you know as well as what you know. Back to the short answer: Yes, GPAs matter.
Is a master in statistics hard? ›Final Thoughts. Statistics is exhausting, but rewarding. It can advance your career and offers many opportunities to use your skills. With hard work and dedication, a master's in statistics can help you hone these skills and build a successful career.
Why is graduate statistics so hard? ›Statistics has gotten a reputation for being a very hard class, especially when taken in college, because it combines math concepts in order to form an analysis of a data set that can be used to understand an association in the data (whoo that was a mouthful).
Is statistics a high paying major? ›The best Statistician jobs can pay up to $136,000 per year.
Statisticians collect and analyze mathematical data.
Can I do masters with 2.4 GPA? ›
Minimum GPA requirements for grad school are generally around 3.0. This can vary, though, depending on the program you are applying to. A low GPA can be problematic for admissions to schools that are very selective and competitive. With a 2.5 GPA, it may be more productive to consider low GPA graduate schools.
What is a mediocre GPA for grad school? ›It is often recommended by admissions officers and hiring staff that you don't include your GPA in your resume for graduate school or job applications if it is less than 3.5. GPA requirements for masters programs vary by school and department, but most programs require a GPA of at least 3.0 -- or a B average.
What is the minimum GPA for masters in Harvard? ›Earn the required cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (equivalent to a grade of B) or higher from all Harvard courses. If you haven't earned at least a B in all of your Harvard courses, use our GPA Estimator tool to determine your GPA.
What will an F do to a 3.7 GPA? ›The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript.
What is the average GPA to get into Harvard masters? ›Achieve a minimum grade-point average of B (3.0)
What GPA does Columbia want? ›Incoming freshmen at the traditional campus should have: A 3.0 or higher high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Do Ivy Leagues accept 3.5 GPA? ›It may be difficult to get into an Ivy League school with a 3.5 GPA. Most Ivy League schools require that applicants have an average GPA of 4.0.
Does Columbia care about GPA? ›The admissions process at Columbia is a holistic one, which means that all parts of the application help inform our evaluation. Columbia is test-optional and does not have a "cut-off" GPA or test score for admission, and academics are considered alongside the full application.
Is Columbia more selective than Yale? ›Of both the private institutions, getting admissions with Columbia University is rather easy as compared to Yale University. The acceptance rate of Columbia is higher than Yale's. As well as the score requirement for GMAT, SAT, and ACT is lower for Columbia University.
Is Columbia harder to get into than NYU? ›Columbia is part of the Ivy League which is considered very prestigious in the US and abroad. Because Columbia has a lower admission rate than NYU, there is a general perception that Columbia is more prestigious than NYU. However, personal fit is much more important than prestige.
Is Columbia a Tier 1 school? ›
Tier 1 schools include: Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, UChicago, Caltech, Columbia, Brown, Northwestern, The University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Duke, Vanderbilt, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Rice.
Is Columbia more prestigious than Cornell? ›Cornell University rankings are higher for engineering & technology, life sciences, computer science while Columbia University rankings are higher for arts & humanities, law, business & management.
Is Columbia as prestigious as Stanford? ›Although Stanford University came into existence almost 100 years after Columbia University, its ranking and reputation are slightly ahead. Stanford University ranked within top 5 among the world universities while Columbia University ranked within top 20 according to various ranking agencies.
Is Columbia the hardest college to get into? ›Columbia University, another Ivy League school, has the same admission rate as Harvard. This school takes a truly holistic approach when assessing applications. Admissions officers don't just look at the applicants' grades. They also take into consideration the rigor and variety of classes that the student has taken.
What is the acceptance rate for Columbia MA statistics? ›The student-faculty ratio of this college is 6:1. Some students in the MA program are preparing for doctoral study in statistics or other quantitative fields, most are preparing for, or are working in, positions that use statistics. The acceptance rate of Columbia University is 5.8%.
How hard is it to get into Columbia University for master's? ›The Ivy League is notorious for its low acceptance rates. Columbia University accepted less than 3.9% of regular decision applicants into the Class of 2027! These extremely low acceptance numbers seem to be the new normal.
How to get admission in Columbia University for master's? ›- Completed Online Application. ...
- $95 Nonrefundable Application Fee (U.S. Currency) ...
- Transcripts from all Colleges or Universities Attended. ...
- Statement of Academic Purpose/Essay. ...
- Letters of Recommendation from Academic and/or Professional Sources. ...
- Your Résumé ...
- Video Essay. ...
- Proof of English Proficiency.
GPA requirements for masters programs vary by school and department, but most programs require a GPA of at least 3.0 -- or a B average. The more competitive a college major, like psychology and business, the more competitive your GPA has to be to get into a related masters program.
Is a 3.5 GPA good for grad school? ›Most top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions to this rule occur, of course, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to a low (3.0 or less) GPA.
What is the grad average GPA for Columbia? ›Average GPA: 4.12
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.) With a GPA of 4.12, Columbia University requires you to be at the top of your class.
Is the GRE required by Columbia Masters? ›
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
If you have taken the exam and would like to provide your scores, you may, but it is not required. Students who do not submit scores will not be penalized in the graduate admissions review process.
Incoming freshmen at the traditional campus should have: A 3.0 or higher high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
What is a good GPA to get into Columbia University? ›To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4.12 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.
Is 3.7 a good GPA in masters? ›Yes, a 3.7 is typically considered a strong GPA for grad school admissions.
Is 3.5 A bad GPA for masters? ›A 3.5 GPA for grad school is generally considered to be competitive for grad school, but it may not be regarded as high enough for more competitive programs. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements, while others may place more emphasis on other factors such as research experience or letters of recommendation.
Can I get into Stanford grad school with a 3.5 GPA? ›There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.
What GPA do you need for Ivy League grad school? ›Ivy League Grad School GPA Requirements
While each Ivy League school will have its specific requirements, generally, a GPA of 3.5 or above is considered competitive for graduate programs. However, this can vary based on the specific program and department within each school.
For Columbia University Graduate School and all the top-tier schools in the country, you want to aim for at least a 3.5 GPA overall. If you have a 3.35 or a 3.4, you can still get into Columbia, but try to aim for a 3.5 or higher to have the best chances.