Requirements for the Major

• CS 151 - Computer Science through Programming
• MA 251 - Calculus I
• MA 252 - Calculus II
• MA 301 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
• MA 351 - Calculus III
• MA 395 - Discrete Methods
• ST 210 - Introduction to Statistics
• ST 310 - Statistical Computing
• ST 461 - Elements of Statistical Theory I: Distributions
• ST 465 - Experimental Research Methods
• ST 462 - Elements of Statistical Theory II: Inference or
• ST 466 - Experimental Design

Typical Program

An example of a typical program of courses are listed below. Students with advanced placement credit may visit the department website for a suggested sequence of courses.

Key:

* Required for major.
** Terms may be interchanged.
*** See Note 3.
† Natural Science Core: BL 150 /BL 151  or BL 154 /BL 155  or CH 101  or PH 201 /PH 291 .

Notes:

1. Beginning Courses: ST 210  gives a first exposure to statistics, while MA 251  and MA 252  provide the foundational mathematics skills that will be required in advanced statistics and mathematics courses. These courses must be taken prior to any intermediate ones. Advanced placement is possible for incoming first-year students through the CLEP and advanced placement tests. See department chair for details. CS 151  provides the foundation for the use of computing in statistics.
2. Intermediate Courses: MA 301 , MA 351 , MA 395 , and ST 310 . ST 310  familiarizes students to two broadly used statistical packages (SAS and R) in academics, government, science, and industry. The mathematics courses build on the quantitative maturity developed in the beginning courses. They are designed to bring problem solving and mathematical thinking to a higher, more rigorous level and to continue to develop the mathematics skills and tools necessary to master the advanced courses.
3. Computer Skills: All statistics majors are required to take ST 310  to develop proficiency in the software of statisticians. Majors are also required to take CS 151 . Statistics majors with enhanced computer skills find a wider job market open to them. However, these students cannot consider their computer skills truly "marketable" having only taken CS 151 . CS 212  offers students the opportunity to learn the complete syntax of a computer language and gives them the necessary experience to become proficient programmers. CS 212  is strongly recommended as an elective for statistics majors. Statistics majors may also consider taking MA 302 .
4. Students must complete the diversity core requirement through a designated diversity core, major, or elective course (see Diversity Core Requirement under Curriculum and Policies).