Admissions
Minimum Requirements
Admitted students should meet the following minimum requirements:
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Applicants for the Doctoral Program must have a relevant Master's Degree (i.e. a graduate degree comparable to our M.S. in Survey Methodology)
- Applicants should have a strong analytical background in social science disciplines and statistics. We ask that MS applicants submit a supplemental form (Summary of Prerequisite Courses) describing the coursework they have taken which will prepare them for the Program in Survey Methodology. For the statistical science area of concentration, three courses in calculus, one course in linear algebra, and one statistics course are strongly recommended. For the social science area of concentration, two quantitative courses, at least one of which must be a statistics course, and at least two undergraduate courses in the social sciences are recommended.
- All applicants are required to submit GRE scores. Ideal candidates will have an average combined Qualitative and Verbal GRE score of 1335. The GRE scores must be from within the past five years.
- Proficiency in the English language. If the applicant's native language is not English he/she will be required to present evidence of competency in English (TOEFL or MELAB scores) with their application. If, however, a non-native English speaker has been granted a degree by an English speaking institution, the TOEFL or MELAB test is not required. Please refer to the Rackham Graduate School's Minimum Requirements for Admission for additional details.
- The average undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
How to Apply
I am currently a University of Michigan (UM) Graduate Student.
For current students seeking admission into the Program in Survey Methodology, please view the Current Student segment of the Rackham website to determine which application best fits your circumstances.
Current students should contact the Program in Survey Methodology at michpsm@isr.umich.edu for additional information about program content and supporting materials needed for the application (such as transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and personal statement). The deadline for submitting the Application for Change of Program or Dual Degree form is the same as the program deadline for new Rackham applications, January 1.
I am not currently a University of Michigan (UM) Graduate Student.
This background information will be helpful: The name of the department that oversees many of the details for graduate students and graduate study at University of Michigan is Rackham Graduate School, usually referred to as "Rackham." Therefore, some of the steps you take during your application process will be for Rackham, and some will be for the Michigan Program of Survey Methodology (MPSM). You will be directing application materials to Rackham and MPSM.
Read all of these instructions carefully, because you may find that some parts apply to you and others do not.
Please visit the Rackham website and view the Prospective Students information. If you are filling out the Rackham Graduate School Application for the First Time Enrolleees, you must use the Web Application.
MS, PhD, Certificate and Non-Candidate for Degree Program Applicants
The following materials must be submitted to be considered for admission into the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology:
- The Application Fee is paid directly to Rackham Graduate School. Please follow the link for the most current fee details. Applications received without a fee payment will not be processed.
- Two (2) sets of official transcripts from each institution attended:
- Send one copy directly to the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology (MPSM).
- Send one copy of transcripts directly to the Rackham Graduate School
For applicants whose degree is from a non-U.S. institution, please include official documentation of all courses taken and grades received (transcripts/records) from each undergraduate and postgraduate institution attended. Transcripts/records should be issued in the original language and be accompanied by English translations prepared by the institution's authorized official, such as a registrar. Notarized copies will not be accepted.
- (For MS applicants only) Prerequisite Courses. Please submit the supplemental form, Summary of Prior Courses, during the application process. This form allows space to indicate specific details of the coursework you have taken that may be relevant to study in the Program in Survey Methodology. For the statistical science area of concentration, courses in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics should be listed. For the social science area of concentration, quantitative courses such as statistics and courses in the social sciences should be listed.
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores report.
Please ask the GRE service to send an official copy of your scores to MPSM. The institution code is 1839. There is no department code. GRE (general) test scores are required of all applicants. Please note that January and February test scores do not arrive in time for review. Those applying to the Certificate program are not required to submit GRE scores.
- Three letters of recommendation sent directly from the recommenders to MPSM.
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
- (For MS, Certificate, and Non-Candidate for Degree program applicants) A personal statement in a concise essay format (250-300 words) explaining your background, your career goals, and how graduate study in survey methodology at UM will help you meet your goals.
- (For PhD program applicants) a personal statement consisting of 450-500 words. View Guidelines for Personal Statement for PhD Applicants
- Copy of CV sent directly to PSM
For International Students Only
In addition to the items listed above, international applicants must do the following once accepted into the program:
- Send directly to Rackham Graduate School your completed University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support for International Students with supporting documentation. This form is included with the application materials.
Application Deadlines
Admissions applications and supporting credentials must be received at the University's Rackham School of Graduate Studies by specific deadlines. These deadlines vary by program.
| Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| MS & PhD | January 1 for study beginning the following fall term |
| Change of Program, Dual Degree, & Readmission | January 1 for study beginning the following fall term |
| Certificate | March 15 for study beginning the following summer term July 15 for study beginning the following fall term |
| Non-Candidate for Degree | One month prior to the first day of classes for study beginning that fall, winter, or spring term |
Applicants will be notified of the Program's admission decision no later than April 1. All applications and supporting credentials become the property of the University of Michigan.