Bridge Master's Program

An outstanding opportunity to take coursework with leading Statistics faculty, gain research experience, and prepare for PhD program application.

Why join the Bridge Program?

The program is an enhanced option which offers research training and additional coursework to prepare students for entry into our PhD program or other top-notch PhD programs. Bridge students will:

• Gain a solid foundation in statistical modeling and data analysis;
• Complete a research-based project with a faculty mentor;
• Interact with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, department and student-led seminars, classes, and symposia, as well as others in the field via conference attendance;
• Develop teaching skills, with extensive training and support;
• Benefit from faculty and peer mentoring as well as program staff supporting your academic success;
• Have the opportunity to be admitted into the Statistics PhD program upon completion of the Bridge Program and satisfying program requirements (see curriculum and QR below).
  

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following criteria.

The Bridge Program is for students who:

• Have demonstrated academic excellence in statistics and math courses meeting the prerequisites of the Applied Statistics Master’s Program;
  
• Intend to pursue (or are strongly considering) a PhD in Statistics;
  
• Demonstrate potential to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member;
  
• Are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA).
  

And meet at least one (ordinarily several) of the following criteria:

• Come from an educational, cultural or geographic background that is underrepresented in graduate study in their discipline in the United States or at the University of Michigan;
  
• Have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity in the academic, professional, or civic realm through their work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. By commitment to diversity, we mean efforts in the U.S. to reduce social, educational or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity or gender, or to improve race relations in the U.S.;
  
• Have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances;
  
• Are first-generation U.S. citizens or are the first generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college.
  

Students who do not meet any of these criteria are encouraged to apply to the standard Applied Statistics M.S. program.

Beyond the Bridge Program

Students who complete the Bridge Program and meet certain academic expectations (see Curriculum and PhD Eligibility Criteria below) will be welcomed into our Statistics PhD program.  All students completing the program earn a Master’s in Applied Statistics from the University of Michigan, a valuable credential for further study in Statistics and allied fields, and for private or public sector employment.

Additional Questions?

If you have further questions, please contact the Bridge Program Coordinator at masprogram@umich.edu.