Graduate Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you accept letters of recommendation?

• The letter writers will get a link via email to upload their letter. If this does not work for some reason, the writer can email the letter to math_admissions@utdallas.edu.

Do I need to get my transcript evaluated by an evaluation service like the WES?

• If your transcript is in English, there is no need for equivalency evaluation.

Are scans of official documents acceptable?

• Yes, but the official copies will be needed at the time of admission. Make sure the scans are readable.

I have applied previously to the university and am applying again. How I can reuse materials from the previous application?

• Email math_admissions@utdallas.edu for this but be aware that your application may not be considered strong if, e.g., your recommendation letters are not directed to the correct program.

I graduated from a university long time ago and am unable to contact my professors to get recommendation letters. What should I do?

• In this case, we may accept letters from people who can comment on your preparation and potential for success in the program.

I am pursuing a graduate degree elsewhere and would like to transfer to UTD. What should I do?

• Apply to the program of your interest.

Can I transfer courses taken elsewhere?

• Under certain conditions, it may be possible to transfer credits for a limited number of courses. The credit transfer request can be made only after joining the program.

Where can I find the curriculum of a program?

• See the graduate catalog entry for programs offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Where can I find course descriptions?

• Visit the catalog pages for Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science courses.

Where can I find course schedules?

• Visit Coursebook.

What are the deadlines for application?

• For first-round consideration for assistantships and scholarships, the application must be complete by December 15 for the upcoming Fall term and August 31 for the upcoming Spring term. Applications may be accepted for later rounds also. See Graduate Admissions for additional deadlines.

The deadline to apply has passed. Can I submit a late application?

• Check with us before you submit a late application as we may or may not be able to review it. Also, there may be a late fee.

I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in data science. Do you offer an MS in Data Science?

• We do not offer an MS in Data Science per se. However, we offer Data Science as a specialization of both of our MS in Mathematics and MS in Statistics programs, and also a Graduate Certificate in Data Science. You can compare their curricula in the graduate catalog to determine the program that interests you.

Can I pursue the Graduate Certificate in Data Science as a doctoral student in Mathematics or Statistics to boost my employment prospects?

• Yes, you can. Moreover, some courses taken toward the certificate may be used to fulfill elective requirements.

My bachelor’s degree program was a 3-year program. Am I eligible to apply?

• Yes, provided you have taken all the prerequisite courses.

My undergraduate degree is not in a discipline in which I want to pursue a graduate degree. Am I eligible to apply?

• Yes, provided you have taken all the prerequisite courses.

I don’t have the prerequisites listed for the program of interest. Can I apply?

• Generally the answer is no, but if you think your circumstances are exceptional, email math_admissions@utdallas.edu

I don’t meet the prerequisites for the MS program of interest. I would like to take courses to meet the prerequisites. Which courses should I take? Where can I take them?

• Email math_admissions@utdallas.edu regarding the courses. The courses can be taken at any accredited institution of higher education, including community colleges, and must be shown on a transcript from the institution.

Do you accept courses taken on online platforms such as Coursera and the like toward the prerequisites?

• No, to be acceptable, the courses need to be on the transcript from an accredited institution of higher education.

Can you look at my profile and comment on my chances of getting admission?

• We are not able to comment on your chances. If you think your application is strong, please do apply.

I am interested in pursuing Graduate Certificate for Data Science. How should I proceed?

• To be eligible, you will need to first gain admission to a graduate program at the university. You will also need to have the prerequisites for the courses involved in the curriculum of the program before you apply.

Can I get a waiver from the application fee?

• Not unless you qualify for the Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program.

Where can I find information about tuition fees?

• Contact the Bursar Office.

Is financial support available for pursuing a PhD program?

• Yes, a limited number of teaching assistantships, scholarships and fellowships are available that are awarded on a competitive basis. Visit the Funding page for your program of interest for additional details.

Is financial support available for pursuing an MS program?

• Yes, limited financial support is available on a competitive basis for very strongly qualified applicants. Visit the Funding page of your program of interest for additional details.

I am applying for a graduate (MS or PhD) program. How do I apply for financial support?

• No separate application is needed for financial support as all applicants are automatically considered for financial support. If you do not need support, indicate it at the beginning of your narrative.

Do I need to contact a faculty member before applying for admission or financial support?

• No, the applicants are discouraged from contacting faculty members for this purpose.

What financial support does the teaching assistantship provide?

• The teaching assistantship provides a monthly stipend (currently set at $2400) and covers the costs of tuition and health insurance purchased through the university.

Do teaching assistants receive support in the summer?

• Although summer support is not guaranteed, all teaching assistants who wanted support this summer received it.

Where can I find information about job prospects of your programs?

• American Mathematical Society
• Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• American Statistical Association
• Society of Actuaries
• International Society for Computational Biology
• BIG Math Network (BIG=Business, Industry, and Government)

Where can I find information about jobs of your recent graduates?

• Positions of doctoral students who graduated from the UTD Mathematics program
• Positions of doctoral students who graduated from the UTD Statistics program

Can I pursue a program part-time?

• Yes, you may. Although that some of the required courses may be scheduled in late afternoon hours, be aware that this cannot be guaranteed for all the courses. The courses are not offered online.

Is your program online?

• No, all our graduate programs are in-person.

Are classes offered in evenings?

• Some classes may be offered in evenings, but this cannot be guaranteed for all classes. Moreover, course schedules may change from semester to semester.

I am just interested in taking a few courses without enrolling in a graduate program. What options do I have?

• You can enroll as a non-degree seeking graduate student. Before you apply, you will need to consult with a graduate advisor to discuss the courses you may be interested in and whether you have the eligibility to take them. Include with your application a copy of the advisor’s email specifying the courses you want to take and that you have the eligibility to take them. Email math_admissions@utdallas.edu for more information.

Where I can find information about research in the department?

• See the Research page for your program of interest.

Do you offer admission starting in a Spring semester?

• Generally not for Statistics programs but yes for other programs.

Do you offer admission starting in a Summer semester?

• No.

Is the GRE required?

• No. GRE score optional for all our programs. If you would like to submit a score, our GRE School Code is 6897.

My bachelor’s (or master’s) degree was earned through instruction and examination in English. Do I still need to demonstrate English proficiency by taking a test?

• Generally no, but consult the university’s English Proficiency Policy.

Is my country waived from the English proficiency requirement?

• Consult the university’s English Proficiency Policy.

I am an international student who has a bachelor’s (or master’s degree) from the US. Do I need to submit an English proficiency score?

• No.

I have a question about visa, OPT, or related matters. Whom should I ask?

• Contact the International Students and Scholars Office.