Program format
What is the difference between the MS and MASDS programs?
UCLA Statistics and Data Science also offers a Master of Science program. The MS focuses more on theoretical statistics. MASDS focuses on applied statistics and data science, with evening classes and a more flexible course load for working professionals.
Can MASDS be completed online?
No. MASDS is a fully in-person program. Classes are scheduled in the evening.
Is MASDS a new program?
The program was approved by the University of California Office of the President in September 2015 and admitted its first cohort in Fall 2016.
How many students are in each cohort?
Recent MASDS cohorts are typically about 50 to 75 students.
How long does the program take?
Program length varies by course load. Students are required to complete 44 units and a thesis. Students who take two 4-unit courses per quarter typically finish in spring of their second year.
Can I complete the program part-time?
Yes. MASDS is designed for part-time study by working professionals. Students can adjust their pace, though international students must meet visa-related enrollment requirements.
How many courses do MASDS students take each quarter?
The typical course load is 8 units, or two 4-unit courses, per quarter. Students may take one 4-unit course in busier quarters or up to three courses in a single quarter to finish faster. A three-course quarter is a heavy course load and is not recommended for students who work full time. International students in F-1 or J-1 status generally must enroll in at least 8 units per academic quarter.
Admissions
Do you accept applications on a rolling basis?
Yes. Complete applications are reviewed in the order received within each admission cycle. For Fall 2027 admission, applications are due on or before March 1, 2027. For Winter 2028 admission, with classes beginning in January 2028, applications are due on or before July 1, 2027. Applicants 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.
What are the application deadlines?
For Fall 2027 admission, applications are due on or before March 1, 2027. Late applications may be considered case-by-case. To ensure receipt of scores, applicants submitting GRE scores or required English-proficiency test scores should take the applicable test by February 2, 2027. For Winter 2028 admission, applications are due on or before July 1, 2027; applicants should contact the program to confirm recommended test timing for that cycle.
Is the GRE required?
No. The GRE is highly recommended for MASDS 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. Use UCLA GRE Code 4837 and Department Code 0705. There is no minimum GRE score requirement.
Can I submit my application before taking the GRE or an English-proficiency test?
Yes. The GRE is highly recommended, but not required. For Fall 2027 admission, applicants submitting GRE scores or required TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores should take the applicable test by February 2, 2027, to ensure receipt of scores. Contact the program if the personal information on a test report differs from the information on the UCLA graduate application.
What GPA is required?
UCLA requires a minimum B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, for graduate admission. MASDS also requires a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 in upper-division coursework. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Can I apply while still enrolled as an undergraduate?
Yes. Although MASDS is oriented toward working professionals, students may enter directly from college. Applicants should submit transcripts by the deadline even if Fall grades are not yet available.
Can I apply to multiple UCLA graduate programs?
UCLA Graduate Division permits applicants to apply to one graduate program per application period. If more than one application is submitted in the same year, only the first program receives the application, and extra application fees are not refunded.
Preparation and materials
What preparation is needed if I am not a statistics major?
Applicants should have coursework in linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and probability and statistics. Applicants should also have programming experience. MASDS courses are taught in R and Python. If the undergraduate degree is not in STEM, the application should show this preparation through community college, university, university extension, or post-baccalaureate coursework.
Do I need work experience?
Work experience is not required, but experience applying quantitative methods or statistical work is viewed favorably.
What if I am worried about prerequisites or do not know R or Python?
Our program includes short preparatory reviews of R, Python, and math and statistics fundamentals that students can take before classes start.
What transcripts are required?
If you transferred institutions, submit transcripts from both schools in the online application. For example, students who transferred from a community college to a four-year university should include both transcripts. Official originals are required after admission.
Can I submit my application before recommendation forms are complete?
Yes. Submit the application by the March 1, 2027 deadline for Fall 2027 admission. Materials are consolidated as they arrive.
Can I submit extra letters of recommendation?
Two letters are required and a third is optional. Fourth or additional letters are not guaranteed to be read.
Can I update my application after the deadline?
No. Application materials cannot be updated after the deadline.
Costs and financial aid
What are the program fees?
For Academic Year 2026–27, MASDS tuition is $1,267 per unit for residents and nonresidents. The 44-unit program tuition total is $55,748. Regular UCLA graduate tuition and nonresident supplemental tuition do not apply to MASDS.
Students also pay student services fees, campus-based fees, UCSHIP health insurance unless waived, and other required charges. See the Cost of Attendance page for detailed tables.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Students should review UCLA Financial Aid resources for graduate students and complete any required aid forms. Applicants are also considered for fellowship assistance.
Does MASDS offer financial assistance?
Applicants are considered for fellowship assistance. A portion of admitted students may receive full-tuition awards, contingent on academic performance.
What is the refund policy if I drop a course?
Tuition refunds follow this schedule: 100% refund by the end of the third week, 50% refund by the end of the fourth week, and 0% refund after the fourth week. These refunds apply to tuition only and do not include campus-based fees.
International students
Is MASDS open to international students?
Yes. MASDS may accept international students and sponsor F-1 or J-1 visas. Students in F-1 or J-1 status generally must enroll in 8 units, or two 4-unit courses, per academic quarter.
Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
All 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.
When can international students work with industry partners or local companies?
Employment authorization depends on visa status and individual circumstances. F-1 students must obtain CPT authorization before beginning any off-campus internship or employment, and curricular and enrollment requirements apply. J-1 students follow separate Academic Training rules. Students should confirm eligibility with the MASDS office and the UCLA Dashew Center before accepting or beginning work.
Is MASDS a STEM program?
Yes. MASDS is a STEM program in the Division of Physical Sciences. Applied Statistics is listed with CIP code 27.0600 on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Courses and enrollment
Can I take classes outside MASDS?
Students outside MASDS may not enroll in MASDS 400-series courses. MASDS students generally may not take UCLA courses outside the program, with limited exceptions for approved Statistics 200-level courses between 203 and 283 when space is available and the instructor approves.
What other programs does the department offer?
The UCLA Department of Statistics and Data Science offers undergraduate majors and minors, an M.S. in Statistics, a Ph.D. in Statistics, and the Master of Applied Statistics and Data Science (MASDS).
What do I need to do to withdraw from the program?
Students should follow UCLA Registrar withdrawal procedures and contact the MASDS office for program-specific guidance.