FAQs

Traditional Master of Science Frequently Asked Questions

What prerequisites are required in order to be considered for the MS program?

We strongly prefer our students to have taken three semesters of calculus and one semester each of linear algebra and basic statistics, but do not automatically disqualify students based on these courses. That being said, we do require some sort of college-level mathematics background because our first semester biostatistics courses will utilize advanced mathematics concepts. We would strongly advise any student interested in pursuing a graduate degree in biostatistics to take as many of these mathematics courses as possible prior to beginning our program.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

Yes. The graduate school requires submission of GRE scores for all applicants except those with a previous graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. These applicants may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Admission Test at the program’s discretion.

Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination required for international applicants?

UF requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The university’s TOEFL code is 5812.

Minimum scores acceptable for admissions are:

  • TOEFL: 550 (paper test); 80 (internet based)
  • IELTS: 6
  • MELAB: 77
  • Please note: The TOEFL ITP is not accepted for admission purposes.

International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if enrolled for one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to your anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or if you are from one of the following countries.

Florida law requires all non-U.S. students who are going to be graduate teaching assistants — even if exempted from the IELTS, MELAB and TOEFL requirement — to prove adequate command of the English language.

What is the cost of enrollment in the MS program?

Information about tuition and fees can be found at the following at the university’s finance and accounting site.

Are there any assistantships or funding available for MS students?

We do not currently have any scholarships or assistantships available within the department for MS level students, but we encourage those students to explore financial aid and third party funding.

How long does the MS program take a student to complete?

It is a 36 credit program and most students take three courses (nine credits) per Fall and Spring terms. If taken this way, the program is designed to take two years to complete. Students must be enrolled in at least three credits in the Fall/Spring terms to remain active in the program.

Is there admission for this program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms?

At this time, we are only accepting applications and admitting for the Fall terms. All incoming students begin taking classes in August.

When is the application deadline for Fall admission?

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted no later than March 15 in order to be considered for admission.

How do I apply to the MS program?

Information about this process can be found at our application instructions page.