Master of Biostatistics Admissions

To be considered for the Master of Biostatistics Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree) from an accredited institution
• Mathematics coursework through multivariable calculus and a strong interest in biological sciences
  Linear algebra is highly recommended

Academic Preparation

Incoming students should have a solid foundation in mathematics and science.

• Strength in mathematics is assumed
• Prior coursework or experience in biological sciences is not required, but will be viewed favorably in admissions decisions

Attention: If you have trouble accessing the online Master of Biostatistics application, please clear the cache on your browser or use an alternative browser.

All applicants to the Master of Biostatistics program must complete and submit an online application through the EASE Application Network.

Fall 2026 application

Fall 2026 Application Timeline

• Application Opens: September 8, 2025
• Deadline: January 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
  Applications will not be accepted after this date.
• Letters of Recommendation: Accepted until January 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
  Letters submitted after January 12 will not be reviewed.

How to Apply

• Create an account and password to access and save your application anytime
• Complete all required sections and submit before the deadline

System Requirements

• Disable pop-up blockers for the site
• Use a web browser with JavaScript enabled (Chrome, Firefox, Safari recommended)
• Log out after each session for security
  For full application requirements, please visit EASE.

Important Note

Please do not send generic emails to faculty members. Our program does not require faculty sponsorship, and such emails do not improve your chances of acceptance.

All applicants to the Master of Biostatistics Program must upload electronic transcripts from every graduate and undergraduate institution where you:

• Earned (or will earn) a degree
• Studied for one semester or more
• Earned 12 or more credit hours
• Completed courses related to your graduate study interests

Transcripts must be uploaded through the online application. They must be clear and legible. If your Social Security Number (SSN) appears, obscure all but the last four digits before uploading.

For detailed instructions, see Uploading a Transcript below.

Important Notes

• Do not send official transcripts before admission. If you are admitted and enroll, we will request official transcripts at that time.
• Duke reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if discrepancies are found between uploaded and official transcript(s).

Study Abroad Courses

You do not need a separate transcript for study abroad courses if:

• The name of the institution, course names, and grades appear on your main transcript

If these details are missing, ask yourself:

• Did you earn 12+ credit hours at the institution?
• Did you attend for one semester or more?
• Were the courses related to your graduate study interests?

If yes to any of the above questions, upload a transcript from the study abroad institution. If no to all three questions, no separate transcript is required.

International Applicants

Transcripts must:

• Transcripts must list all courses taken each year with grades or marks
• Include the institution’s grading scales and class rank (if available)
• Do not submit secondary school records.
• Any documents not in English must be accompanied by English translations from the issuing institution or a professional translation service

Do not submit secondary school records.

Duke University reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between your uploaded and official transcript(s).

Acceptable Formats:

• Scanned copies of official paper transcripts
• Electronic transcripts issued by the institution
• Web-based academic records showing the institution’s name

File Guidelines:

• Format: Word (.doc) or PDF
• Size: ≤ 1.5 MB (1,500 kb)
• Scan in grayscale or black and white; do not scan in color
• DPI: 200 or less for legibility and size

After uploading, click “View Document” to confirm legibility. If unclear, rescan and re-upload.

Important Note

It is critical that all required transcripts be loaded to the online application. Please do not e-mail your transcripts to the program unless you have followed all the guidelines listed above without success.

If You Cannot Upload Online Successfully

Email your transcript as an attachment to Kendall Mincey, including your name in the body of the email.

If your school does not issue transcripts directly to students, have them send a secure, electronic copy to Kendall Mincey or mail a paper copy c/o Kendall Mincey to the address listed in the Mailing Address section.

While valid GRE scores can be included in application materials, they are not required for admission to the program. You may use the institution code 5156 if you choose to take the GRE. ETS will send the official scores to Duke. 

Note to International Applicants 

We understand that GRE scores for international students, especially those whose first language is not English, may be influenced by language and cultural differences. This is taken into account during the evaluation process.

GRE Information

For details on the GRE and registration, visit the GRE website  or contact:

Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 USA
Phone: U.S.: 800.537.3160 / Non-U.S.: 609.771.7670

Success in graduate study in the U.S. depends on your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. If English is not your first language, proof of proficiency is required as part of the application review process.

Accepted Tests

Applicants must submit scores from one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System – Academic Modules)
• Duolingo English Test

Score Validity:

• Scores must be no more than two years old from July 1 of the application year
  Example: For applications submitted between Aug 2025 – Jan 2026, scores must be dated on or after July 1, 2023

Submission Guidelines

• Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency
• Expired scores, personal copies, and notarized/attested copies are not accepted

TOEFL Details

• Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS)
• ETS reports scores only up to two years after the test date
• Institution Code for Duke: 5156
• Departmental code is required by ETS but not by Duke; scores will still reach us if you use 5156
• More info: ETS TOEFL Website

IELTS Details

• Administered by Cambridge ESOL, British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia
• More info: IELTS Website
• Official scores should be sent to the program using the mailing address listed in the Mailing Address section

We want every student to succeed in the Master of Biostatistics Program and in the field of biostatistics. If English is not your first language, you will take an English assessment test before starting the program.

Why this matters: 
Strong English proficiency enhances your experience at Duke, improves your academic performance, and supports your career goals—including job searching and networking.

ELSP Courses

• Based on your assessment, you may be required to take up to two English courses as part of your degree requirements.
• These courses are offered through the English Language Support Program (ELSP) and are separate from TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
• ELSP helps international students strengthen academic speaking and writing skills, preparing you for success at Duke and beyond.

You may qualify for a waiver if you:

• Completed at least two years of full-time study at a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction,
• In a country where English is the primary spoken language,
• The two years of study were completed before the start of the program.

How to request a waiver:
Mention where you completed the two-year study requirement in your personal statement.

You must submit three (3) letters of recommendation to support your application.

• Submission: Letters must be submitted electronically through the EASE admission application.
• Timing: Request letters from your recommenders when creating your application.
• Letters will not be accepted after the application deadline.

Who Should Write Your Letters?

Choose individuals who can best attest to your academic ability and potential for graduate study.

• Preferred: Academic references from your major field
• If not possible: Seek recommenders who can speak to qualities relevant to academic pursuits, especially biomedical research

Important Note

Do not submit more than the required three letters unless specifically requested by the program. Extra letters do not improve your chances and may negatively impact your application review.

• Deadline: January 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
• Admission Term: Fall only (we do not offer Spring admission)

Questions?

If you have any questions about the application timeline or process, please email Kendall Mincey.

If Using U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

Master of Biostatistics Program
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
DUMC Box 2734
Durham, NC 27710

If Using FedEx, UPS, DHL, or Other Couriers:

Master of Biostatistics Program
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Hock Plaza, Suite G06
2424 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705-3860