Statistics, Statistical Science Concentration, BS

The objective of the major in statistics is to provide students interested in data analysis, designing research studies, and model fitting with a sound foundation in statistics, mathematics, and computing. The major will enable the student to begin a career as a statistician or an actuary or to be accepted into a graduate program in statistics.

Requirements for the Major

Concentration Electives

Students are required to complete five additional MA/ST advanced courses in consultation with a faculty advisor from the following:

MA 302 - Programming in Mathematics
MA 485 - Stochastic Processes
ST 462 - Elements of Statistical Theory II: Inference
ST 466 - Experimental Design
ST 472 - Applied Multivariate Analysis
ST 473 - Statistical Learning and Big Data
ST 475 - Survival Analysis and Generalized Linear Models
In addition, up to two of the five required electives courses may be selected from MA 421 , MA 427 , MA 445 , MA 481 , and MA 489 .

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.

First Year

Fall Term

CS 151 - Computer Science through Programming *
EC 102 - Microeconomic Principles */**
MA 251 - Calculus I *
WR 100 - Effective Writing **
Language Core

Spring Term

CS 212 - Object-Oriented Data Structures *** or
Elective
HS 100 - Encountering the Past **
MA 252 - Calculus II *
ST 210 - Introduction to Statistics *
Language Core or
Elective

Sophomore Year

Fall Term

Spring Term

MA 301 - Introduction to Linear Algebra *
ST 310 - Statistical Computing *
PL 201 - Foundations of Philosophy or
TH 201 - Theology Matters
EN 200-Level or HS 200-Level Course
Natural Science Core † ** or
Elective

Junior Year

Fall Term

MA/ST 400-Level Course*
MA/ST 400-Level Course*
PL 200-Level or TH 200-Level Course
Social Science Core**
Elective

Spring Term

MA/ST 400-Level Course*
MA/ST 400-Level Course*
Fine Arts Core
Elective
Elective

Senior Year

Fall Term

MA/ST 400-Level Course*
MA/ST 400-Level Course*
Ethics Core
Elective
Elective

Spring Term

MA/ST 400-Level Course*
MA/ST 400-Level Course*
Elective
Elective

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:

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.
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.
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. All Statistics majors are urged to consider taking CS 212 or MA 302 .
Students must complete the Diversity-Justice requirement by completing two Diversity-Justice designated courses anywhere in their curriculum (see Diversity-Justice Requirement under Curriculum and Policies).