Statistical science

A bachelor’s degree in statistics isn’t a requirement, but candidates should have a strong foundation in calculus and statistics. You’ll complete 24 credits of core courses and then complete either:

• A thesis (STAT 500)
• An internship (STAT 598) with an internship report (requirements)
• A consulting option (minimum of 8 credits of STAT 597)

Through this format, you’ll design and analyze experimental data, plan and interpret surveys, explore relationships among social, physical and biological variables; and use numerical data tools and statistical theory to solve real-world problems. In the process, you’ll:

• Learn how to compile complex data, analyze it and use your results to solve common problems and deliver sound solutions.
• Gain hands-on experience through research projects based on the potential challenges you may face in your career.
• Learn to interpret data and perform data management and statistical analyses with current tools like SAS and R.
• Understand how to apply results gleaned from probability and statistical inference theories in a broad range of scenarios.
• Refine your oral and written communication skills for delivering and discussing results with non-analytical business professionals
• Become familiar with the tools and techniques for modeling large and multifaceted data sets to identify patterns and draw insights.
• Prepare to have a voice in the decision-making process through exposure to forecasting, predictive analytics and converting raw data into actionable insights.
• Explore the research, development and analytical applications of quantitative tools.
• Advance your mathematical knowledge to prepare for a career or apply to a doctoral program.

View the online statistical science graduate handbook

Related clubs and organizations

• Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
• Machine Learning Group  
• Math Club
• Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematical honor society)

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

• Beginning Fall 2026, M.S. students appointed as Teaching Assistants will receive an annual support package that includes:
• Base stipend: $18,392.40 for the 9-month academic year
• In-state tuition: Fully covered by the program
• Out-of-state tuition: Waived for non-resident students
• Health insurance: Student Health Insurance Program premiums not covered
• Summer support: Additional scholarship up to $8,000, depending on funding availability

Financial aid

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department, as well as program modality as these experiences may only be available for on-campus students. Reach out to the program contact or graduate admissions to learn about opportunities that are available for online students.
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Mathematics and Statistical Science department contact: 
Lana Unger
mathstat@uidaho.edu
208-885-6742

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions: 

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page. 

Find Mathematics and Statistical Science faculty advisor contacts

Applicants for the Master’s in statistical science must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Summer, fall, spring
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose
• Other requirements: For teaching assistantship consideration, include the TA Application Form as part of the online application.  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Science website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. 

Timothy R. Johnson, Department Chair and Professor

• Bayesian statistics
• Choice and ranking data
• Missing data
• Simulation-based inferential methods
• Statistical disclosure control

Hirotachi Abo, Professor

• Algebraic geometry
• Commutative algebra
• Multi-linear algebra
• Multi-linear algebra from an algebra-geometric viewpoint

Lyudmyla Barannyk, Associate Professor

• Numerical analysis
• Partial differential equations

Erkan Buzbas, Associate Professor

• Metascience
• Replicability
• Reproducibility
• Bayesian statistics
• Computational methods

Sarah Castle, Assistant Professor

• Mathematics education
• Computing education

Yanghyeon Cho, Assistant Professor

• Survey sampling
• Small area estimation
• Statistical genetics
• Causal inference
• Imputation  

Somantika Datta, Professor

• Applied harmonic analysis
• Frame theory
• Signal processing

Rob Ely, Professor

• Mathematical learning and reasoning in calculus and algebra
• Math history
• Mathematical play

Frank Gao, Professor

• Functional analysis
• Probability theory
• Approximation theory
• Deep learning

Esteban Hernandez-Vargas, Associate Professor

• Mathematical immunology
• Control theory
• Machine learning
• Applied mathematics

Jennifer Johnson-Leung, Professor

• Number theory
• Automorphic forms and representations
• Foundations of cybersecurity
• Geometry of information

Mark J. Nielsen, Professor

• Discrete and combinatorial geometry

Chris Remien, Associate Professor

• Mathematical biology
• Bioinformatics

Benjamin Ridenhour, Associate Professor

• Biomathematics  
• Biostatistics  

Stefan Tohaneanu, Professor

• Commutative algebra
• Discrete geometry
• Algebraic coding theory

Hong Wang, Professor

• Graph theory
• Combinatorics  

Alexander Woo, Professor

• Combinatorial algebraic geometry
• Combinatorics of Coxeter groups

Tiantian Yang, Assistant Professor

• Generalized distributions
• Mathematical statistics

Fan Yi, Assistant Professor

• Image monitoring
• Statistical process control (SPC)