The Department of Applied Mathematics offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in statistics and data science through the College of Arts and Sciences. The BA degree is designed with an emphasis on inter- and cross-disciplinary training, and is intended to prepare students for a wide range of careers in areas such as statistics, data analytics, data science, business, engineering, economics, public health, epidemiology, insurance, forestry, psychology, social justice and human rights.
Courses at the undergraduate level are designed to provide students with skills in both traditional statistical methods and cutting edge data analysis techniques. These skills are in high demand in the current job market and prepare students for desirable careers in statistics and data science. Since statisticians and data scientists are often involved in interdisciplinary work, the BA degree requires an in-depth knowledge of some area of science, engineering, social science or liberal arts that uses statistics to solve important problems. This knowledge prepares graduates to successfully communicate and collaborate with practitioners in these fields. A capstone course in statistical collaboration provides the opportunity for students to synthesize their previous course work.
The Department of Applied Math offers a broad range of undergraduate research opportunities funded by a variety of federal agencies. Working with faculty, students in applied math have developed solutions to a variety of problems in fluids, dynamical systems, data analysis, probability and statistics, networks, signal processing, math biology, math education and numerics. Students can gain professional exposure through the student chapter of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) on campus.
Outside Area of Emphasis/Application
Students will choose an outside area of emphasis/application to acquire knowledge in a discipline-specific area, where statistical applications are prevalent. Students will take a minimum of 18 credits in a department or certificate program outside of APPM/STAT, including a minimum of 6 credits at the upper-division level. Final course selection will be made in consultation with advisors and faculty from the departments, as well as faculty advisors within the Department of Applied Mathematics.
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA)
After learning the communication and collaboration skills necessary to help domain experts answer their research, business or policy questions, students have the opportunity to join LISA to gain additional practical experience. Students will collaborate with a variety of researchers around campus and in the community to apply statistics and data science to solve real problems. Students in LISA will also work with graduate students and faculty to engage in outreach activities to improve statistics and data science skills and literacy in the wider community.