Statistics - B.S.

Statistics is the science of learning from data which is grounded in probability and mathematics with a strong influence of computer science, especially in the last two decades. Applications are the lifeblood of Statistics; they stimulate novel theoretical methodologies while paving way for interdisciplinary collaborations. Voluminous data is being regularly collected and analyzed in science, business, industry, as well as by government and society at large. This “data deluge” is shifting the priorities for statistical research so as to develop novel methodologies to analyze data sets that are so large and complex.

The Bachelor of Science degree program trains students in data analysis, statistical theory, computing, and communication—the tools and skills needed to extract knowledge from data. Students who graduate with a major in statistics are well prepared for a wide variety of careers in which quantitative skills and analytical reasoning are valued or for further study at the graduate level in the field of Statistics or a related discipline. The curriculum for the B.S. in Statistics follows guidelines established by the American Statistical Association.

The Statistics curriculum includes experiential learning through external internship opportunities and capstone courses. The capstone projects focus on applying the acquired knowledge and skills in a real-world statistics project. Students work in teams in order to solve problems, bringing a collaborative approach to the course. The projects come from industry partners, campus partners, or student research interests.

Employment opportunities exist in business and industry (e.g., information technology, financial services, insurance, marketing, quality control, forestry and agriculture), health and medicine (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, public health, medical research, veterinary medicine), and government (e.g., in such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Many students with a bachelor's degree in Statistics work as insurance actuaries, data analysts, and statistical consultants.