FAQs for New Students

Q: What will the 2024-25 academic calendar look like? 

A: Academic calendar

Q: How many courses should I take in my first semester?

A: Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 8 credits to be considered a full-time student, so that usually means two or three 3- or 4-credit courses. It's recommended not to overwhelm yourself by taking too many courses, especially in your first semester of the program.

Q: How do I register?

A: The LSA Newnan Academic Advising Center has published these helpful videos on how to register using Wolverine Access:

• How to Backpack Classes
• How to Register for Classes from your Backpack
• How to Get on the Waitlist for a Class
  • To get on a waitlist, you must click the "Waitlist if class is full" checkbox prior to registering for the course. If you have done this correctly, the course will show in your registration for the term with a yellow triangle (not in the backpack).
• How to Use a Permission
  • Once you receive a permission, be sure to use it within the deadline, or it will be forfeited and you will need to get back on the waitlist.
     

Q: I am a new international student. What is my best option for starting in the fall? 

A: The International Center has the current policies and guidelines related to international student status.

Q: I am an admitted student, but currently not located in the US. What happens if I can’t secure my visa and/or I am not able to enter the US in time? 

A: At this time, incoming students can only take courses in-person on the Ann Arbor campus.

Q: How late can I arrive this Fall term and still be eligible for CPT in the summer after my first year in the program?

A: Students must be in the U.S. for the entire Fall and Winter terms of their first year in the program to be eligible for CPT the following summer.

Q: What types of financial aid or funding does the Department of Statistics offer to master’s students?

A: We offer a small number of guaranteed Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions to Master’s students at the time of admission. These positions provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance. A few additional GSI positions may become available to Master’s students in late August, and additional offers of funding on a term-by-term basis may be made. 

Q: How and when may I apply for campus employment? 

A: Students may visit umjobs.org and studentemployment.umich.edu and search for jobs. They can begin employment once they are a student; new students must wait until Fall term begins to begin employment.

Q: How can I find an internship/job? 

A: There are a variety of career resources on campus and offered in the department for students. We do not guarantee internship/employment, but provide many opportunities for engaging with potential employers. Campus-specific employment information can be found in the question above.

Q: How many credits should I take each semester if I am full-time? 

A:  Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 8 credits to be considered a full-time student unless the student has a GSI or GSRA appointment and then 6 credits is considered full time. 

Q: How do I register for classes? 

A: Students register for courses via Wolverine Access. More information can be found here.

Q: Can I register for my courses if I am outside the U.S.? 

A: Please check with the current International Center guidelines.

Q: Where do I find information on relevant courses? What courses are being offered this fall and when? 

Please search the LSA Course Guide for more information. 

Q: Which courses are recommended for the first semester? 

A: Please refer to our program of study/curriculum pages. 

• Applied Statistics
• AMDP
• Bridge
• Data Science
• Statistics MA (for students pursuing a PhD in another department)

Q: Am I guaranteed my first choice section for the core classes? 

A: Students are accommodated to the best of our ability for required courses. Seats are reserved for an anticipated amount of incoming students that may register. Please contact your program coordinator if a required course is closed to you.

Q: May I register for multiple sections of the same class? 

A: Generally, no. The exception to this is topics courses and independent studies. Please check with your advisor before planning to do this.

Q: How do I know if an elective is approved or not? 

A: Please consult the pre-approved lists on our program pages. If you would like a course considered that is not listed, contact your faculty advisor.

Q: Can I take more than 9 credits (full-time status) in any given term?

A: Yes. Please refer here for more information.  

Q: What programming language is used?

A: The master’s programs use R, Python, and C++.

Q: What are the overall requirements to graduate? 

A: Please refer to our program of study/curriculum pages.

Q: How and when do I pay my tuition? 

A: Please review the information on the payment methods and schedule provided by Student Financial Services.

Q: When do I submit my final transcripts? 

A: Matriculating students should submit their final transcripts to Rackham before the start of their first term.

Q: How do I receive transfer credit? 

A: Please refer to the Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies for rules about transfer of credit into the Master's degree program. Requests will need to be approved by a program advisor.

For the Master’s in Data Science program, rather than transfer credits, course waivers may be granted for previous coursework once students have matriculated into the program.

Q: When will I receive my student ID card? 

A: You can find more information here.

Q: When do I receive my Faculty Advisor assignment? 

A: Students receive their faculty advisor assignment ahead of orientation in mid-late August.

Q: What is the role of my Faculty Advisor? 

A: Your faculty advisor will be your main point of contact for questions about course selection, academic performance, progress to degree, and final graduation audit/checklist approval as well as for professional/career consultation.

Q: What should I do if I have concerns about my academic performance? 

A: Contact your instructor(s), your faculty advisor, your program coordinator, or a combination of these.