Statistics, B.S.

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

Requirements for a major and 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.

Freshman Year

Fall Term

Spring Term

CS 212 - Object-Oriented Data Structures *** or
Social Science Core**
HS 100-Level Core Course**
MA 252 - Calculus II *
ST 210 - Introduction to Statistics *
Language Core
Elective

Sophomore Year

Fall Term

Spring Term

MA 301 - Introduction to Linear Algebra *
PL 200-Level Philosophical Perspectives Course or
Theology Core
English Core
History Core
Elective

Junior Year

Fall Term

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

Spring Term

MA/ST 400-Level Course*
MA/ST 400-Level Course*
PL 200-Level Philosophical Perspectives Course or
Theology Core
Fine Arts Core
Elective

Senior Year

Fall Term

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

Spring Term

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

Key:

* Required for major.
** Terms may be interchanged.
*** See Note 4.
† Natural Science Core: BL 118 /BL 119 or BL 201 /BL 202 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 to in advanced statistics and mathematics courses. These courses must be taken prior to any intermediate ones. Advanced placement is possible for incoming freshmen through the CLEP and advanced placement tests. See department chair for details. CS 201 provides the foundation for the use of computing in statistics.
Intermediate Courses: MA 301 , MA 351 , and MA 395 build on the mathematical 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.
Advanced Courses: Eight MA/ST 400-level courses chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Selections depend on the student's interests and career goals. It may not be necessary to take all intermediate courses before beginning an advanced course. Check the prerequisites for the desired course. It is important that students discuss their options with their advisor to plan for the advanced courses that are right for them. ST 461 , ST 465 , and ST 475 are required of all statistics majors. The remaining five 400-level courses are chosen from the following (depending on the concentration selected): ST 462 , ST 466 , ST 471 , ST 472 , and ST 485 . Students may choose to take MA 302 in place of one of these 400-level courses. In addition, up to two of the five 400-level courses may be selected from MA 421 , MA 427 , MA 445 , and MA 481 .
Computer Skills: Statistics majors with enhanced computer skills find a wider job market open to them. However, students cannot consider their computer skills truly "marketable" having only taken CS 201 . 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. Students concentrating in statistical science are urged to consider taking CS 212 . Students concentrating in actuarial sciences are urged to consider taking IS 251 . Statistics majors are required to take two courses that develop proficiency in the software of statisticians: ST 365 and ST 475 . Statistics majors may also elect to take MA 302 .
Concentrations/Required Advanced Courses: Requirements for the two available concentrations are listed below. Upon selecting a concentration, each student will be assigned an advisor responsible for counseling, approving course choices, and monitoring progress. All statistics majors must complete an advanced, full-year sequence. The two advanced, full-year sequences are: Elements of Statistical Theory I/II; Experimental Research Methods and Experimental Design.

Actuarial Science: Eight advanced MA/ST courses including: Elements of Statistical Theory I/II and Experimental Research Methods. Students are required to take Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Laboratory, R Computing and Survival Analysis. Microeconomic Principles, Macroeconomic Principles, Financial Accounting, and Financial Management. Information Systems (IS 251 ) is strongly recommended as an elective for students in this concentration.

Statistical Science: Eight advanced MA/ST courses including: Elements of Statistical Theory I, Experimental Research Methods, and Elements of Statistical Theory II or Experimental Design. Students are required to take Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Laboratory and R Computing and Survival Analysis. Computer Science II (CS 212 ) is strongly recommended as an elective for students in this concentration.

Students must complete the diversity core requirement through a designated diversity core, major, or elective course (see Diversity Core Requirement under Curriculum and Policies).