UCLA Department of Statistics and Data ScienceFall 2027 deadline: March 1, 2027

Application process

Apply with a clear sense of what we look for.

We welcome applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. A bachelor's degree is required, but an undergraduate degree in statistics is not.

Start application UCLA application steps

Application steps

  1. 1

    Confirm your preparation

    Applicants should have taken courses in linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and probability and statistics. Applicants should also have experience in computer programming; any programming language is acceptable. MASDS courses are taught in R and Python.

    If the undergraduate degree is not in STEM, the application should show evidence of coursework in the areas listed above through community college, university, university extension, or post-baccalaureate coursework.

  2. 2

    Prepare application materials

    Applicants submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, a resume or CV, GRE Scores (if available), and two letters of recommendation through UCLA's graduate application system. The program values documented work experience, especially applying quantitative methods in research, business, or other professional settings, but work experience is not required.

  3. 3

    Submit through UCLA Graduate Admission

    All applicants apply online through UCLA's Application for Graduate Admission. Use Major Code 00J3 for MASDS.

Application materials

Academic recordsUpload copies of transcripts during the application period. Official records are required after admission.
StatementsSubmit both a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The personal statement tells the story of who you are and how you got to where you are. The statement of purpose explains what you want to do and why you want to enter the MASDS program.
Resume or CVShowcase professional experience, quantitative work, research, projects, awards, and honors.
RecommendationsTwo letters are required from people familiar with your academic or professional performance. A third letter will be reviewed if provided.
GRE scoresGRE scores are highly recommended for admission, but not required. GRE scores are valid for five years. If you take the GRE more than once, the Admissions Committee will accept the highest score, but it will have access to all submitted scores.
Application feeApplication fees are set by UCLA Graduate Division and are nonrefundable.

Official UCLA Graduate Division links

Start the applicationSubmit your application through UCLA's online graduate application portal.
Apply online
Application stepsReview UCLA Graduate Division's step-by-step application guidance.
View steps to apply
Graduate program listingReview the official UCLA Graduate Division page for the Master of Applied Statistics and Data Science.
View program listing

Additional admissions notes

Application reviewComplete applications are reviewed in the order received within each fall and winter admission cycle. Fall decisions are usually released between late March and early May, depending on application volume.
Reapplication eligibilityApplicants who apply for Fall 2027 and are not admitted will not be eligible to apply for Winter 2028. If your Fall 2027 application is unsuccessful, you must wait until March 2028 to reapply to the program.
International applicantsThe program may accept international students and sponsor F-1 or J-1 visas. International students typically must enroll in 8 units, or two 4-unit courses, per academic quarter.
English proficiencyAll applicants must meet UCLA's English language proficiency requirement. Applicants who do not qualify based on prior education must submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores. Review UCLA's English requirements for current exemption criteria and score rules.
STEM designationMASDS is a STEM program in the Division of Physical Sciences. Applied Statistics is listed with CIP code 27.0600.
Financial assistanceApplicants are considered for fellowship assistance. A portion of admitted students may receive full-tuition awards, contingent on academic performance.
One application policyUCLA Graduate Division policy permits applicants to apply to one graduate program per application period.